Languedoc Flashcards
When were Languedoc and Roussillon joined administrately?
In 1972, but historically, culturally, and topographically distinct regions
Where does the name Languedoc come from?
references “Langue d’Oc or “language of Oc” also known as Occitan, “Oc” means yes
What is the role of the Phoceans in Languedoc?
Phocaeans founded Massalia (Marseille) modern-day heart of Provence, France’s oldest city, one of most important trading posts- Phocaens brought vines with them and introduced viticulture, spread quickly through southern france
What is the role of the Romans in Languedoc?
Arrived in 125 BC, built Vin Domitria (first road in France), connected Italy to Spain, vineyards planted on both sides of thoroughfare and orad became main axis for Languedoc wine trade; wine took well to landscape and nearly immediately surplus was exported to Rome but under edict of Domitrius wine trade curtailed by Roman empire to protect local Roman goods
What is mutage and when was it discovered?
The process of adding spirit to must to obtain a stabel sweet wine; discovered in 1285 by Arnaud de Villeneuve in Montpellier
How did the Canal du Midi impact Languedoc wine trade?
Shortcut from Mediterranean to Atlantic (bypasses all of Spain), savvy Bordelais wine merchants were in control of Port of Bordeaux and were able to enact laws preventing sales of Languedoc wines to other French and European markets
Who were Languedoc’s main trading partners in the 17th and 18th centuries?
In 17th century, Languedoc’s main trading partner was the Dutch who sought sweet wine in quantity; in 18th century most of Languedoc production was dry and white and destined for brandy production o supply Napoleonic army
When were the protectionist policies of the Bordelais rescinded?
In 1776
What was the impact of the opening of the French Railway between Paris, Lyon, and Marseille in 1855?
The plentiful, easy drinking, and inexpensive table wines of Languedoc could make their way through Northern France on to neighboring countries at low cost and high speed; Languedoc production quadrupled over next 25 years
What impact did phylloxera have on Languedoc production?
The Languedoc was the first of the French wine regions to be replanted on American root stock, thanks to their rapid replanting, Languedoc became a source of French wine while other French regions were still struggling, by 1900 Languedoc was France’s #1 supplier of wine, responsible for nearly half of country’s total production
What role did the development of local winemaking cooperatives have on Languedoc production?
First French wine co-op created in 1905 in Mauraussan near Montpellier, development of local winemaking cooperatives in 1930s became strong force within industry and led to tradition of bulk vin de table production; today there are approximately 150 co-ops in Languedoc, responsible for 65% of total wine production of region
How didn’t Languedoc growing areas receive many AOC statuses early on?
Winemaking was focused on quantity, not quality at the time, but this has since changed
When was the Vins de Pays established? How did that impact wine production in Languedoc-Roussillon?
It was created in 1968, revised in 1973, and formalized in 1979; purpose was to allow for flexibility to experiment outside of the restrictive AOC system; many regions slow to adopt but Languedoc-Roussillon embraced it and international varieties with special enthusiasm
When did the Languedoc begin increasing its total AOCs?
In 1980s in a return to terroir, different growing areas began applying for and achieving AOC status, in 1982 there were only 10 appellations in the Languedoc-Roussillon, now there are 50
What is the production breakdown by quality level in Languedoc-Roussillon?
19% AOC, 68% IGP and 13% Vins Sans IG
What helps give credibility to IGPs in Languedoc-Roussillon?
Growing number of premium wines which fall outside AOC banner bottle as IGP, and some of region’s top wines and flagship estates produce wine under IGP designation
What is the location of The Languedoc?
Covers 4 French departements from North to South: Lozere, Gard, Herault, and Aude; it is located on France’s southwestern Mediterranean coastline, bordered by Rhone Valley to north-east, Roussillon to south, 3/4 cradled by mountain ranges and fourth is bordered by Mediterranean Sea
What is the climate in the Languedoc?
Region experiences two seasons, mild winters and hot, dry summers- plentiful sunshine (2530 hours); rainfall in form of violent storms that can flood parched landscape, rainy season bookends summer months- if rainfall happens too early in the fall it can devastate a harvest; hot sunny dry climate enables grapevine to thrive, yielding plentiful, ripe crops each harvest
What impact does wind have in the Languedoc region?
