Languedoc Flashcards
Describe the general topography of Languedoc
Mainly located on low lying alluvial plain
Some producers are now reclaiming hillside sites with the aim of making higher quality wines
What is the climate in Languedoc?
Warm Mediterranean
What two key events led to an increase in fortunes for wines from the Languedoc?
- Building of the Canal Midi in the 17th century connected the region to Bordeaux
- Railway connecting the south to Paris built in the mid 19th century
These two events meant that the area was better connected enabling more export
Compare the amount of land under vine in Languedoc today with the mid 20th century.
Why has this changed?
The total area under vine has halved
Post 1973 Languedoc combined with Roussillon became France’s biggest source of wine (it was no longer sourcing wines from Algeria)
Over production in relation to demand led to the eventual removal of vineyards
Although today the region still produces inexpensive wines there is increasing interest in small, quality production
What is the name of the dry, north west wind that blows for 200 days a year?
What affect does this have on the growing environment?
The Tramontaine
Low fungal disease pressure
More organic production
How much rainfall per year does the Languedoc receive?
What effect does this have?
Under 600mm
Reduces disease pressure
Can reduce yields in very dry years (where irrigation is not installed)
How has the way that vines are typically trained in the Languedoc changed over time?
Historically vines were grown as bush vines (well adapted to the climate, providing some training), however most work must be done by hand, adding to cost
New vineyards are planted with trellises enabling mechanisation, reducing labour costs
If winemakers want to make deeply coloured, early drinking, low tannin wines (particularly with Carignan), describe what winemaking method might be used
Carbonic maceration
What percentage of production in the Languedoc is IGP wine?
70%
What percentage of French wine is labelled as IGP Pays d’Oc?
10 to 15% depending on the vintage
What percentage of IGP Pays d’Oc wine is:
Red
White
Rose?
Red: 50%
White: 25%
Rose: 25%
What are the top four varietals grown in Pays d’Oc IGP?
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Chardonnay
Syrah
What percentage of Pays d’Oc IGP wine is exported?
What are the main markets?
50%
Germany, Netherlands and Belgium
What percentage of Pays d’Oc IGP wine is consumed domestically?
What are the most important routes to market?
50%
Supermarkets, but hospitality is significant
What are the principle varieties in Languedoc AOC?
What rules are there on the final composition of the wine?
Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre
- Must be minimum 2 varieties, including one principle variety
- No variety can exceed 80%
- Total combination of principle varieties must be 40% minimum
What is the maximum yield for Languedoc AOC whites?
60hl/ha
What is the maximum yield for Languedoc AOC reds?
50hl/ha
Give a typical tasting note for Languedoc AOC red
Medium intensity Simple blackberry, plum Medium acidity Medium tannin Medium body Medium alcohol Acceptable to good Inexpensive to mid-priced
Corbières is a ____ appellation south west of Narbonne with _____ha under vine.
Two key mountain ranges, _____ and ____ provide sites for vineyards on slopes up to _____m above sea lever
hilly
10,000ha
Tauch and d’Alaric
450m
Describe the soils you would expect to find in Corbières
Limestone alternates with schist, clays, marls and sandstone
What cooling influences does Corbières experience?
- Altitude (vineyards up to 450m)
- Cold northern winds
What rules are there on the final composition of Corbières wines?
- min 40% Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and/or Mourvedre
- Remainder from other varieties BUT cannot exceed 20% e.g. Cinsault
What is the maximum yield for Corbières?
Name the four principle varieties
50hl/ha
Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre
What rules are there on the final composition of Corbières-Boutenac wines?
- 70% GSM (combined or singly)
What percentage of Corbières wine is sold in France?
What is the main route to market domestically?
70%
Mostly through supermarkets
What percentage of Corbières wine is exported?
Where are the main export markets?
30%
China, Germany and Belgium
Minervois is an extensive appellation with a range of climatic zones based on ____ and proximity to _____
The _____, _____ land sloping towards the River Aude is _____ prized - fruit is used for ______ wines
Based on altitude and proximity to the Mediterranean
Hotter drier land
Less prized - fruit is used for inexpensive wines
What rules are there on the final composition of Minervois wines?
- Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan and Cinsault must be 50% of the wine
- No one variety may exceed 80%
Minervois la Livinière is an AOC for ___ wine only.
It is situated on ____ soils, on _____ slopes up to ____ metres above sea level
Describe the influence this has on grapes grown here
Red
Limestone soils on gentle slopes up to 400m
Good drainage
Sunlight exposure
Cooling influence of altitude
Higher acidity than Minervois AOC wines
What rules are there on the final composition of Minervois La Livinière wines?
