Languedoc Flashcards
(118 cards)
1
Q
Where does the name Languedoc come from?
A
- It comes from a reference to the Langue D’Oc. The language of Oc - Occitan. - Oc Means yes in this language. - It is nothing like French.
2
Q
Who and when was Marseille founded?
A
- It was founded in 600 BC by the Phocaeans (Ancient Greeks from Asia Minor). - Originally named Massalia. - France’s Oldest city and thrived as a trading port of the Mediterranean sea.
3
Q
Who brought vines and viticulture to Massalia?
A
The Phocaeans and it spread quickly throughout the entire souther portion of France.
4
Q
When did the Romans arrive?
A
125 BC - (They build the first roads in France - the Via Domitia which connected Italy to Spain. Vineyards were planted on both sides of this thoroughfare and became important for Languedoc wine trade.)
5
Q
Where did the Romans colonize between 125-118BC
A
Narbo (Narbonne at the mouth of the Aude river southwest o f Montpellier)
6
Q
What enabled Narbonne to grow?
A
It was located on the Via Domitia, the Aude River and the Mediterranean. Cargo could go from River, Land, or Ocean and vice-versa.
7
Q
What other city helped Narbonne to grow?
A
Carcassonne in the interior.
8
Q
What wine producing regions surround Narbonne?
A
Corbières, Minervois, and La Clape
9
Q
The wine surplus was exported to what city?
A
Rome (However under the edict of Domitius, wine trade was hastily curtailed by the Roman Empire in an effort to protect local Roman Produce and goods.)
10
Q
When was viticulture revitalized and by who?
A
In the 8th century by the Monasteries. The catholic Church was also the prime consumer of the wines it made.
11
Q
Who ruled Montpellier from 1204-1349?
A
The Aragon Empire in Barcelona.
12
Q
Who discovered mutage?
A
Arnaud de Villeneuve in 1285.
13
Q
What is mutage?
A
It is the process of adding spirit to must to obtain a stable sweet wine. This lead to a huge trade in vins doux naturels nearly 400 years before port was created.
14
Q
What other cultural pillar was created in Montpellier?
A
The concept of the University. Started in 1289 by the Roman Catholic Church through an edict issued by Pope Nicholas IV. - Universitas Magistrorum et scholarium. - Law and medicine were in class as early as 1130. - Still great for learning grape growing.
15
Q
What did the monks of St. Hilaire discover in 1531?
A
The sparkling phenomenon while crafting Blanquette de Limoux (150 years before Dom Pérignon)
16
Q
What happened in 1681?
A
The first half of the Canal du Midi opened. This connected the Mediterranean port of Sète to the Garonne River in Toulouse. - (The Garonne flowed to the Port of Bordeaux and the Gironde Estuary and from there to the Atlantic.)
17
Q
When was the second half of the Canal du Midi finished and what did it do?
A
It was finished between 1667-1694. It eliminated river travel altogether. - 150 miles long! 1996 became a UNESCO World Heritage site.
18
Q
What did the Canal du Midi do for wine?
A
Provided a Shortcut from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic by bypassing all of Spain. - Bordeaux passed laws preventing the sale of Languedoc wines to other French or European markets though. - Ended in 1776
19
Q
Who was Languedoc’s primary trading partner during the 17th century?
A
The Dutch who sought sweet wine in quantity. (Bordeaux sweet wine was significantly more expensive.)
20
Q
How had Languedoc wine changed by the 18th century?
A
It was mostly dry and white and destined for Brandy production for Napoleonic Armies.
21
Q
What was created in 1838-1856?
A
A second canal linking Toulouse to the city of Castets, south of the city of Bordeaux. - 120 mile water way that ran parallel to the Garonne and was better for transferring goods.
22
Q
What allowed Languedoc wine trade to quadruple over 25 years after 1885?
A
The French Railway between Paris, Lyon, & Marseille.
23
Q
When did Phylloxer hit Languedoc?
A
1863
24
Q
Which region was the first to be replanted on American Rootstock after Phylloxera?
A
Languedoc hence why in 1900 Languedoc was the number one supplier of wine in France. - Nearly half of the countries wine!
