Languedoc Flashcards
Where is the Languedoc situated?
In the south of France mainly on a low lying alluvial plain, though some producers are starting to plant on hillsides with hopes of improving quality.
What varieties are grown in the Languedoc?
A wide range of both indigenous varieties (e.g. Piquepoul) and Rhône varieties
Are IGP wines widely produced across the Languedoc?
Yes, especially wines from single varietals.
What is the history of winemaking in the Languedoc?
The area was a Greek and Roman colony during the Classical Age. It was also the site of a number of medieval monasteries.
The Canal du Midi, which connects the area to Bordeaux, allowed wines to be transported efficiently to Paris, driving economic development.
Are cooperatives important to wine production in the Languedoc?
Yes. They account for 70% of wine production today, but in the 1950s they accounted for 90%
What happened to make Languedoc the largest source for everyday wine in France?
After 1973 France no longer sourced wines from Algeria. Languedoc and Roussillon filled the gap.
How much vineyard area is there in Languedoc today compared to 1968?
Less than half. The area was over planted and then culled when demand was insufficient to supply
What is the focus on winemaking styles in Languedoc?
Inexpensive wine remains prominent though there is more of a focus on higher quality, small production wines
What is the climate in Languedoc? How much rainfall does it receive?
Mediterranean with very warm summers and high sunshine hours
Less than 600mm rainfall per year
What climatic factors benefit the cultivation of grapes for winemaking in the Languedoc?
Warm summers High sunshine Low rainfall (600mm per year) Low ambient moisture The drying Tramontaine wind that blows 200 days a year
What effect does the low moisture and Tramontaine wind have on viticulture in the Languedoc?
It reduces disease pressure, and thus the need for spraying. Costs are reduced and growers can apply organic and biodynamic methods more easily.
How much of France’s organic wine production is located in the Languedoc and Roussillon?
One third
What can happen to yields in the Languedoc in dry years?
Yields can be reduced significantly in areas without irrigation installed
What are the most cultivated varieties in the Languedoc?
Carignan Syrah Grenache Noir Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Cinsault
Is Carignan typically harvested by hand or machine in the Languedoc? Why?
By hand. Machine harvesting Carignan is difficult as he bunches are strongly attached to the vine
Are plantings of Carignan in decline or rising?
In decline due to the EU vine pull scheme which is replacing it with other varieties
What winemaking techniques might be used in the Languedoc to soften the tannins in Carignan wine?
Carbonic maceration
Blending
What is the typical maturation process for Carignan wines?
They are typically unoaked unless the grapes come from old vines
What was the historic vine training method used in Languedoc? Is this changing?
Bush training was historically used and it remains today as it provides shade to the grape bunches. Some trellises are being installed to permit mechanized work as bush vines can only be worked by hand.
What factors are leading to the increase in trellised vines in the Languedoc?
A lack of available manual labor
Improvement in machine harvesting quality
True or False
Machine harvesting is used for the production of both AOC and IGP wines
True, where topography allows
How is fermentation carried out for inexpensive wines in the Languedoc?
In large concrete or stainless steel tanks with cultured yeasts to ensure a consistent, complete, and rapid fermentation.
Red wines are crushed and fermented on the skins for 5-7 days and mid-range temperatures
How are inexpensive red wines from Languedoc matured?
The wines are generally stored for a couple of months in stainless steel or concrete.
When is carbonic maceration used in Languedoc?
To reduce the impact of tannins in tannic varieties while producing a fruity style of wine.
What winemaking methods are used in the production of high quality, small production wines of the Languedoc that are not used in inexpensive wines from the same region?
Sorting tables
Warm fermentation temperatures
Ambient yeast
Maturation in barriques
Are Languedoc wines intended for bottle aging?
Wines that are produced with more control and intent, and from better terroir, can age in the bottle for years
What percentage of Languedoc winemaking is IGP?
70%
What are the maximum yields permitted in Languedoc IGP?
90 hl/ha for white and red wines
100 hl/ha for rosé
How many varieties are approved for use in Languedoc IGP?
58
What allows Languedoc wines to hit an inexpensive price band?
The higher yields allow for more production per hectare, which lowers costs
How has the production of IGP wines affected the Languedoc?
