Languedoc: Appellations Flashcards
List the appellations of the Languedoc (without the VDN AOCs).
- Languedoc AOC (1985 as Coteaux du Languedoc, 2007 as Languedoc AOC): 23% of total AOC production; (Gres de Montpellier: 5%)
- Clairette du Languedoc AOC (1948)
- Picpoul de Pinet AOC (2013): 4%
- Pic Saint-Loup AOC (2017): 2%
- Terrasses du Larzac AOC (2014)
- Faugeres AOC (1982): 4%
- Saint-Chinian AOC (1982, Dry White 2005): 6%
- Minervois AOC (1985): 9%
- Minervois-La Liviniere AOC (1999)
- La Clape AOC (2015): 2%
- Corbieres AOC (1985): 24%
- Corbieres Boutenac AOC (2005)
- Fitou AOC (1948): 4%
- Cabardes AOC (1999)
- Malepere AOC (2007)
- Limoux AOC (1938, Dry White, Red 1959): 5%
-
Cremant de Limoux AOC (1990)
Other: 12%
What area does the the Languedoc AOC cover?
This regional appellation covers all of Languedoc & Roussillon, although not many Roussillon producers opt to use it.
What styles of wine are produced under the Languedoc AOC?
- Dry White: blend of a wide variety of grapes
- Rose: based on Grenache, Lledoner Pelut, Syrah & Mourvedre
- Red: based on Grenache, Lledoner Pelut, Syrah & Mourvedre
These wines must be blends of at least two grape varieties.
Which grape varieties are permitted under the Languedoc AOC?
White:
* [P] Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Piquepoul Blanc, Roussanne, Tourbat, Vermentino
* [S] Carignan Blanc, Macabeu, Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc, Terret Blanc, Viognier, Rivairenc Blanc, Assyrtiko
Rose/Gris:
* [S] Grenache Gris, Carignan Gris, Clairette Rose, Piquepoul Gris, Rivairenc Gris, Terret Gris
Red:
* [P] Grenache, Lledoner Pelut, Mourvedre, Syrah
* [S] Carignan, Cinsaut, Counoise, Morrastel, Piquepoul Noir, Rivairenc, Terret Noir, Agiorgitiko, Calabrese, Marselan
How many DGCs can be added to the Languedoc AOC on the label?
11
- Cabrieres
- Gres de Montpellier
- La Mejanelle
- Montpeyroux
- Pezenas
- Quatourze
- Saint-Christol
- Saint-Drezery
- Saint-Georges-d’Orques
- Saint-Saturnin
- Sommieres
What styles of wine are produced under the DGCs of Languedoc AOC?
Red wines only.
Except, the following can also produce roses:
* Cabrieres
* Saint-Saturnin
Which 2 AOCs are noteworthy for solely making varietal white wines in the Languedoc?
- Clairette du Languedoc AOC
- Picpoul de Pinet AOC
What styles of wine are produced in Clairette du Languedoc AOC?
- Dry White
- Semi-Sweet White: max. 4.5% (45g/l) RS; rare
- Fortified White: 0.9-4.0% (9-40g/l) RS; rare
All wines are made exclusively from the Clairette grape variety.
What topographical features influence the climate in Clairette du Languedoc AOC?
This appellation lies inland where:
* Mediterranean heat is mitigated by elevation (up to 990ft/300m) and
* Continental influences of the nearby Cevennes Mountains
What soil types are found in Clairette du Languedoc AOC?
Limestone
Where is Picpoul de Pinet AOC located?
The vineyards of this appellation descend to the large saltwater lake, Etang de Thau in the Languedoc - the only barrier between the vines and the sea.
What style of wine is produced in Picpoul de Pinet AOC?
Dry White
Made exclusively from Piquepoul
Where does Picpoul de Pinet AOC get its name?
- “Picpoul” is the Occitan spelling of the grape, Piquepoul
- Pinet is a village in the heart of the delimited zone of production
What influences the climate in Picpoul de Pinet AOC?
- Year-round sea breezes moderate temperatures
- Due to low altitude, and its situation near the sea, there is a very narrow diurnal temperature swing
How are grapes harvested in Picpoul de Pinet AOC?
By machine at night to bring slightly cooler fruit into the winery.
What percentage of production in Picpoul de Pinet AOC do co-ops account for?
80%
How are most wines in Picpoul de Pinet AOC produced?
- Fermented in stainless steel
- Bottled young to capitalize on the wine’s delicate citrus aromas
However, barrel-aged styles are also produced.