25
When did winemaking cooperatives begin in Languedoc?
1930s - Led to the tradition of bulk vin de table produciton.
26
Where was the first French Co-op?
Maraussan - near Montpellier.
27
How many co-ops are there in Languedoc?
approximately 150 and they are responsible for 65% of the wine produced in the region.
28
When was Languedoc & Roussillon officially administratively joined?
in 1972 - largest wine making region in the south of France.
29
When was the Vin de Pays category created?
In 1968 - revised in 1973 - formalized in 1979
30
What does Vin de Pays do?
It allows winemakers more flexibility to experiment outside the relatively restrictive structure of the AOC system. - It is now IGP Pays d'Oc can use grapes from both Languedoc and Roussillon.
31
How many appellations were there in Languedoc-Roussillon in 1980? Today?
- 10 - 50
32
What is the production breakdown for Languedoc-Roussillon?
AOC = 19% IGP = 68% Vin Sans IG 13%
33
How did Vin de Pays change in 2009?
Vin de Pays are now called IGP - Indication Géographique Protégée / Protected Geographical Indication. - Wine making and grapegrowing practices are regulated but not as strictly as those standards adhered to by AOC producers.
34
What are the regulations for IGP?
Max yields = 5 tons/acre (90 hl/ha) Over 220,000 acres (88,000 ha) produce IGP Pays d'Oc. 3x the volume of Languedoc AOCs and is Frances Largest wine export.
35
What départements are covered by Languedoc?
North to south they are: - Lozère - Gard - Hérault - Aude
36
What borders Languedoc?
- Rhône Valley to the North-east - Roussillon to the South - 3/4 of region is cradled by mountain ranges, - 1/4 of region is bordered by Mediterranean Sea
37
What is the Languedoc Climate/seasonality?
Languedoc has essentially 2 seasons : - Mild Winters and - Hot dry summers. 2,530 hours of sunshine (~316 days)
38
What is the average rainfall in Languedoc?
27 inches 686 mm per annum but arrives in the form of violent storms that can flood the parched landscape. - Rainy season bookends the summer months. - If too early in the fall, it can devastate a harvest.
39
What helps to counterbalance moisture in the Languedoc?
The Tramontane and other strong winds that blow from the North and or West. - North winds bring cool air during the summer months and chase humidity offsetting mold and mildew in the vineyard.
40
What helps certain Languedoc wines develop concentration?
Vines need to experience (1) true winter dormancy, (2) cooler summers, (3) significant diurnal temperature swings. These are found in the more mountainous areas.
41
What is the geological history of Languedoc?
251-145 million years ago - covered by seawater. - Shellfish lived, died and settled to the bottom of this sea to form limestone. - Gradually the waters receded leaving swamps, lakes, and riverland.
42
When did the Pyrenees and Alps form?
65-45 million years ago due to the collision of the Afro-Arabian and Euro-Asian crustal plates. - Rocks within the earths crust were buckled and bent and forced to the surface. - At this time the Mediterranean basin was dry.
43
What happened during the Pliocene Epoch
5-2 Million years ago the sill between Morocco and Gibralter was breached by the Atlantic and the Mediterranean basin filled with water. (Invading portions of the Rhône).
44
What did not affect Languedoc-Roussillon?
It was not flooded by the sea nor was it marred by Glaciers. - It did however receive extensive periods of rain which eroded the landscape and deposited new sedimentary soils on top of the older rock formations thurst upwards when the crustal plates had collided.
45
How is the Languedoc divided?
Into three different topographical zones: (1) The coastal Plains (2) Hillsides and Mountains (3) Atlantic Corridor
46
What is the geography of the Coastal Plains?
Coastal Plains stretch from Narbonne and Béziers to beyond Montpellier. This area is (i) Flat (ii) Low-Lying and (iii) fertile. These alluvial plains are where the highest yielding vines are situated, the grapes of which usually go to entry level IGP
47
What is the geography of the Hillsides and Mountains?
The hillsides and mountains are characterized by elevations of up to 1,320 ft (400m) plus a wide variety of mesoclimates.
