Languedoc Flashcards
What Languedoc appellation claims to have first produced sparkling wine?
Limoux. The sparking phenomenon was discovered by the monks of Saint-Hilaire in 1531.
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 their wine industry.
What two Languedoc appellations are known for single-varietal wines?
Clairette du Languedoc AOC and Picpoul de Pinet AOC
What grape variety is used in the production of Blanquette Méthode Ancestrale
Mauzac, 100%
What is an Épisode Cévenol?
An autumnal weather phenomenon; trapped hot and cold air masses result in heavy rains that can last for days
T or F: Languedoc has equal amounts of rainfall year round.
FALSE. The rainy season is before and after the summer months and can arrive in the form of violent storms.
What are the three topographical zones of the Languedoc region?
Coastal plains,
hillsides and mountains,
and the Atlantic corridor
T or F: The VDN appellations of the Languedoc can be made reductively and/or oxidatively.
FALSE. They must be made reductively.
T or F: The soils of Languedoc are fairly homogenous.
FALSE. There are a wide range of soils found in Languedoc.
The western extremity of Languedoc is known as…
The Atlantic Corridor; here, Atlantic and Mediterranean weather patterns meet
T or F: Most Languedoc red wines at the AOC level are single varietal.
FALSE. Most are blends including such grapes as Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Mourvèdre.
What effect did the Bordelais have on the Languedoc wine trade?
They prevented Languedoc wines from being sold through the Bordeaux port system, in order to protect the Bordeaux wine trade.
What grape often undergoes Carbonic Maceration in Languedoc?
Carignan… to tame its tannins
What single variety is used in all Languedoc VDNs?
Muscat à Petits Grains Blanc
Define “garrigue”
Limestone soil, the scrub vegetation that grows upon it, and the aroma of those herbs when crushed underfoot or found in a glass of wine
In what year was France’s first wine co-op founded?
1905 in Maraussan, near Béziers
What are the names of the two sections of the Fitou AOC?
Fitou Maritime, close to the coast, and Haut Fitou, further inland.
In what year were Languedoc and Roussillon joined administratively?
1972
What ancient road trasvered through the Languedoc, connecting Spain and Italy?
Via Domitia
What percentage of France’s organic vineyards are found in Languedoc?
38%
Who discovered mutage?
Arnaud de Villeneuve of Montpellier in 1285
What is the largest non-regional AOC in Languedoc in terms of geographic size?
Corbières
What are the two DGCs of the Saint-Chinian AOC?
Berlou and Roquebrun
What is the most westerly appellation in Languedoc?
Malepère
