Languedoc Flashcards
What is the oldest sparking wine in the world?
Blanquette de Limoux. The sparking phenomenon was discovered by the monks of Saint-Hilaire in 1531.
What is the “méthode ancestrale “ of sparkling winemaking?
Inducing a second fermentation by “waking up” a chilled, partially-fermented wine
How was the impact of phylloxera different in Languedoc compared to other French regions?
Languedoc was the first region to be replanted on American rootstocks and the first to recover.
What grape is used in the Blanquette Méthode Ancestrale AOC?
These wines are 100% Mauzac
Rolle is a synonym for what other grape variety?
Vermentino
What grape is referred to as the “lip stinger”?
Picpoul Blanc
What grape variety is used in the production of all Languedoc VDNs?
Muscat à Petitis Grains Blanc
What other grape is related to Lledoner Pelut?
Grenache
What is the largest non-regional AOC in Languedoc in terms of geographic size?
Corbières (it is also the fourth largest in France.)
What is the “Massif de la Clape”?
A limestone outcrop separating Narbonne from the sea
What appellations are located in the Languedoc’s “Atlantic corridor”?
Cabardès, Malepère and the Limoux AOCs
What Languedoc appellation grows Chenin Blanc?
Limoux
What two Languedoc appellations are known for single-varietal wines?
Clairette du Languedoc AOC and Picpoul de Pinet AOC
What appellation is nestled within the Corbières AOC?
Fitou AOC
What is the main grape variety of the Corbières AOC?
Carignan
What style of wine is produced in the Limoux AOC?
The Limoux AOC is for still reds and whites
What is the “Etang de Thau”?
A lake separating the Picpoul de Pinet AOC from the sea
Who discovered mutage?
Arnaud de Villeneuve of Montpellier in 1285
What Languedoc AOC is evenly split between Atlantic and Mediterranean grape varieties?
Cabardès AOC
What Languedoc appellation is based on a minimum 50% Merlot?
Malepère
What are the six “cru” appellations of the Languedoc region?
Faugères, La Clape, Corbieres-Boutenac, Saint Chinian Berlou, Saint Chinian Roquebrun and Minervois la Livinière
What Languedoc AOC is particularly known for Syrah-based wines?
Minervois AOC
Crémant de Limoux is based on what grape variety?
Crémant de Limoux must contain at least 40% Chardonnay
What are the four primary red grape varieties of the Languedoc AOC?
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Lladoner Pelut
Blanquette Methode Ancestrale AOC style wines
100% Mauzac and naturally sweet
Cremant de Limoux AOC style wines
***12 mos ageing sur lie. Rose/white. Primarily Chardonnay and Chenin with Mauzac and/or Pinot Noir comprising the balance
Blanquette de Limoux AOC style wines
Oldest sparkling. 9 mos sur lie. Made primarily from Mauzac with Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay as blending partners
List the 4 Vins Doux Naturels AOCs and grape used…
all made reductively w/Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc: Muscat de Lunel AOC Muscat de Mireval AOC Muscat de Frontignan AOC Muscat de Saint Jean de Minervois AOC
Which 2 AOCs permit Bordeaux grape varieties?
Cabardes AOC and Malepere AOC
What are the 4 French Depts in Languedoc?
Aude, Lozere, Gard, Herault
Which of the AOCs/IGPs do L and R share jointly?
IGP Pays d’Oc and Languedoc AOC
What grape forms the historic backbone of the Languedoc red blend?
Carignan
What are the 3 topographical zones?
The coastal plains
Mountains and hillsides
Atlantic corridor (Bordeaux varieties planted here)
What is the climate of Languedoc?
The region experiences two seasons: mild winters and hot/dry summers bookended by rainy seasons
100% red AOCs
Terrasses du Larzac AOC
Fitou AOC