48
What are the mesoclimates of the hillsides and mountains?
(i) Mountains shelter the vineyards. Trapping both head and sun during the day and providing cool air currents during the evening. (ii) The peaks block rain and clouds (rainshadow) allowing for a consistently sunny climate. Pic St. Loup, Cabardès, Minervois, St. Chinian, Limoux, Faugères, and Muscat de St. Jean de Minervois all benefit from this.
49
What is the geography of the Atlantic Corridor?
The Atlantic Corridor is in the western portion and is where Atlantic and Mediterranean forces meet. Here is where Bordeaux varietals are planted along side Mediterranean varietals.
50
What is famous city is in the Atlantic Corridor growing Merlot.
Limoux - at the southern extremity of this corridor. The cool and elevated regions is where the Atlantic Breezes are most apparent and why they make white and sparkling wine here.
51
What are the soils of Languedoc?
(i) Mountain slopes tend to be comprised of Stony Shale and Marly Limestone. Folded and pushed upwards when the Alps were formed. (ii) Limestone soils known as Garrigue. So poor they can only support resinous herbs such as lavender, thyme, rosemary, and dwarf Kermès oak trees. (iiia) Lowland Plains and foothills are mostly younger sedimentary and/or alluvial soils such as iron-rich gravels, sand, marl, clay, and silt. (iiib) also pockets of granite, gneiss, and schist.
52
What kind of wines do Alluvial soils tend to product?
Fruity wines - this soil type is often used for the production of whites and rosés.
53
What kind of wines do granite, gneiss, marl, clay, and schist produce?
These soils usually provide a powerful, spicy, red wine apt for aging.
54
How does garrigue affect a wine?
Garrigue Delivers red and white wines of high acidity and red wines with polished tannins.
55
What are the white AOC grapes?
Grenache Blanc Grenache Gris Bourboulenc Clairette Piquepoul blanc Rolle Marsanne Viognier Roussanne Maccabeu Muscat à Petit Grains Blanc Mauzac blacn Charonnay Chenin Blanc
56
What is the historic red grape of Languedoc?
Carignan - usually accompanied by Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Grenache in the most famous appellations such as Faugères, St. Chinian, Fitou, Minervois, and Corbières.
57
What are the common grapes for appellations founded in the last 20 years?
Syrah and grenache tend to dominate the red blends while others incorporate Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Merlot.
58
Until recently when could you use Bordeaux Varities?
Only in IGP bottlines.
59
What is the list of Languedoc Red varietals?
Grenache Noir Carignan Mourvèdre Syrah Cinsault Fer Servadou (also known as Fer, an increasingly minor player) Lladoner Pelut (an increasingly minor player) Piquepoul Noir (an increasingly minor player) Terret Noir (an increasingly minor player) Aspiran Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Merlot Malbec Pinot Noir
60
What varieties are permitted in the IGP-level wines?
All varieties permitted in the AOC red, white, and rosé wine are permitted in the IGP plus a few more.
61
How many grapes are approved for the Pays d'Oc IGP wines?
56!
62
If a bottle if non-varietally labelled what must it consist of?
More than 50% primary grapes and less than 50% secondary grapes in each respective wine category.
63
If a wine is varietally labeled with a single varietal if what occurs?
If that varietal is a primary grape and the wine contains a minimum of 85% of the grape listed on the label.
64
When can a wine be labeled with several grape varieties?
If those grape varieties are principal grape varieties and if each constitutes at least 15% of the total.
65
When can white grapes be incorporated into red and rosé wine?
If red and white grapes are fermented together and if the white grapes constitute no more than 20% of the final blend.
66
What combined to make the Languedoc AOP in 2007
Coteaux du Languedoc Red, rosé (1982) and white (2005).
67
What are the percentages of wine Styles from Languedoc AOP?
Red : 79% Rosé : 21% White : 8%
68
What are the authorized red grape varieties of Languedoc AOP?
Red : Grenache noir, Lladoner Pelut, Syrah, Mourvedre (min 50%), Cinsault, Carignan (max. 40%)
69
Which was/is bigger Coteaux du Languedoc AOC or Languedoc AOP
Languedoc AOP. (Coteaux du Languedoc will disappear in 2017).
