Languedoc Flashcards
Climate in Languedoc?
Warm Mediterranean.
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.
Large volumes of wine is produced as IGP. How many percent is AOC-wine in Languedoc?
Just 15%
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%.
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.
What is the cool and dry north-west wind called that blows through Languedoc?
Tramontane
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.
How much of France’s organic production comes from Languedoc-Rousillon?
One third.
6 most grown varieties in Languedoc?
Syrah, Grenache Noir, Merlot, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay.
Why was Carignan popular in Languedoc in the past?
Because of its high yields. Can produce 200 hL/ha and more!
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.
Why is Carignan not particularly suited for mechanical harvest?
Due to the bunches being firmly attached to the vine.
Carignan is high in acidity and tannins. What do winemakers do to soften those characteristics?
Carbonic maceration or by blending with other varieties.
Typical tasting note for Languedoc Carignan (not very old vines)?
Medium ruby, simple blackberry fruit. High acidity and tannins.
The great majority of Carignan wines in Languedoc are in quality and price?
Acceptable to good and inexpensive.
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.
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.
What other winemaking technique is used in Languedoc to preserve primary flavours and limit tannin extraction?
Carbonic maceration
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.
How many percent of Languedoc is IGP?
Nearly 70%
How many varieties are allowed for Languedoc IGP?
58
What regional IGP is by far the biggest producer of IGP wines in France?
IGP Pays d’Oc
How many percent of ALL French wine is IGP Pays d’Oc?
10-15% depending on the vintage.
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.
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.