Which former DGCs of the Langudeoc AOC have recently gained independent AOC status?
- Pic Saint-Loup AOC
- Terrasses du Larzac AOC
They lie close to the Cevennes Mountains.
What styles of wine are produced in Pic Saint-Loup AOC?
- Rose
- Red
Wines must be a blend of at least two varieties, with Syrah always being one of them.
Which grape varieties are permitted in Pic Saint-Loup AOC?
Rose/Gris:
* [S] Grenache Gris
Red:
* [P] Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre
* [S] Carignan, Cinsaut, Counoise, Morrastel
Describe the landscape in Pic Saint-Loup AOC.
It is dominated by two limestone outcroppings, the tilted block of Pin Saint-Loup and the Falaise de l’Hortus (Cliff of Hortus). The two face each other midst an expanse of garrigue, whose characteristic resinous aroma often manifests itself in the wines.
What is the climate in Pic Saint-Loup AOC?
More continental, despite being only 18.5mi/30km from the Mediterranean.
* Cold winters
* Warm summers
* Ample rain (up to 40in/1,000mm), most of which falls outside the growing season
What styles of wine are produced in Terrasses du Larzac AOC?
Red
Wines must be a blend of 3 varieties.
Typically, they are Syrah, Grenache, & Mourvedre
Which grape varieties are permitted in Terrasses du Larzac AOC?
Red:
* [P] Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan
* [S] Cinsaut, Counoise, Lledoner Pelut, Morrastel, Terret Noir
What is the climate in Terrasses du Larzac AOC?
More continental (similar to Pic Saint-Loup).
How is it that Terrasses du Larzac AOC has some of the highest diurnal temperature swings in the Languedoc?
These vineyards are situated at the foot of the Larzac Plateau where it is not unusual to experience a 45°F/25°C diurnal temperature differential during the summer.
Cool air masses descend from the plateau in the evening hours.
What soil types are found in Terrasses du Larzac AOC?
A mix of clays & limestone.
What makes the wines of Terrasses du Larzac AOC high quality?
Most producers harvest grapes at much lower yields than the permitted maximum.
What percentage of the vineyards in Terrasses du Larzac AOC are organic?
50% (as of 2020)
Where is Faugeres AOC located?
This appellation is nestled within the foothills of the Cevennes Mountains, 12mi/20km north of Beziers.
Vineyard parcels are tucked in between woodland, garrigue & escarpments.
What factors influence the climate in Faugeres AOC?
- Elevation (plantings lie at an average of 990ft/300m) tempers the heat
- North winds tempers Mediterranean heat
What soil types are found in Faugeres AOC?
Schist
What styles of wine are produced in Faugeres AOC?
- Dry White: Roussanne must be included
- Rose
- Red
All wines must be a blend of at least 2 varieties.
Overall production is predominantly red.
Which grape varieties are permitted in Faugeres AOC?
White:
* [P] Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Vermentino
* [S] Clairette, Viognier
Red:
* [P] Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Lledoner Pelut
* [S] Carignan, Cinsaut
Where are the vineyards of Saint-Chinian AOC planted?
At the foot of the Espinouse Mountains midst hills and escarpments at elevations up to 1,320ft/400m in the Languedoc.
The elevation helps mitigate heat.
What soil types are found in Saint-Chinian AOC?
- Schist
- Clay/limestone
What styles of wine are produced in Saint-Chinian AOC?
- Dry White: Grenache Blanc is the most important variety for white wines
- Rose
- Red
The 3 main red varieties are: Grenache, Syrah & Mourvedre with a sizable contribution from Lledoner Pelut.
Most production is either red or rose.
Which grape varieties are permitted in Saint-Chinian AOC?
White:
* [P] Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Vermentino
* [S] Carignan Blanc, Clairette, Viognier
Red:
* [P] Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Lledoner Pelut
* [S] Carignan, Cinsaut
Name the 2 DGCs of Saint-Chinian AOC.
- Berlou: Reds, typically from Grenache, Syrah & Mourvedre blends with a high percentage of the secondary grape Carignan
- Roquebrun: Reds, predominantly from Grenache & Syrah
These are both found on schist soils.
Where is Minervois AOC located?
This appellation is situated north of the Canal du Midi between Carcassonne (to the west) and Narbonne (to the east) in the Languedoc.
What soil types are found in Minervois AOC?
Predominantly clay & limestone with pockets of sandstone.
What styles of wine are produced in Minervois AOC?
