Languedoc Flashcards
Which AOC has its blends (Red and Rose) with mostly Altantic varieties?
Malepere AOC
- Red: Min 40% Merlot with at least 30% Cot and/or Cabernet Franc
- Rose: At least 40% Cabernet Franc
What is the climate of Languedoc?
Mediterranean
Two seasons - mild winter, hot dry summer
Plentiful sunshine
Which VDN is the most easterly of the Languedoc Muscat appellations?
Muscat de Lunel AOC
What attributes (7) all four VDN AOCs in Languedoc share?
- One single variety: Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc
- All made Reductively
- Hand harvested
- No irrigation
- Min Sweetness: 11% (110 g/l)
- Min ABV: 15%
- Fortified wine
What three white grapes are mainly used in Limoux AOC?
- Mauzac Blanc
- Chardonnay
- Chenin Blanc
Under what conditions (2) white grapes may be incorporated into Red and Rose wines in Pays d’Oc IGP?
- If Red and White grape varieties are fermented together
- If the white grapes constitue no more than 20% of the final blend
What is the main red grape variety of Limoux AOC?
Merlot
Which IGP is France’s largest and most exported IGP?
Pays d’Oc IGP
Out of the GSM blend for red only Minervois-La Liviniere AOC, which variety is taking the primary role?
Syrah
What two geological features the Altantic Corridor are sandwiched?
- Massif Central
- Pyrenees
What soil type is prominent in Massif de la Clape which is located at La Clape AOC?
Limestone outcrops
One ot the hottest, direst and sunniest parts of France.
Which appellation is the most westerly appellation of the Languedoc?
Malepere AOC
This IGP covers half the planted area of Languedoc and Rousillon and produces half of their total hectoliters.
What is the IGP?
Pays d’Oc IGP
Which AOC has limestone outcroppings and garrigue in between two tilted blocks one of them being Falaise de l’Hortus (Cliff of Hortus) with its wine showing resinous aroma of garrigue?
Pic Saint-Loup
What are three primary grape varieties in Pays d’Oc IGP for the following:
- Red:
- White:
- Rose:
- Red: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvginon, Syrah (over 80%)
- White: Chardonnay, Sauvginon Blanc, Viognier (nearly 85%)
- Rose: Grenache, Cinsaut, Syrah (around 80%)
True or False
For Pays d’Oc IGP, tasting approval is required
True
What makes Languedoc Cabrieres unique to the other Languedoc DGCs?
It only makes Rose wines as well as Red
What geological features (3) mitigates Clairette du Languedoc AOC from the Mediterranean climate?
- Inland
- Elevation up. to 990 ft / 300 m
- Continental influences of the nearby Cevennes mountain range
What are the requirements (2) for non-varietal wines in Pays d’Oc IGP?
- More than 50% Primary grapes
- Less than 50% secondary grapes
Which VDN wines are considered to be the most powerful of Languedoc Muscats?
Muscat de Frontignan
What two grape varieties make typical Fitou wines?
- Carignan
- Grenache
Fitou is RED only AOC.
What is “Mutage”?
A process of making Vin Doux Naturels by adding neutral grape spirit to kill yeasts to stop fermentation while residual sugar is still considerable to make sweet wine.
What is the percentage of IGP wines produced in Languedoc?
74%
When did Languedoc and Roussillon were officially administratively joined?
1972
Which two AOCs are solely making varietal white wines only?
- Clairette de Languedoc AOC
- Picpouls de Pinet AOC
Which AOC makes some of the best white wines from Chardonnay in Languedoc?
Limoux AOC
Which of the four Muscat VDN AOC is the Oldest and Largest of the Muscat VDNs in Languedoc?
Muscat de Frontignan AOC
What are five primary WHITE grape varieties in Laungedoc?
- Bourblenc
- Clairette
- Mauzac Blanc
- Picpoul (Blanc)
- Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc
For Rose Cremant de Limoux AOC, what red grape is added to the assemblage (minimum of 15%)?
Pinot Noir
Which AOC produces more white wine than any other AOC in Languedoc?
Picpoul de Pinet AOC
What type of wines (3) does Clairette du Languedoc AOC produce?
- Dry White
- Semi-Sweet White Wine
- Fortified White wine
What wine is claimed to the oldest sparkling wine in the world?
Blanquette de Limoux
Not a separate AOC
What is the primary grape variety in Limoux (esp as the sole variety in Blanquette Methode Ancestrale)?
Mauzac Blanc
Blend or sole for Blanquette de Limoux
A partner with Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay in still white Limoux
What are primary varieties (3) used in Limoux AOC white wines?