Sea winds bring unwanted moisture to the vineyards, Tramontane and other strong winds that blow from north/west serve as counterbalance; north winds bring cool air during summer months and chase humidity, offsets onset of mold and mildew
Where are concentrated wines generally found?
Where vines experience true dormancy, cooler summers and significant diurnal temperature swings, in the Lauguedoc this is found in more mountainous areas
What are the three different topographical zones of the Languedoc?
-The coastal plains: flat, low lying and fertile; alluvial plains where the highest-yielding vines are situated, destined for entry-level IGP
-Mountains and hillsides: Elevations up to 1320 feet, wide variety of mesoclimates, mountains shelter the vineyards, trapping both heat and sun during day, providing cool air currents during evening; peaks block rain and clouds (rainshadow effect) allowing for a consistently sunny climate
Atlantic Corridor: western extremity of the Languedoc where Atlantic and Mediterranean forces meet, Bordeaux varieties planted here along with Mediterranean varieties, white and sparkling wines made this appellation famous
What are the soils of the Languedoc?
Varied, pockets of volcanic soil, many types of sedimentary soils both young and ancient, and plenty of rock; mountain slopes comprised of stony shale and marly limestone; vast lowland plains and foothills mostly comprised of younger sedimentary and/or alluvial soils (iron-rich gravel, sand, marl, clay, silt)
What are the limestone soils in the Languedoc known as?
Known as garrigue, so poor they can only support resinous herbs such as lavender, thyme and rosemary and dwarf oak trees (garric means oak)
What types of wines does garrigue soil deliver?
High acid, reds have polished tannins
What are the white grapes of the Languedoc?
Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Bourboulenc, Clairette, Piquepoul Blanc, Rolle, Marsanne, Viognier, Rousssanne, Maccabeu, Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc, Mauzac Blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc
What are the common red wine blends of the Languedoc?
Carignan forms historic backbone of red blends, accompanied by Syrah, Mourvedre, and Grenache in the most famous appellations; In newer AOCs Syrah and Grenache dominate blend, others incorporate Cabernets, Malbec, and Merlot (up until recently Bordeaux varieties only allowed in IGP bottlings)
What are the red grapes of Languedoc?
Grenache Noir, Carignan, Mourvedre, Syrah, Cinsault, Fer Servadou (also known as Fer, increasingly minor), Llandoner Pelut (increasingly minor), Piquepoul Noir (increasingly minor), Terret Noir (increasingly minor), Aspiran, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Pinot Noir
How many grapes are approved for IGP wines in the Languedoc? What are the most common grapes to be used by large scale winemakers?
56 grape varieties have been approved for IGP wines, larger scale winemakers lean towards the international varieties because name recognition on varietal labeling makes them easier to sell
When was the regional AOC Languedoc introduced and what did it replace?
Introduced in 2007 to replace the AOC Coteaux du Languedoc- covers broader area, covers all of Languedoc and can include fruits from Roussillon
What are the requirements for AOC Languedoc wines?
Have to be blend of at least two grape varieties- reds/roses based on main varieties of Grenache (and its cousin Lladoner Pelut), Syrah, and Mourvedre
What are the 12 districts of AOC Languedoc referred to as?
Denominations Geographiques Complementaires, DGC; added as pre-fix to AOC Languedoc on label (all fruit must hail from sub-zone)
What are the 12 districts of AOC Languedoc?
Sommieres, Pic St Loup, St. Christol, Gres de Montpellier, St. Georges d’Orques, St Drezery, La Mejanelle, Montpeyroux (independent AOC located within Terrasses du Larzac), St Saturnin (independent AOC located within Terrasses du Larzac), Cabrieres, Pezenas, Quatourze
What are the AOCs of Languedoc?
-AOC Languedoc
-Clairette du Languedoc AOC
-Picpoul de Pinet AOC
-Faugeres-Cru AOC
-Saint Chinian AOC
-Terrasses du Larzac AOC
-Minervois AOC
-Corbieres AOC
-Fitfou AOC
-La Clape-Cru AOC
-Cabardes AOC
-Malepere AOC
Limoux AOCs (2 still wine, 3 sparkling wine AOCs)
-Blanquette de Limoux AOC
-Cremant de Limoux AOC
-Blanquette Methode Ancestrale AOC
-Limoux AOC, white still
-*Limoux AOC, red still
What are the oldest still wine AOCs in the Languedoc?