- Syrah, Mourvedre and Grenache must make up 40% minimum
- The above grapes plus Carignan and Cinsault must make up minimum 80%
The most characterful wines of Saint Chinian AOC are from the ____ and ____ of the appellation, at altitudes often well above ____m
North and west
Above 600m
Describe the soils in found in the north and west of Saint Chinian AOC
Fast draining, arid schist soils
Lower yields and highly concentrated wines
Name two subzones found in the north and west of Saint Chinian. Name the main grapes
ST CHINIAN BERLOU - Carignan marked reds
ST CHINIAN-ROQUEBRUN - More Rhône varietals, mostly Syrah
Describe the soils in found in the south of Saint Chinian AOC
How does this affect the wines from there?
Clay and limestone with greater water holding capacity
Less concentrated wines, higher yields
What rules are there on the final composition of St. Chinian reds and roses?
-Minimum 50% Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre
Which was the first AOC in Languedoc, first formed in 1948?
Fitou
Describe the topography and soils of Fitou Maritime.
How does this affect the wines from there?
Coastal area of Fitou
Relatively flat, low lying plains
Clay and limestone soils
Good water retention
Wines are less concentrated than those from inland areas
Describe the topography and soils of Fitou Haut.
How does this affect the wines from there?
Inland area of Fitou
More mountainous
Schist soils
Less fertile, more fast draining
Wines are more concentrated than those from coastal areas
What rules are there on the final composition of Fitou AOC reds?
- 10 to 40% Carignan
- 20% Grenache
Which co-op is responsible for 50% of Fitou AOC’s production?
Mont Tauch
Describe the topography and soils of Faugères
How does this affect the wines from there?
Vineyards between 250 - 400m
Schist soils
Well-draining, low fertility
Concentrated wines
What are the average yields for Faugères wines?
33hl/ha - low yields
What percentage of vineyards in Faugères are organically farmed?
40%
What percentage of Faugères wines are sold in France?
90%
Describe the climate in Pic Saint Loup AOC
How much annual rainfall does the region experience?
More continental (similar to Northern Rhône) with cold winters and warm summers
1000mm per annum
Which variety in Pic Saint Loup AOC must make up at least 50% of the blend?
Syrah
Describe the soils in Pic Saint Loup AOC
Most vineyards are based on limestone
What types of wines can be produced in Terasses du Larzac AOC?
What rules are there surrounding the final blend?
Red wines only
Must be a blend of at least three varieties
What cooling influence in Terasses du Larzac AOC allows a high diurnal range?
Altitude - ripe flavours and high acidity
Name the well known premium wine grown that is made in Terasses du Larzac AOC
La Peira
Terasses du Larzac is attracting investment and is seeking to establish a reputation for quality
What percentage of wine from La Clape AOC is red?
80%
What rules are there on the final composition of La Clape AOC whites?
- Must include a minimum of 60% Bourboulenc and or Grenache Blanc
Describe the weather conditions in La Clape AOC.
Warm, sunny, arid and windy
Climate in Melapère AOC is influenced by _____, protected from influence from _____ by _______
Influenced by the Atlantic
Protected from influence from the Mediterranean by mountains
What grapes are typically grown in Melapère AOC?
What rules are there on the final composition of wines here?
Bordeaux varietals are grown alongside Languedoc varietals
- Minimum 40% Merlot
- Must be a blend of at least two grapes
Cabardes AOC is subject to influences from _____ and _____
The Atlantic and the Mediterranean
What rules are there on the final composition of wines from Cabardes AOC?
- Minimum 40% Bordeaux grapes (Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Merlot)
- Minimum 40% Grenache and or Syrah
Why has Picpoul de Pinet AOC seen rapid growth over the latter part of the 20th / early 21st century?
Arrival of new techniques in 70s and 80s (gentle pressing, temperature control, stainless steel)
Fruity wines are popular
Give a typical tasting note for Picpoul de Pinet AOC wines
Medium (-) intensity Lemon, light floral note Medium (+) to high acidity Medium bodied Acceptable to good
Who mainly consumes Picpoul de Pinet AOC domestically?
Tourists in the region
What percentage of Picpoul de Pinet AOC is exported?
Where are the main export markets?
65% of production
UK (accounts for 60%of exports)
USA
Netherlands
How much wine in Picpoul de Pinet AOC is produced by co-operatives?
90%
What style of wine in Languedoc has seen a 35% rise in production between 2010 and 2017?
Rosé
AOC wine from Languedoc is experiencing rapid growth - which are the two biggest markets for this?
USA and China
Name 3 super premium wineries from the Languedoc
Mas de Daumas Gassac
Peyre Rose
Grange des Pères
Main business development focus for Languedoc is on what price range?
Mid -priced wines
The Languedoc is a partner in which promotional body?
What is the name of the wine fair organised by this body?
Sud de France
Vini Sud
In which two Languedoc AOCs is Carignan a principle variety?
Corbières and Fitou
Which Languedoc AOC has a more continental climate and higher rainfall than other appellations here?
Pic-Saint-Loup AOC: warm summers, cold winters and up to 1,000mm of rain per annum