These wines are the root of the region’s success, especially varietally labelled wines
What are the three forms if IGP permitted in France? Can they overlap?
Regional (IGP Pays d’Oc)
Departmental (IGP Gard)
Smaller units named after geographical/historical features (IGP Côtes de Thongue)
What is IGP Pays d’Oc?
The name for the regional IGP that encompasses the Languedoc-Roussillon area
Is IGP Pays d’Oc the largest wine producing region in France?
Yes. Depending on the vintage it can produce 10-15% of French wine
What percentages of production in IGP Pays d’Oc are white, rosé, and red?
25% white
Just under 25% rosé
Just over 50% red
What is the general character of IGP Pays d’Oc wines, whether they are white, rosé, or red? What is the general quality and pricing?
Fresh, fruity expressions of the varieties they are made of with little to no oak
Good to very good with inexpensive to mid-pricing
Which four varieties are primarily used for varietal winemaking in IGP Pays d’Oc? What percentage of production do they comprise?
Merlot (21%)
Cabernet Sauvignon (14%)
Chardonnay (12%)
Syrah (11%)
How much of IGP Pays d’Oc production is sold in France? In which retail sectors?
Half of sales are domestic. The majority are sold in supermarkets but hospitality is also important
What are the top three export markets for IGP Pays d’Oc wines?
Germany
Netherlands
Belgium
Excluding the Languedoc appellations devoted to white wine, what percentage does red wine production typically comprise in each Languedoc AOC?
90%
What is the general rule for all named Languedoc AOCs regarding the use of grape varieties in red wines?
Each AOC rule requires at least two varieties be used in the wines. Some appellations have a minimum and/or maximum for varieties, or a general limit.
All Languedoc AOC red wines are blends.
True or False
All of the named Languedoc red wine AOCs require the use of Grenache Noir
False. Cabardès AOC and Malepère AOC do not
Which three grape varieties are generally required in red Languedoc named AOC wines?
Grenache Noir (with two exceptions)
Syrah (mostly)
Mourvèdre (mostly)
In which two Languedoc named AOCs is Carignan a principal grape variety?
Corbières AOC
Fitou AOC
True or False
Languedoc AOC subzones typically have the same varietal composition as the larger zone.
False. Languedoc appellations have their own rules
Do appellation rules in the Languedoc control the percentages to which a vineyard is planted with specific grape varieties?
Yes, though these percentages do not necessarily equal the balance of varieties in the wine (e.g. 50% planted, 40% maximum)
In Languedoc appellations vineyards might be planted with more grapes than can be used in the final AOC wine. What happens to those grapes?
They might be used to make rosé, IGP, or Vins de France wines
What is the typical maximum yield for Languedoc appellations?
45-50 hl/ha, though some appellations have stricter yields of 40 hl/ha
What is the average yield that is typically produced in Languedoc appellations?
35 hl/ha
What are the principle varieties of Languedoc AOC? How much of these must be used in the wine?
Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Mourvèdre
Two of the three must be used but cannot exceed 80% of the blend. Both varieties cannot be less than 40%.
Other varieties may not exceed 30% of the blend.
How can the wines of the Languedoc be classified in terms of style, quality, and price?
Regional appellation (Languedoc AOC) Named appellations (Corbières AOC) Sub-appellations (Corbières-Boutenac AOC)
What is the typical character of Languedoc AOC wines?
Medium acid Medium tannins Medium alcohol Medium body Medium intensity simple blackberry and red plum
What is the general quality and pricing of Languedoc AOC wines?
Acceptable to good
Inexpensive to mid-priced
What is the typical character of wines from named Languedoc appellations?
Medium to medium (+) acidity Medium tannins Medium to high alcohol Medium (+) to full body Medium (+) intensity blackberry, red plum, and herbal (lavender, rosemary) notes. A minority are oaked.
What is the typical quality and pricing of named Languedoc appellation wines?
Good to very good with some outstanding
Inexpensive to premium
What is the typical character of wine from Languedoc sub-appellations?
Medium (+) tannins
Medium (+) to pronounced intensity aromas
What is the typical quality and pricing of Languedoc sub-appellation wines?
Very good with some outstanding
The majority are mid-priced with some premium examples
Describe the situation of Corbières AOC.