Clairette du Languedoc AOC (1948) and Fitou (1948)
What is the style of wine in Clairette du Languedoc AOC?
White wine made from Clairette grape, soils are limestone with some quartz and schist in the north
Where are the vineyards of Picpoul de Pinet AOC located? What is the climate?
Vines descend down Etang de Thau (lake of Thau), only barrier between vines and sea; sea breezes moderate temperature
What percent of Picoul de Pinet AOC production is co-op?
Over 80%
What is the style of wines in Picoul de Pinet AOC?
White wine from variety Picpoul, limestone soil
Where is the Faugeres-Cru AOC located?
Nestled within the foothills of the Cevennes mountains, 12 miles north of Beziers
What is the production in Faugeres-Cru AOC?
85% red (Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Carignon, and Cinsault), 13% rose, and 2% white
What are the 6 Crus in Languedoc? What are their legal standings?
The word Cru is not legally defined in Languedoc or Roussillon, but it does imply status and used to describe upper tier 6 Crus are: -Faugeres-Cru AOC -Corbieres-Boutenac -Saint Chinian Berlou -Saint Chinian Roquebrun -Minervois la Liviniere -La Clape
What is the production of Saint Chinian AOC?
83% red, 13% rose, 4% white
What are the main red varieties in Saint Chinian AOC?
Three main varieties are Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre with sizeable amount of Lladoner Pelut
What two Crus are found in Saint Chinian and where are they located?
Both located at northern tip of zone- Berlou to west, Roquebrun to east
What is the location and climate of Terrasses du Larzac AOC?
Possesses more continental climate, higher levels of average rainfall; vineyards situated at foot of Larzac plateau, large diurnal range
What contributes to the wines of Terrasses du Larzac AOC being high quality?
Grapes harvest at much lower than max yield (2.7 tons/acre) so high quality
What is the style of wines in Terrasses du Larzac AOC?
Red wines from clay, stone, iron-rich clay (ruffe) and limestone; grape varieties are Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre (min 60%) and Carignan and Cinsault (max 30%)
What is the style of wines in Minervois AOC?
94% Red, 2% white, 4% rose; wines tend to be Syrah based with high proportions of Grenache and Mourvedre
What is the Cru in Minervois AOC? Where is it located?
Minervois La Liviniere, lies to the northern portion of the Minervois appellation in the foothills of the Montagne Noire
What is unique about Corbieres AOC?
It is the biggest non-regional AOC in the Languedoc and the 4th biggest in France
What is the production of Corbieres?
Overwhelming majority is red, reds are Carignan based
Where does Corbieres get its name?
From the jagged limestone hills that dominate the region
Which Cru lies within Corbieres?
Corbieres Boutenac
Where is Fitfou AOC geographically and what are its subzones?
Enclave of the Corbieres, divided into two subzones- Fitfou Maritime (close to coast) and Haut Fitfou (further inland midst mountains)
What is the style of wine in Fitfou?
Red wine - Carignan/Grenache (min 60%), Mourvedre, Syrah; Soil is clay/limestone in maritime region and limestone/sand in Haut Fitou
Where is La Clape-Cru AOC located and what impact does this have on grape growing?
Landscape dominated by Massif de la Clape, limestone outcrop, between city of Narbonne and the sea; one of hottest and driest parts of France, vines constantly battered by wind and soil is nothin but stone
When did La Clape -Cru AOC become recognized for having top quality wines?
One of oldest sites planted but only recognized as being one of highest quality appellations in Languedoc and now enjoys Cru status
What impact does wind play in Cabardes AOC?
Wind is noticeable, cooler Atlantic breezes meet temperate humid winds of Mediterranean, blow alternately in evenly divided struggle- climactic tie or “honerable” draw, impacts grapes grown, only AOC with equal split between Mediterranean and Atlantic varieties
What is the production and soils of Cabardes?
90% Red, 10% Rose- soils are limestone with granite and gniess on higher slopes
What is unique about Malepere AOC?
It is the most westerly appellation, flatter and more open than the other Atlantic influenced appellations of Cabardes and Limoux, subject to same cool westerly breezes
What are the main varieties of Malepere?
Atlantic varieties make up the majority of red blend here, Merlot (min 50%) forms backbone (70% red, 30% rose)
What are considered Atlantic varieties?
Bordeaux varieties of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec (Cot)
How many AOCs make up the Limoux AOCs? Where are they located?