70
What are the 12 districts of Languedoc AOP?
Sommiere Pic St Loup St Christol Gres de Montpellier St Georges d'Orques St Drezery La Mejanelle Montpeyroux (independant AOC located within Terrasses du Larzac) St Saturnin (independant AOC located within Terrasses du Larzac) Cabrieres Pezenas Quatourze
71
What are the authorized white grape varietals of Languedoc AOP?
White : Bouboulenc, Grenach Blanc, Roussance, Marsanne, Rolle, Clairette, Picpoul
72
What is the minimum number of grape varietals used to make AOP Languedoc?
At least 2 of the main varietals.
73
Clairette Du Languedoc AOC makes what style of wine?
White
74
What are the soil and grape variety of Clairette du Languedoc AOP?
Soil is limestone with some quartz and schist in the north. Grape is Clairette.
75
What do Fitou and Clairette du Languedoc AOP have in common?
They are the oldest still wine AOC in Languedoc.
76
What does Picpoul de Pinet and Clairette du Languedoc AOP have in common?
They are the only two AOPs devoted solely to white wine production from one single grape variety : Clairette. (Picpoul de Pinet is "Piquepoul Blanc")
77
What is the style, soil, and grape variety of Picpoul de Pinet AOP?
Style: White Soils: Limestone Grape Variety: Picpoul Year: 2013
78
What is the only barrier between the vines and the sea in Picpoul de Pinet?
The Etand de Thau (lake of Thau). Sea breezes moderate temperatures. Most of the grapes are harvested by machine at night.
79
What percentage of Picpoul de Pinet is made by co-ops?
80%
80
What are the styles, soils, and grape varieties of Faugères Cru AOC?
Style: Red (85%) Rosé (13%) White (2%) Soils: Schist Grape Variety: - Red: Syrah, Grenach, Mourvedre, Carignan, and Cinsault - White: Grenache Blanc, Roussance, Marsanne, Vermentino, Bourboulenc, Clairette, and Viognier.
81
Describe the location/geography and mesoclimate of Faugeres Cru?
- It is nestled within the foothills of the Cévennes Mountains 12 miles / 20 km north of Beziers. - Vineyards are inbetween woodland, garrigue, escarpments, and hills all planted on gray-white schist.
82
What is unique about Faugeres being a Cru AOP?
There are only Six (Corbieres-Boutenac, Saint Chinian, Berlou, Saint Chinian Roquebrun, Minervois La Liviniere, and La Clape) - Cru does not implie status and is used to describe an upper tier of AOCs
83
What is the style, soil, and grape variety of Saint Chinian AOP?
Style: Red (83%), Rose (13%), White (4%) Soils: Schist in the north, Clay/Limestone in the south Grape Variety: - Red : Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Lladoner Pelut, (min 70%) Carignan, Cinsauld. - White : Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Vermintino (90%), balance from Carignan Blanc, Clairette, Viognier, Maccabeau, Bourboulenc
84
Describe the location/geography and mesoclimate of Saint Chinian AOP
- Sandwiched between the Minervois (located to the southwest) and Faugeres (situated to the Northeast). - It is planted mainly to red GSM with Lladoner Pelut making a sizeable contribution
85
Does Saint Chinian have any Cru AOCs
Yes it has 2 of the 6. Both are in the northern tip of the zone Berlou to the west and Roquebrun to the east.
86
What is the style, soil, and grape variety of Terrasses Du Larzac AOP
Style: Red Soils: Clay, Stone, iron-rich reddish clay (ruffe) and limestone from the Causse du Larzac or Larzac Plateau Grape Variety: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre (min 60%) Carignan, Cinsault (max 30%)
87
Describe the Location/Geography and mesoclimate of Terrasses du Larzac AOP?
- Similar to Pic St Loup in that it possesses a more continental climate coupled witha higher level of average rainfall (32 inches / 800mm) - Vineyards are situated at the foot of the Larzac Plateau where it is not unusual to experience a 45F degree (25C) different between night and day.