- Chardonnay
- Chenin Blanc
- Mauzac
Must be hand harvested and barrel fermented.
True or False
The vast majority of production in Minerovis AOC is RED.
True
Which IGP is the most important IGP in Languedoc and in France?
Pays d’Oc IGP
Which AOC in Languedoc has Roussanne as the mandatory as one of the two principal grape varieties?
Faugeres AOC
What grape variety makes up 100% of Blanquette Methode Ancestreale?
Mauzac
6 - 7% alcohol with min 2 months aging
True or False
Over 80% of production in Picpoul de Pinet is accounted by Co-Operatives.
True
Which grape variety often undergoes carbonic maceration to tame its aggressive tannins in Languedoc?
Carignan
What white grape is used in Cremant de Limoux AOC?
Chardonnay
What is the percentage of Certified Organic vineyards in Terraces du Larzac AOC?
50% (2020)
Which IGP approved inclusion of mildew-resistant hybrids in 2019?
Coteaux de Pont du Gard IGP
What is the percentage of all French varietal wines produced under Pays d’Oc IGP?
Around 92%
Chardonnay based wines produced in this AOC are considered to represent the best white wines produced in the Languedoc.
What is the AOC?
Limoux AOC
Which of the four Muscat VDNs in Languedoc produces some of the most powerful of the Languedoc Muscat as well?
Muscat de Frontignan AOC
As of 2020, what is the production make up of Red, Rose and White wines in Pays d’Oc AOC?
- 54% Red
- 25% White
- 21% Rose
What common elements in Muscat de Mireval AOC and Muscat de Frontignan as relate to climate, soils?
- Mediterranean summer heat mitigated by sea breezes
- Clay and Limestone (Mireval has more Galets)
- Vic-la-Gardiole commune producers can label their wines either Mireval or Frontignan
Name the two grape varieites that must make at leat 20% of the. total red wine produced in Minervois.
- Syrah
- Mourvedre
As of 2019 Languedoc and Roussillon combined 38% of and 7% of the worlds’s organic vineyards.
List three reasons Languedoc’s growth in green farming practices.
- Dry climate
- Fierce winds
- Open minded vignerons
What two varieties take the primary role in La Clape AOC white wines?
- Bourboulenc
- Grenache Blanc
What type of soil type is found in Saint-Chinian DGCs Berlou and Roqueburn which produce Reds only?
Schist
Which grape variety is currently surging popularity in Languedoc?
Carignan
What is “Tramontane”?
Strong north and/or west wind experienced by Lauguedoc.
The north winds bring cool air during the summer months and chase away humidity thereby reducing disease pressure.
What are two training methods used in Languedoc?
- Gobelet
- Guyot
What two main red grape varieties of Minervoise La Livinere AOC?
- Leledoner Pelut
- Mourvedre
What orientation most vineyards in Languedoc are facing?
East-West
North-South orientaitons will always have a shaded side throughout the day.
What is the percentage of Red wine production in Pays d’Oc IGP?
54% (2020)
Name the AOC close to Pic Saint-Loup AOC with similar continental climate producing red wines only with GSM blends with some of the highest diurnal temperature swings in the Languedoc.
Terrasses du Larzac
50% of vineyards are organic
Which of the Muscat VDN AOC in Languedoc has higher minimum sweetness levels than the other three?
Muscat de Saint-Jean-de-Minervois AOC
12.5% / 124 g/l RS
This IGP’s production amounts to half of Australia’s total production or around one third of that of the USA.
What is the IGP?
Pays d’Oc IGP
What are two DGCs of Saint-Chinian AOC and what style of wines do they produce?
- Berlou - Red only with GSM blend and a secondary Carignan
- Roquebrun - Red only with Grenache and Syrah
True or False
All 11 DGCs of Languedoc AOC produce red wines only with exception Carbrieres which also makes Rose.
True
Which red wine only AOC has the minimum of 30% Carignan?
Corbieres Boutenac
What are three winegrowing/making attributes of Languedoc’s four VDN wines?
- All made in Reductive manner
- Hand harvested
- No irrigation is permitted
What is the major difference betweet Clairette du Languedoc AOC and the other fourVDN AOCs in Languedoc as relate to wine production?
Clairette du Languedoc AOC makes sweet wines from Clairette grape while the other four VDNs are based on Muscat a Petit Grains Blanc.
Clairette du Languedoc AOC also makes dry and semi sweet wines that are NOT fortified as well.
Which two “Atlantic” grape varieties are approved for the AOCs within the Atlantic Corridor?
- Cabernet Franc
- Cot
True or False
As of 2019, Languedoc-Roussillon represented 38% of France’s organic vineyards.