Five AOCs- 2 for still, 3 for sparkling; Limoux is southernmost of “Atlantic corridor” appellations
What are the five AOCs of Limoux?
- Blanquette de Limoux AOC
- Cremant de Limoux AOC
- Blanquette Methode Ancestrale AOC
- Limoux AOC, Still White
- Limoux AOC, Still Red
What is the style of wine in Blanquette de Limoux AOC?
Oldest sparkling wine in the world, wines aged 9 months sur lie; brut or demi-sec (min 90% Mauzac, 10% Chenin Blanc/Chardonnay
What is the style of wine in Cremant de Limoux AOC?
Cremant undergoes 12 months aging sur lie, most blends high proportion of Chardonnay (60%) and Chenin Blanc (30%) with remainder being Mauzac (Pinot Noir just recently added to allowed grape varieties)
What grape variety makes up Blanquette Methode Ancestrale AOC (Limoux) and what are the requirements for both styles?
100% Mauzac, max 7% alcohol, 6-8% RS, 2 months aging before release, yeast can be added for second fermentation but sugar syrup, yeast nutrients, and liqueur d’expendition is not allowed
What are the two styles of sparkling wine made in Blanquette Methode Ancestrale AOC?
1) Partially fermented must chilled in December and bottled in March under waning moon, produces light sparkling wine which is slightly cloudy due to yeast still in bottle
2) More modern approach, chill partially fermented must and bottle with addition of yeast, disgorge after brief 2-3 month aging period
What are the grapes and reputation of Limoux AOC, Still white?
Grapes: Mauzac (min 15%), Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc- represent some of best Chardonnay in Languedoc, production is small
What are the regulations for Limoux AOC, Still White?
Hand-harvested, barrel fermented, aged in bottle in 7 months
What are the grapes and style of reds in Limoux AOC, Red Still?
Grapes: Merlot (min 50%), Cot/Grenache/Syrah (min 30%), Carignan (max 10%), Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc (up to 20%)- reds are tight and lean
What are the regulations for Limoux AOC, Still Red?
Blend of at least 3 varieties, machine or hand-harvested, aging in tank or barrel for minimum of 7 months
What variety are Languedoc Vins Doux Naturels AOC made from? What is the process to make Languedoc VDNs?
Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc; fermenting must is fortified with neutral grape spirit to finish wine with 15% alcohol and minimum 11% RS (Saint Jean Minervois requires 12.5%), must be harvested by hand, no irrigation, made reductively
What is the process of arresting a fermentation with must through addition of grape spirit known as?
Mutage
What is the reputation of Languedoc Vins Doux Naturels?
Some of France’s most highly revered sweet, fortified wines
What are the four VDN AOCs?
- Muscat du Lunel AOC
- Muscat de Mireval AOC
- Muscat de Frontignan AOC
- Muscat de Saint Jean de Minervois AOC
What are the three categories of IGP in Languedoc?
Regional: (6 in France) IGP Pays d’Oc (single most important), IGP Val de Loire, IGP Atlantique, IGP Mediterranee, IGP Comte Tolosam, IGP Comtes du Rhodaniens
Departmental: (50 in France) 3 in Languedoc- IGP Aude, IGP Herault, and IGP Gard
Local/zonal: (93 in France) examples in Languedoc- IGP Cotes de Thongue, IGP Mont Baudile
What are the characteristics of Vins Sans IG?
Wines without geographic indication, labelled Vin de France; production is little controlled, no rules for where wine sourced (in EU), grapes, yields, or how its made- Southern France is #1 producer of Vins Sans IG
What are the pruning methods in the Languedoc?
Traditional pruning method is Gobelet, many vineyards now switching to Guyot training method
What direction do most vineyards face in the Languedoc?
Tend to be East-West facing, provides maximum sun exposure to entire canopy
When is irrigation permitted in the Languedoc?
Through May due to high risk of drought during growing season, but grower must submit petition
How does the climate impact number of organic growers?
Combination of excellent climate, old vines, fierce winds and open minds led to 1029 organic producers, highest number of certified organic producers in France
When should you drink the wines of the Languedoc?
Most whites, roses, and light reds made for immediate consumption
Muscat-based Vins Doux Naturels drunk young to capitalize on gregarious fruit
Full bodied reds follow normal aging curve- modest bottlings 2-3 years, tannic reds 5-7 years, superb vintages a decade or more