A hilly appellation in the Tauch and D’Alaric mountain ranges with vineyards at up to 450 meters in altitude
How large is Corbières AOC? How does this compare to other French appellations?
10,000 hectares, making it the fourth largest in France
What effect do the mountains have on grapes grown in Corbières AOC?
The Tauch and D’Alaric ranges provide a cooling effect on the grapes, maintaining acidity
How much of Corbières AOC production is red wine?
90%
What are the principle grapes of Corbières AOC? What is the minimum required in the wine? How much of other varieties can be used?
Carignan, Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. At least 40% of any must comprise the final wine.
Other permitted varieties (including Cinsaut) cannot exceed 20%
How do the wines of Corbières-Boutenac AOC differ from Corbières AOC?
Corbières-Boutenac AOC requires the wines to be 70% Carinan, Grenache Noir, and Mourvèdre.
Corbières AOC requires wines be 80% of any of Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Mourvèdre
What amount of Corbieres AOC production is consumed domestically and what are its principal distribution vectors? What are its primary export markets?
70% domestic mostly through supermarkets
China, Germany, and Belgium are the major export markets
What white grapes are used in the Languedoc appellations to produce white wine?
Bourboulenc Grenache Blanc Marsanne Roussane Rolle (Vermentino)
Describe the terroir of Minervois AOC. Where is the appellation located?
It is a large area with the Canal du Midi to the south, Carcassonne to the west, the Montagne Noire to the north, and Narbonne to the east. It receives a number of climactic influences and has a range of soils
What types of wine are made in Minervois AOC?
Mostly dry, still red wine though rosé and white are also produced
What varieties are typically used in Minervois AOC red and rosé wines? What are the regulations governing their use?
Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Mourvedre are most often used. With Carignan and Cinsaut, these five varieties must comprise at least 50%.
No variety may exceed 80%.
What types of wine are made in Minervois La Livinière AOC?
Dry, still red wine only
Where is Minervois La Livinière AOC situated? What specific effects from the terroir give the grapes their quality?
On a limestone terrace with gentle sloping hills at about 400m ASL.
The limestone, sun exposure, and cooler temperatures due to altitude give the grapes higher acidity than the lower and warmer Minervois AOC.
What grapes are used in the production of Minervois La Livinière AOC wines?
Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre must comprise 40% (min) of the blend.
The above grapes, plus Carignan and Cinsaut, must comprise 80% (min) of the blend.
Where is Saint-Chinian AOC located?
Between Minervois AOC and Faugères AOC
What types of wines are produced in Saint-Chinian AOC?
Still wines of all types, though red blends and rosé blends are the most common.
What grapes are used in the production of Saint-Chinian AOC wines?
Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Mourvèdre must comprise at least 50% of the wine
What type of soil is found in Saint-Chinian AOC?
The area is large with two main soil types.
Dry, fast draining schist in the north that provides low yields and higher concentration
Clay and limestone in the south that retain water, provide higher yields, and offer less concentration
True or False
Despite its size there are no subzones in Saint-Chinian AOC.
False. Saint-Chinian Roquebrun AOC and Saint-Chinian Berlou AOC are both located in the north on fast-draining schist soils
Describe the appellation boundaries of Fitou AOC.
It borders the norther part of Roussillon and is bisected by the Corbières AOC. Part of Fitou AOC is on the Mediterranean coast and the other is significantly inland.
What type of soil can be found in Fitou AOC?
Clay and limestone soils in the coastal region
Schist soil in the inland, mountainous region
What is the difference in grape quality between the coastal and inland regions of Fitou AOC? Why?
Grapes in the coastal area are less concentrated due to the clay and limestone soils that dominate the region
Inland soils are schist and the terrain is mountainous, offering well-draining slopes and soils that lead to more concentrated fruit
What grapes are used to produce red wines in Fitou AOC?
Grenache Noir (20% min)
Carignan (10-40%)
What type of soil can be found in Faugères AOC? What altitude does it sit at?
Schist soils with altitudes of 250-400m
What type of concentration can be expected from Faugères AOC wines? Why?
Very good concentration due to the low fertility, free draining schist soils
What was the first AOC in the Languedoc?
Fitou AOC in 1948
What are the maximum yields permitted in Faugères AOC? Are these typical?
50 hl/ha max, though average yields are 33 hl/ha
Is Faugères AOC known for organic viticulture?