True
7% of the world’s organic vineyards
What are the main two grapes for Malepere AOC Red wines?
- Cabernet Franc
- Merlot
Bordeaux varieties make up the majority of the red blends.
What is the main white grape variety in the La Clape AOC?
Bourboulenc
Define “Garrigue” (3) as referred to in the south of France.
- Limestone soil
- Vegetation such as herbs (thyme, rosemary) that grows on the soil
- Aroma of it when crushed underfoot and profile of the wines
What grape variety based red wine occupies the majority of wine production in Corbieres AOC?
Carignan
This AOC lies within Corbieres AOC and produces Red wines only. At least 30% of which must be Carignan but no variety can exceed 80% or more.
What is the AOC?
Corbieres Boutenac AOC
Which regional AOC covers all of Languedoc and Roussillon, although not many Roussillon producers opt to use it?
Languedoc AOC
What are two wine styles with most prodcution in Saint-Chinian AOC?
- Red
- Rose
True or False
Irrigation is NOT permitted in Languedoc.
False
Permitted. through the end of April upon request
What is “Episode Cevenol”?
Damaging floods in Laguedoc caused by warm south wind from the Mediterranean collide with cold air mass from the Cevennes mountains.
The forming and re-forming continue until chased after by either the Mistral or Tramontaine wind.
What are two main grape varieties of Fitou AOC?
- Carignan
- Grenache
Fitou makes Red wines only
List common attiributes (up to 7) of the four VDNs in Languedoc.
- Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc
- Fortified White
- Made in Reductive manner
- Hand harvestexc
- No irrigation permitted
- Min 15% alcohol
- Min 11% Sweetness (110 g/l)
Name the red variety typically incorporated into Languedoc’s red blends - especially in Minervois and Pic Saint along with Syrah.
Mourvedre
Name the red variety not typically bottled as a single variety in Languedoc’s AOCs instead it is usually blended with Syrah, Mourvedre and/or Carignan.
Grenache Noir
How many sanctioned grape varieties in Pays d’Oc IGP as of 2020?
58 varieties
Name four prominent Red varieties approved for Languedoc AOC along with Grenache Noir, Syrah and Mouvedre.
- Carignan
- Cinsaut
- Fer Servadou
- Ledoner Pelut
In the south of Languedoc near Roussillon, this AOC is considered to be one of the driest, hottest and sunniest parts of France with vines constantly battered by wind.
What is the appellation?
La Clape AOC
When did the first French co-operative was found in Marausssan near Belziers?
How many co-operatives in Languedoc today?
- 1905
- 150 Co-operatives
Which appellation is the only AOC in Languedoc to have even split between Mediterranean and Atlantic varieties?
Carbardes AOC (makes Red and Rose only)
At least 40% the blends for each:
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and/or Cabernet Franc
- Grenache and/or Syrah
What is Blanquette de Limoux?
The first sparkling wine created in France by the monks of Saint-Hilaire in 1531.
Long before Dom Perignon.
What are three grape varieties producting around 80% of varietal Pays d’Oc Roses?
- Grenache
- Cinsaut
- Syrah
What wine type Minervois La Livinerie AOC produces?
Red wines only
What are three grape varieties that make up over 80% of varietal Pays d’Oc reds?
- Merlot
- Cabernet Sauvginon
- Syrah
What are the minimum percentages of the Atlantic and Mediteranean grape varieites in Carbardes AOC Red Blends?
- Min 40% - Cabernet Sauvginon, Merlot and/or Cabernet Franc
- Min 40% - Grenache and/or Syrah
What grape variety is used primarilly for Limoux AOC Red wines?
Merlot
Typically Cot, Syrah and Grenache making up the balance
At least 3 varieties in the blends and hand harvested
True or False
Water stress and drought are a real issue in Languedoc.
True
Irrigation is permitted through to the end of April if the growers submit a petition in order to get permission.
Languedoc’s four VDNs are made from the same single variety.
What is it?
Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc
Which canal links the Mediterranean port of Sete to the Garonne River in Toulouse?
Canal du Midi
Name three grape varieties from Spain, grown in Languedoc today.
- Grenache (Garnacha)
- Mourvedre (Monastell)
- Carigana (Carinena)
Which AOC is the biggest non-regional appellation in the Languedoc and the 4th largest by volume in France?
Corbieres AOC
Which grape variety often undergoes carbonic maceration to tame its aggressive tannins?
Carignan
Languedoc has been known to accept changes quickly.
What are five that they have adopted to make their wine trade grow significantly than others?
