Languedoc Flashcards by Henrik Holmqvist

Climate in Languedoc?

Warm Mediterranean.

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Languedoc has a very long history of grape growing but two historical building events really change the regions fortunes. What and when were they built?

Late 17th century, Canal du Midi - connecting the region to Bordeaux. Middle 19th century, the railroad, connecting the region to Paris.

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Large volumes of wine is produced as IGP. How many percent is AOC-wine in Languedoc?

Just 15%

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Co-operatives have been and are important for Languedoc. How many percent of Languedoc-wine was produced in the 1950’s, and today?

90% in the 1950’s. Today Co-operatives account for 60%.

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What happened 1973? How did it affect Languedoc?

France stopped to source wine from Algeria. Languedoc (together with Rousillom) became the largest source of everyday wine in France.

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What is the cool and dry north-west wind called that blows through Languedoc?

Tramontane

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Why is the need for spraying fairly low in Languedoc?

High levels of sunshine, rainfall below 600mm, low moisture levels and the cool north-west Tramontane wind that blows for about 200 days means low disease pressure.

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How much of France’s organic production comes from Languedoc-Rousillon?

One third.

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6 most grown varieties in Languedoc?

Syrah, Grenache Noir, Merlot, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay.

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Why was Carignan popular in Languedoc in the past?

Because of its high yields. Can produce 200 hL/ha and more!

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In order to produce quality out of Carignan what do you have to do? When will it happen naturally?

Reduce yield significantly. This happens naturally when the vines become 50+ years.

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Why is Carignan not particularly suited for mechanical harvest?

Due to the bunches being firmly attached to the vine.

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Carignan is high in acidity and tannins. What do winemakers do to soften those characteristics?

Carbonic maceration or by blending with other varieties.

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Typical tasting note for Languedoc Carignan (not very old vines)?

Medium ruby, simple blackberry fruit. High acidity and tannins.

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The great majority of Carignan wines in Languedoc are in quality and price?

Acceptable to good and inexpensive.

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Historically, how were vines grown in Languedoc? Why? Why has it been changing? Changing into what?

Bush vines. The bush provided shading in the warm and sunny climate. Must be hand harvested which is labour intensive and expensive. Now trained on trellises and machine harvested.

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Inexpensive wines in Languedoc. What kind of yeast? Why?
How long is fermentation on skins? Why?
Fermentation temperature? Why?

Cultured yeast for rapid and complete fermentation, and consistency of style.
5-7 days on the skins (crushed) to limit tannin extraction.
Mid-range temperature to preserve primary aromas.

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What other winemaking technique is used in Languedoc to preserve primary flavours and limit tannin extraction?

Carbonic maceration

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For high quality Languedoc, name a few things that are done in the winery to raise the quality.

Sorting tables, ambient yeast, higher fermentation temperature and barriques for maturation.

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How many percent of Languedoc is IGP?

Nearly 70%

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How many varieties are allowed for Languedoc IGP?

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What regional IGP is by far the biggest producer of IGP wines in France?

IGP Pays d’Oc

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How many percent of ALL French wine is IGP Pays d’Oc?

10-15% depending on the vintage.

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IGP wines (in particular IGP Pays d’Oc) have been a great success over the last three decades, especially the wines labelled with a single variety. Describe the style, quality and price.

Fruity and fresh with little or no use of oak. Good to very good and inexpensive to medium-priced.

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Name the top four varieties used for single variety IGP Pays d’Oc.

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Syrah.

Half of IGP Pays d’Oc is sold in France, mostly in supermarkets. What are the other top three export markets?

Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.

All AOC wines in Languedoc are blends. With the exception of Cabardés AOC and Malepére AOC all require what grape variety? What other two does most AOC require too?

Grenache Noir. Most AOCs also require Mourvèdre and Syrah.

Does the sub-zone AOC rules have to be the same as the parent AOC in Languedoc?

No. Saint-Chinian-Roquebrun AOC for example, requires a higher total percentage of Grenache noir, Mourvèdre and Syrah than Saint-Chinian.

What is typical max yield set by AOC rules for Languedoc appellations? Average yield is usually way lower though. Why?

45-50 hL/ha. Yields are most often much lower, like 35 hL/ha or so, because of low rainfall and soils with low fertility.

In general, in terms of style, quality and price the red wines of Languedoc can be grouped how?

Regional appellation (Languedoc AOC) Named appellations (e.g. Corbières AOC) Sub-appellations (e.g. Corbières-Boutenac AOC)

General SAT for red Languedoc AOC? Quality and price?

Medium intensity of simple blackberry and red plum. Medium tannins, acidity, body and alcohol. Acceptable to good in quality. Inexpensive to mid-priced.

General SAT for named appellations in Languedoc (e.g. Corbières AOC)?