Yes. 40% of farming is registered organic
What type of maturation is done in Faugères AOC wines?
1 year minimum before release. No vessel specified.
Where are the wines of Faugères AOC sold?
Primarily in France (90% of sales)
Where is Pic Saint Loup AOC located?
North of Montpellier
What is the climate in Pic Saint Loup AOC?
It is more continental than many other Languedoc appellations. It has cold winters and warm summers with 1,000 mm of rainfall per year.
What types of wine are made in Pic Saint Loup AOC?
Red and rosé wines
What varieties are used in Pic Saint Loup AOC wines?
Syrah must comprise at least 50% of the wine. All other approved varieties may be used.
When was Terrasses du Larzac AOC created?
2014
What altitudes are the vineyards of Terrasses du Larzac AOC planted at?
Some are planted in the 120-200m band. Others are as high as 400m.
True or False
There is a low diurnal range in Terrasses du Larzac despite the altitudes found there
False. There is high variability between night and day in Terrasses du Larzac, with swings up to 20ºC (68ºF)
What types of wine are made in Terrasses du Larzac AOC?
Dry, still red wines only
What varieties are used in the wines of Terrasses du Larzac AOC?
At least three of the approved Languedoc varieties are required
What is the trend toward investment in Terrasses du Larzac AOC?
Producers have been attracted to the area and are seeking to create a reputation for high quality there
What is the typical pricing of Terrasses du Larzac wines?
Many are premium with some super premium examples
When was La Clape AOC created?
2015
Where is La Clape AOC located?
On the Mediterranean coast near Narbonne
What is the climate in La Clape AOC? What effect does this have on the grapes?
It is warm, sunny, arid, and windy. The grapes here ripen fully and the area is suitable for Mourvèdre and other varieties that require substantial heat.
What percentage of production in La Clape AOC is red wine?
80%
Is La Clape AOC known for its white wine production?
Yes. Though it is a small portion of production, they are well regarded.
The wines must be 60% Grenache Blanc and/or Bourboulenc.
What is Piquepoul? What is Picpoul?
Piquepoul is the name of a grape variety
Picpoul is the name of a region that grows Piquepoul
Where is Picpoul de Pinet located? What type of climate does it have?
A low-lying coastal area south of Terrasses du Larzac AOC. It has a warm climate.
What has been the trend in demand for Picpoul de Pinet AOC wines? Why?
There has been rapid growth both from tourist demand and export markets after improvements in winemaking quality developed fruitier wines
What is the maximum yield permitted in Picpoul de Pinet AOC?
55 hl/ha
What are the primary markets for Picpoul de Pinet AOC wines?
Export (65%) to the UK (60% of all exports), USA, and Netherlands
Tourists who consume the bulk of domestic sales
What percentage of production in Picpoul de Pinet AOC is comprised of cooperatives?
90%
What is the primary difference in varietal cultivation between the Atlantic influenced appellations of the Languedoc and the other appellations?
Bordeaux varieties are cultivated in greater volume
Why is Malepère AOC influenced by the Atlantic ocean?
It is blocked from the Mediterranean by a mountain chain
What varieties are used to produce Malepère AOC wine?
40% (min) Merlot and at least one other variety
What body of water influences Cabardès AOC?
Both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean
What varieties are used to produce Cabardès AOC wines?
40% (min) of Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, and/or Merlot
Grenache Noir and/or Syrah must also be used
How much of the wine production in Languedoc comes from AOC level?
15%
70% of wine is IGP level and the region is dominated by less expensive categories
What has been the trend in rosé production in Languedoc from 2010-2017?
It has increased 35% due to demand
What has been the trend in exports from Langeudoc appellations from 2010 to 2016?
It has increased 15%
What has been the main development of winemaking in the Languedoc in the 21st century? What created this trend?
A focus on mid-range wines despite the extremes of inexpensive and premium priced wine production.
Smaller, more ambitious projects by winemakers who have left cooperatives or investors have started this trend
What factors attract investors and small private winemakers to the Languedoc?
A healthy stock of old vines
Varied landscape and reasonable land prices
What is the promotional body for Languedoc wines?
Sud de France, which also covers food and tourism and organizes the ViniSud wine fair and promotions