- Use railways to send its wines to new markets
- Raced to replant with grafted grapevines after phylloxera attack
- Founding France’s first co-operative winery to respond to economic hardships
- Embraced the Vin de Pays category
- Currently trialing new mildew resistant ResDur hybrids
What are three grape varieties that totalling nearly 85% of varietal Pays d’Oc Whites?
- Chardonnay
- Sauvginon Blanc
- Viognier
What does Langeudoc AOC DGC Cabrieres makes to the addtion of red wine, the only DGC of Languedoc AOC to do so?
Rose wines
What is the traditional method of training in Languedoc?
Gobelet
This Red only AOC is made up to two non contigous zones of production within the southern part of Corbieres?
Name the appellation and the two parts.
- Fitou AOC
- Fitou Maritime (near the coast)
- Haut Fitou (midst mountains)
Name the four AOCs that are located in the so called Atlantic Corridor in the western reaches of Languedoc.
- Cabardes AOC
- Malepere AOC
- Limoux AOC
- Cremant de Limoux AOC
True or False
Fitou makes sweet white wines.
False
Fitou AOC is red wines only
Overwhelming majority of RED wines is based on which variety in Corbieeres AOC?
Carignan
What makes Terrasses du Larzac AOC experience wide diurnal temperature difference during the summer?
Cool air descends from the plateau in hte evening from Larzac Plateau
Name three major international grape varieites grown in Languedoc to capitalize on the flexibility of the newly instituted IGP category.
- Cabernet Sauvginon
- Merlot
- Chardonnay
Which grape variety is used in Languedoc’s four VDN AOCs?
Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc
What contribution was made by John Bojanowski of Clos du Gravillas in Saint-Jean-de Minervois?
John Bojanowski created the “Carignan Renaissance” association.
This promotes the use of Carignan - a drought resistant grape that was historically a vital component of Languedoc blends.
True or False
Both Malepere AOC and Carbades AOC only make Red and Rose wines.
True
Along with GSM blends, which grape variety fills a sizeable portion in Saint-Chinian AOC Reds?
Lledoner Pelut
How many DGCs are in Languedoc AOC?
What style of wines do them make?
- 11 DGCs
- All make Red wines only except Cabrieres
Which IGP is by far the most important IGP in Languedoc as well as being France’s largest IGP and most exported IGP?
Pays d’Oc IGP
Which Languedoc AOC has Chenin Blanc as a Primary grape variety?
Limoux AOC
Which AOC has limestone outcrop known as Falise de l’Hortus?
Pic Saint Loup
How are Languedoc bounded by geogrpahically?
- Northeast: Rhone Valley and its delta
- Northwest: Cevennes Mountains
- Southwest: Mountains of Pyrenees
- South: Roussillon
True or False
Total production of Co-opertatives in Langeudoc is 30%.
False
Close to 70%
What geological feature does Saint-Chinian AOC face and state the main soil type?
- Espinouse Mountain
- Clay/Limestone
Name the three AOCs (in the Atlantic Corridor) that are approved for Cabernet Sauvginon, Cabernet Franc and Cot.
- Cabardes
- Malepere
- Limooux
What wine syles does Pic Saint-Loup AOC produce?
Only Rose and Red wines
True or False
Compared to Corbieres AOC, Minervois produces more of Syrah based GSM blends.
True
Which grape variety is used primarilly for Blanquette de Limoux?
- Mauzac
- Aged Sur Lie for 9 months
What is the most well known Gris grape used in Languedoc’s AOCs?
Grenache Gris
Which grape variety created “renaissance” movement by John Bojanowsky of Sainte-Jean-de-Minervois to promote a drought resistant grape that used to be the historic backbone of the Languedoc’s red blend?
Carignan
What is the oldest and largest of the Muscat VDNs in Langeudoc?
Muscat de Frontignan AOC
What AOC has its vineyards descend to a large saltwater lake, Etang de Thau, the only barrier between the vines and the sea?
Picpoul de Pinet AOC
How many IGPs in Languedoc?
20 IGPs
Which wine is claimed to be the oldest sparkling wine in the world?
Blanquette de Limoux
Which appellation produces around 92% of all French varietal wines?
Pays d’Oc IGP
This GSM plus Carignan AOC is red only and sits within Corbieres AOC.
Name the AOC
Corbieres Boutenac
What is the main variety used in Cremant de Limoux - white and rose?
- Chardonnay
- Typically Chardonnay 60% / Chenin Blanc 30% / 10% Mauzac
- Rose: Min 15% Pinot Noir to the assemblage
What are two DGCs of Saint Chinian AOC and what wine style features in the DCGs?