88
What level of yields do most producers harvest at?
Much lower than the permitted maximum of 2.7 tons per acre (45 hl/ha)
89
What is the style, soil, and grape variety of Minervois AOP?
Style: Red (94%) White (2%) Rose (4%) Soils: Clay, Limestone, some sandstone, marble and schist Grape Variety: - Red : Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre (min 60%) Carignan, cinsault, Terret, Aspiran, Piquepoul (max 40%) - White : Marsanne, Roussanne, Maccabeu, Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Vermentino, Muscat à Petit Grains.
90
Describe the Location/Geography and mesoclimate of Minervois AOC?
- It is situated north of the Canal du Midid between Carcassonne (to the west) and Narbonne (to the east). Unlike Corbieres (to the south) the wines of Minervois tend to be Syrah-based with high proportions of Grenache and Mourvedre.
91
What is the style, soil, and grape variety of Corbieres AOP?
Style: Red (95%) Rose (3%) White (2%) Soils: Predominantly Limestone with Schist, Red Clays, Galets and marl Grape Variety: - Red: Carignan (max 50%), Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Lladoner Pelut, Cinsault, (max 20% for red max 70% for rose) - White: Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Vermentino, Clairette, Terret, Muscat (max 10%)
92
Describe the Location/Geography and mesoclimate of Corbieres AOP?
- Corbieres is the biggest, non-regional appellation in the Languedoc and the 4th largest in France. Covers 43,000 acres / 17,200 ha of which 29,500 acres / 11,500 ha are planted to vines. - Reds are carignan based.
93
Where is Corbieres Boutenac?
It is one of the 6 Crus and it lies nestled within the protective flanks of the Alaric Mountains to the northwest and the Massif Fontfroide to the east.
94
What is the style, soil, and grape variety of Fitou AOP?
Style: Red Soils: Clay/Limestone (Maritime Region), Limestone/Sandstone (Haut Fitou) Grape Variety: Carignan/Grenache (min 60%) Syrah, Mourvedre
95
What is unique about Fitou in terms of its geography and structure?
Fitou is divided into two sub-zones : Fitou Maritime (close to the coast) and Haut Fitou (18 miles / 30 km further inland, midst the mountains)
96
What is the style, soil, and grape variety of La Clape Cru?
Style: Red (90%) White (10%) Soils: predominantly limestone with some sandstone and red iron-rich soils Grape Variety: - Red : Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre (min 70%) Carignan, Cinsault - White : Bourboulenc (min 40%), Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Picpoul, Rolle plus Carignan Blanc, Maccabeau, Terret and Ugni Blanc.
97
Describe the Location/Geography and mesoclimate of La Clape Cru?
- Landscape is dominated by the Massif de la Clape, a limestone outcrop sandwiched between the city of Narbonne and the sea. - One of the hottest and driest parts of France. Vines are constantly battered by winds and the soil is nothing but stones.
98
What is the style, soil, and grape variety of Cabardes AOP?
Style: Red (90%) and Rose (10%) Soils: Limestone ... with granite and gneiss on the higher slopes Grape Variety: - Red : Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc (min 40%), Syrah, Grenache (min 40%), Côt (Malbec), Fer Servadou, Cinsault (max 20%)
99
Describe the Location/Geography and Mesoclimate of Cabardes AOP?
- The wind is noticeable and is where the cooler Atlantic breezes meet the more temperate and humid winds of the Mediterranean. They blow alternately in an evenly divided struggle with neither triumphin over the other. - There is thus an equal split between Mediterranean and Atlantic Varieties.
100
What is the style, soil, and grape variety of Malepere AOP
Style: Red (70%) and Rose (30%) Soils: Clay/Limestone Grape Variety: Merlot (min 50%), Côt (min 20%), Cabernet Franc (min 20%), Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, and Cinsault. - Rosé must be a minimum 50% Cabernet Franc (and can incorporate Syrah whereas the red Malepere cannot)
101
Describe the Location/Geography and Mesoclimate of Malepere AOP?