Medium to medium(+) intensity blackberry and red plum, herb notes (lavender, rosemary). Medium tannins. Medium to medium(+) acidity. Medium to high alcohol and medium(+) to full body

Quality and price for named appellations in Languedoc (e.g. Corbières AOC)?

Good to very good. Inexpensive to premium

Intensity and tannin levels for sub-appellations in Languedoc (e.g. Corbières-Boutenac AOC)? Quality and price?

Medium(+) to pronounced intensity, medium (+) tannins. Very good with some outstanding and mostly mid-priced with some premium.

Fourth largest appellation in France with 10.000 ha. Name it.

Corbières AOC

Two key mountain ranges provide sites for vineyards in Corbières. Name the mountains and specify how high vineyards can be grown in the hilly appellation.

The mountains are called Tauch and D’Alaric. Vineyards grow up to 450m.

What cooling influences help to retain acidity in Corbières?

Cold northern winds and altitude (up to 450m)

90% of wine in Corbières is red. How many percent must any of the principal varieties make up? Name the principal varieties.

40%. Carignan, Grenache noir, Mourvèdre and Syrah.

Max yield for red, white and rosé in Corbières?

50 hL/ha

What is the sub-appellation in Corbières called?

Corbières-Boutenac AOC

Corbières-Boutenac requires what grapes to make up 70% of the blend?

Carignan, Grenache noir and Mourvèdre

Corbières is predominantly sold in France, but how much is exported and what are the leading export markets?

30% is exported. China, Germany and Belgium are the leading export markets.

Name the extensive AOC just north of Corbières AOC.

Minervois AOC

There is a range of climatic zones in Minervois. What are they based on?

Altitude and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea.

The wines from Minervois must be a blend of at least two varieties, one must be a principal variety. Name the four principal varieties.

Grenache noir, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Lledoner Pelut.

Name the five varieties that must make up at least 50% of the final blend in Minervois, but not exceed 80%.

Grenache noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan and cinsault.

Minervois La Livinière AOC is for what colour of wine only?

Red wine only

What is it that give Minervois La Livinière AOC good drainage, sun exposure and cooling?

Minervois La Livinière sits on a limestone terrace with gentle slopes up to 400m

What are the principal varieties in Minervois La Livinière AOC? And how many percent must they make up of the wine?

Grenache noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Lledoner Pelut - same as in Minervois AOC. Must be at least 40%

What five grapes must make up 80%, with no one variety exceeding 80%, in Minervois La Livinière AOC?

Grenache noir, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Carignan and cinsault.

Name the appellation sited between Minervois and Faugères. Mainly what colours of wine from principally what grapes?

Saint-Chinian AOC Red and rosé from Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre

There are two areas in Saint-Chinian. The southern have clay and limestone soils (great water-holding capacity) producing less concentration. The northern part is what soil, producing wines with greater concentration? And what are the names of the two sub-zones?

Northern Saint-Chinian is fast draining schist soils. Sub zones are Saint-Chinian Roquebrun and Saint-Chinian Berlou.

What was the first appellation in Languedoc, and what year was it formed?

Fitou AOC, formed in 1948

Fitou AOC is split in two areas (a part of Corbières AOC is between). What are the differences between the coastal area and the more mountainous?

The coastal area of Fitou are relatively flat and low-laying with limestone and clay soils (good water-retention). The wines tend to be less concentrated than those from the inland that has fast-draining schistous soils being less fertile.

Name the largest producer in Fitou AOC (it is a Co-operative).

Mont Tauch.

Faugères AOC is on well-drained and low fertility schistous soils. What does this do for the wine’s quality? In between what altitudes is Faugères situated?

The well-drained schistous soils is low in fertility giving wines of very good concentration. Faugères is on 250-400m altitude.

Maximum yield in Faugères AOC is 50 hL/ha for red wine but the average yields are much lower. How low? And why?

Average yield is around 33 hL/ha, due to low fertility.

With a climate similar to northern Rhône (more continental) and only for red and rosé this Languedoc appellation demands the final blend to be at least 50% Syrah (Syrah also does very well in northern Rhône). What is the appellation?

Pic Saint-Loup AOC

This Languedoc AOC gained its status in 2014 and vineyard elevation goes from 120m up to 400m, name it.

Terrasses du Larzac AOC

Terrasses du Larzac AOC is for red wines only. What geographical feature keep the wines fresh? The wines need to be a blend of how many varieties, why?

Elevation creates diurnal range (up to 20 degrees in the summer). Must be blend of at least 3 varieties to promote complexity.

Terrasses du Larzac AOC is attracting investment and is seeking to establish a reputation for high quality. This is reflected in the price point as many reach premium and some even super-premium. Name a super-premium priced wine.

La Pèira

This Languedoc AOC gained its status 2015 and is well known for its white wines that must include at least 60% of what two varieties (as single or blend)? What is the name of the AOC?

La Clape AOC white wines must include a minimum of Grenache Blanc and/or Bourboulenc

La Clape AOC is warm, sunny, arid and windy which is perfect for what red variety?