- Berlou
- Roquebrun
- Only Red wines
What did the Romans created to benefit the wine trade for Languedoc?
They built Via Domita, roadway from Italy to Spain via France
True or False
IGP wines in Languedoc require tasting approval.
True
What are three Bordeaux and two Mediterranean varieties that make up the Cabardes AOC Red wines?
- Cabernet Saurvingon
- Merlot
- Cabernet Franc
- Grenache
- Syrah
What are three primary red grape varieties in Languedoc?
- Grenache Noir
- Syrah
- Mourvedre
Typically what grape variety is based in Minervois AOC Red wine?
Syrah based with high proption of Grenache and Mourvedre
List principal characteristics of each of the three sub-region/meso-climates as related to type of wine/grapes produced respectively.
- Coatal Area - Mainly IGP wines with some Muscat VDNs and Picpoul-de-Pinet
- Mountains/Hillsides: Elevation cooling Mediterranean warmth with well drained soils to produce quality wines
- The Atlantic Corridor: Bordeaux grapes alongside Mediterranean counterparts
Under what conditions(2) wines can be labeled with several grape varieties in Pays d’Oc IGP?
- If the grape varieties are principal grape varieties
- If each consitute at least 15% of the total
What is the most well known Rose/Gris grape variety in Languedoc?
Grenache Gris
Three AOCs has their combined production well over 50% of the total wine production of Languedoc’s AOCs.
Name the three AOCs
- Corbieres AOC (24%)
- Languedoc AOC (23%)
- Minervois AOC (9%)
Name the four VDN AOCs of Languedoc
- Saint-Jean-de-Minervois AOC
- Muscat de Lunel AOC
- Muscat de Mireaval AOC
- Muscat de Frontignan AOC
Which AOC is in the foothills of the Montagne Noire with schist soil type?
Minervois La Liveniere AOC
(Red wine only AOC)
What is the aromatic grape used in Languedoc’s four VDN AOCs?
Muscat a Pettis Grains Blanc
Why are the following grapes have been approved for inclusion in Coteaux du Pont du Gard IGP (2019):
- Souvignier Gris
- Cabernet Cortis
- Muscaris
- Floreal
- Soreli
Languedoc’s rainy season bookends the summer months. If rainfall happens too early in the autumn, it can devastate a harvest.
As a consequence the region has been experimenting with mildew resistant grape vareities for over a decade.
The most important of these are the incluesion of these grapes.
Which grape vareity makes up 100% of Blanquette Methode Ancestrale?
Mauzac
6-7% alcohol finshe
Min of 2 months aging
Name the 4th largest AOC appellation by volume in France
Corbieres AOC
Name the main white variety in the La Clape AOC
Bourblenc
What are terroir characteristics of Muscat de Lunel AOC as related to the soils and climate?
- Decidedly Mediterranean
- Rocky with many Galets
Typicaly harvested very early (mid August)
Who is credited with development of “Mutage”?
Arnaud de Villeneuve, physician and alchemist living in Montpellier
How many IGPs in Languedoc including regional, departmental, local or zonal IGPs?
20 IGPs in Languedoc
What are the significance of the following grape varieties in Languedoc:
- Marselan
- Agiorgitiko
- Assyritko
The threat from climate change led Languedoc producers to experiment with successul recent crosses such as thick skinned Marselan and grapes from warmer climates from Greece
What is the percentage of total production of IGP-level wines in Languedoc?
- IGP: 74%
- AOC: 10%
- Vin de France: 16%
What are three typical soil types of Carbades AOC?
Limestone, Granite, Gneiss
True or False
GSM varieity makes up the backbone of Minervoise La Livinere AOC Blends.
True
True or False
Pays d’Oc IGP covers both Languedoc and Roussillon.
True
Which AOC in the Languedoc is so rugged and wild that wild boar frequently outnumber people?
Corbieres AOC
Which white grape variety is crafted as a varietal wine in the Clairette du Languedoc AOC and one of the primary varieities in the white wines of La Clape?
Clairette
Which VDN in Languedoc has continental influences with their wine, very fragrant and floral with a high level of acidity?
Muscat de Saint-Jean-de-Minervois AOC
What is the sole grape used in Blanquette Methode Ancestrale as well as in Blanquette de Limoux either on its own or in a blend as as a partner to Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay in still white Limooux?
Mauzan Blanc
Name three sub-divisions/meso-climates of Languedoc.
- Coastal Area
- Mountains / Hillsides
- The Atlantic Corridor
What is the red variety that is a major component of Languedoc’s Reds especially in the Minervois, Pic Saint-Loup and Terraces du Larzac AOCs?
Syrah