- Malepere is the most westerly Appellation of the Languedoc. It is flatter and more open than the other Atlantic-Influenced appellations of Cabardes and Limoux but is subject to the same cool westerly breezes. - Atlantic Varieties make up the majority of the REd Blend Here and Merlot (min. 50%) forms the backbone.
102
What is the style, soil, and grape variety of Limoix AOP?
Style: Red, White, and sparkling Soils: Limestone interspersed with some sandstone, quartz and clay Grape Variety: - Red : Merlot, Côt, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Syrah, Carignan - White and Sparkling : Mauzac, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay.
103
When should Pinot Noir be incorporated into a wine from Limoux.
It is permitted for Cremant de Limoux Sparkling but not for AOC Limoux Red.
104
Describe the Location/Geography and Mesoclimate of Limoux.
Limoux is the southermost of the "Atlantic Corridor" appellations and encompasses five different AOCs: 2 for still wine 3 for sparkling wine
105
What are the 3 sparkling wine AOPS for Limoux
(i) Blanquette de Limoux AOC (ii) Crémant de Limoux AOC (iii) Blanquette Méthode Ancestrale AOC
106
What are the varieties for Blanquette de Limoux AOC
- min 90% Mauzac, up to 10% Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay. - It is the oldest sparkling wine in the world. - Aged 9 months sur lie and are made in either brut or demi-sec style
107
What are the varieties for Crémant de Limoux AOC
- Charonnay (min 40%), Chenin Blanc (between 20-40%) with a max 90% of both. Mauzac and/or Pinot Noir are allowed to complete the blend. - Rosé has been permitted since 2006. Achieved by blending in 10% Pinot Noir to the assemblage.
108
How long does Cremant de Limoux age for sur lie?
12 months.
109
What are the Varieties for Blanquette Methode Ancestrale?
100% Mauzac
110
What is the production method of Blanquette Methode Ancestrale?
(i) the partially fermented must is chilled in December and bottled in March Under the waning moon. This produces a lightly sparkling wine which is slightly cloudy due to the yeast still present in the bottle. (ii) Chill the partially fermented must and then bottle with the addition of yeasty (often in the form of alginate beads) and disgorge after a brief 2-3 month ageing period.
111
What is the ABV of the finished wine from Blanquette Methode Ancestrale?
Cannot exceed 7% alcohol. Residual Sugar should lie between 6-8% (60-80g/l) and each bottle must undergo a minimum of two months ageing before release. The addition of yeast is allowed to initiate the second fermentation but the addition of sugar syrup or yeast nutrients is forbidden. No Liqueur d'expedition is allowed
112
What are the grape varieties and requirements for Limoux AOC - White still wine?
Grapes - Mauzac (min of 15%) Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc - Allowance of 3 authorized grapes (Mauzac must be at least 15% of the vineyard area) - Hand-harvesting - Barrel Fermentation - Ageing in Barrel until at least May Following the vintage (min 7 months) Some of the best chardonnay in Languedoc. Small productions
113
What are the grape varieties and requirements for Limoux AOC - red wine?
Grapes - Merlot (min 50%), Côt/Grenache/Syrah (min 30%), Carignan (max 10%), Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc (up to 20%) - A blend of at least 3 varieties with the percentages of each quite rigorously defined - machine or hand harvested - ageing in tank or barrel for a min of 7 months. Tend to be tight and lean
114
What are Vin Doux Naturels AOCS?
They are all made from the same varietal - Muscat à Petit Grains Blanc. For each the fermenting must is fortified with a neutral grape spirity to finish the wine with 15% alcohol and a minimum of 11% (110 g/l) residiual sugar. ( with the exception that Saint Jean de Minervois which must finish with 12.5% or 125 g/l residual sugar)
115
What is Mutage?
The process of arresting a fermenting must through the addition of grape spirit.
116
How are Languedoc AOC VDN harvested?
By hand and no irrigation is permitted.
117
What are the four Languedoc AOC VDNs?
Muscat de Lunel Muscat de Mireval Muscat de Frontignan Muscat de Saint Jean de Minervois.
118
What is the traditional and current pruning method in Languedoc
Traditional : Gobelet Current : Guyot