Mourvèdre, that needs heat to ripen properly.

This Languedoc AOC is on low laying land close to the coast. The wines are made entirely out of one grape. There is often confusion between the name of the AOC and the grape, name the both.

The AOC is called Picpoul de Pinet AOC and the variety Piquepoul Blanc (note the spelling).

Piquepoul Blanc was originally used for local vermouth but what has made it popular as a still wine variety?

New technology and techniques in the 70’s and 80’s such as gentle pressing, low temp fermentation and the ability to avoid oxidation has made it possible to produce fruitier wines.

Tasting note, quality and price for Picpoul de Pinet AOC?

Dry, medium(+) to high acidity with medium intensity lemon fruit and light floral notes. Medium body. The wines are acceptable to good and inexpensive to mid-priced.

Tourists in the region of Picpoul de Pinet account for a large market but the wine is mainly exported. What countries are the top 3 markets?

UK accounts for nearly 60%, USA and Germany.

In terms of volume, Languedoc is dominated by IGP. How many percent is AOC vis-à-vis IGP?

15% is AOC and 70% is IGP.

In general, exports of AOC wine from Languedoc are growing rapidly, by how much five years to 2016? Name top 3 markets by volume.

15%. By volume top 3 markets are USA, UK and China.

There has been a recent development of very ambitious wineries seeking quality in Languedoc. Name two.

Mas de Daumas Gassac, Domaine Gerard Bertrand’s Clos d’Ora

Roussillon has reduced planted area by two thirds since 1980. How many hectares is it now?

Roussillon has around 21.000 hectares of planted area.

Roussillon is dominated by the Pyrenees, what does that mean?

Many vineyards are located on the slopes and foothills of the mountains.

How many percent is AOC wine in Roussillon?

70%

Co-operatives are strong in Roussillon, how many percent of the production do they account for?

75%

What is the climate in Roussillon?

Warm Mediterranean. Windy and high sunshine hours.

Rainfall in Roussillon?

Moderate with around 500-600mm. Drought can be an issue in dry years.

The low rainfall and frequent winds in Roussillon reduce the threat of fungal diseases. What else does it do, and what does that lead to?

It reduces yields, which raises the concentration of fruit, leading to reduced income.

Name top nine varieties in Roussillon. In contrast to Languedoc, the top six varieties has been grown in the region for many decades.

Grenache noir, Syrah, Carignan, Muscat Petit Grains, Muscat d’Alexandrie, Macabeu, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Mourvèdre

In recent decades vines have been planted on trellises in Roussillon. How were vines historically planted? Why has it changed?

Bush vines (providing shade). Bush vines has to be worked by hand which is expensive.

Name the appellation of 5.000 hectares, situated on lower slopes, for red, rosé and white in Roussillon. Principal varieties and maximum yield?

Côtes du Roussillon AOC with principal varieties for red and rosé are Carignan, Grenache noir, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Max yield is 48 hL/ha.

The wines of Côtes de Roussillion must be a blend of at least two varieties. The variety with the highest percentage can must be limited to what percentage?

80%

Côtes du Roussillon Villages AOC is half the size of Côtes du Roussillon and is for one colour of wine only. What?

Red wine only. The AOC has the same rule of at least two varieties but none more than 80%.

Côtes du Roussillon is on slopes of 100-250m. Côtes du Roussillon Villages is on higher elevation. What? And why is this a good thing?

100-400m. Higher elevation is a cooling influence resulting in freshener wines with higher acidity.

How many villages can add their names after Côtes du Rousillon Villages? Name one. Max yield drops from 45 hL/ha to what?

5 villages can add their names, for example Côtes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel AOC. Max yield is recstricted to 42 hL/ha

Some of the villages require Carignan to be made with carbonic maceration in Côtes du Roussillon Villages, why?

To promote primary fruit and reduce tannins.

Name the appellation that has the same boundaries as Banyuls AOC.

Collioure AOC

Collioure AOC are full-bodied dry red and white wines grown on steep terraces above the Mediterranean Sea. Predominantly what varieties are used for red and white?

For red Grenache noir, Syrah and Mourvèdre. The white from Grenache Gris.

Typical yield in Collioure AOC is 20-25 hL/ha even though max yield is set to 40 hL/ha. Why?

Due to heat, low rainfall and poor soils.

IGP Côtes Catalanes is used by producers for red and white, including some super-premium whites. Name a super-premium producer that use IGP Côtes Catalanes.

Domaine Gauby

In Roussillon, Co-operatives are important but there is an ongoing trend to produce high quality wines by individual wineries. Some have been set up from those outside of the region. Name two, and their origins.

Thunevin-Calvet from Bordeaux and Domaine de Bila-Haut owned by Chapoutier from Rhône.

Super-premium wines are made in Roussillon. Name two producers.

Domaine Gauby, Clos de Fées and Le Soula