- Dry White: must be min. 80% of the primary varieties
- Rose
- Red: tend to be Syrah-based with high proportions of Grenache & Mourvedre
The vast majority of production is red.
Which grape varieties are permitted in Minervois AOC?
White:
* [P] Bourboulence, Grenache Blanc, Macabeu, Marsanne, Rousanne, Vermentino
* [S] Clairette, Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc, Piquepoul Blanc, Terret Blanc
Red:
* [P] Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Lledoner Pelut
* [S] Cinsaut, Piquepoul Noir, Carignan, Rivairenc, Terret Noir
Where is La Liviniere AOC?
This AOC lies in the northern portion of the Minervois appellation in the foothills of the Montagne Noire.
Note: This AOC was previously named Minervois-La Liviniere AOC and has since had Minervois removed from the appellation name.
Errata 2022
What soil types are found in La Liviniere AOC?
Schist
What style of wine is produced in La Liviniere AOC?
Red
Syrah, Grenache & Mourvedre form the backbone of the blends with Syrah taking the primary role.
Which grape varieties are permitted in La Liviniere AOC?
Red:
* [P] Grenache, Syrah, Lledoner Pelut, Mourvedre
* [S] Cinsaut, Piquepoul Noir, Carignan, Rivairenc, Terret Noir
Describe the landscape in La Clape AOC.
This appellation is one of the most beautiful & yet hostile locations for grape cultivation in Languedoc.
The landscape is dominated by the Massif de la Clape, a limestone outcrop sandwiched between the city of Narbonne & the sea.
This is one of the hottest, driest & sunniest parts of France.
The vines are constantly battered by winds, and the soil is nothing but stones.
Note: in the last 10 years, the area has gained a reputation for producing some of the best wines in the region.
What styles of wine are produced in La Clape AOC?
- Dry White: Based on Bourboulenc & Grenache Blanc
- Red: Mainly Grenache, Syrah, & Mourvedre
Which grape varieties are permitted in La Clape AOC?
White:
* [P] Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Vermentino, Piquepoul
* [S] Macabeu, Terret Blanc, Viognier
Red:
* [P] Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre
* [S] Carignan, Cinsaut
Which non-regional appellatioin is the largest in the Languedoc?
Corbieres AOC
And the 4th largest by volume in France.
It covers 42,500ac/17,200ha of which 26,200/10,600ha are planted to the vine.
Where does Corbieres AOC get its name?
From the jagged limestone hills that dominate the region.
What soil types are found in Corbieres AOC?
Most vineyards are planted on limestone, but there is also:
* Schist
* Red Clay
* Galets
* Marl
What styles of wine are produced in Corbieres AOC?
- Dry White
- Rose
- Red
All styles of wine must be a blend of a least 2 varieties.
The over-whelming majority of production is Carignan-based red wine.
Which grape varieties are permitted in Corbieres AOC?
White:
* [P] Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Macabeu, Marsanne, Roussanne, Vermentino
* [S] Carignan Blanc, Clairette, Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc, Piquepoul Blanc, Terret Blanc, Viognier
Rose/Gris:
* [S] Grenache Gris
Red:
* [P] Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan, Lledoner Pelut
* [S] Cinsaut, Piquepoul Noir, Terret Noir, Marselan
Where is Boutenac AOC located?
This appellation lies within the Corbieres AOC and is nestled within the protective flanks of the Alaric Mountain to the west and the Massif de Fontfroide to the east.
Note: this AOC was previously called Corbieres Boutenac AOC but the Corbieres has been dropped.
Errata 2022
What soil types are found in Corbieres Boutenac AOC?
Soils are varied:
* Iron-rich clay
* Limestone
* Galets
What styles of wine are produced in Corbieres Boutenac AOC?
Red
No one variety can be more than 80% of the blend, but at least 30% must be Carignan.
Which grape varieties are permitted in Corbieres Boutenac AOC?
Red:
* [P] Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Carignan
What are the non-contiguous zones of production for the Fitou AOC?
- Fitou Maritime (close to the coast)
- Haut Fitou (18mi/30km further inland, midst the mountains
What soil types are found in Fitou AOC?
- Fitou Maritime: clay/limestone
- Haut Fitou: limestone/sandstone
What style of wine is produced in Fitou AOC?
Red
Wines are typically Carignan & Grenache blends.
Which grape varieties are permitted in Fitou AOC?
Red:
* [P] Carignan, Grenache
* [S] Mourvedre, Syrah
Which appellation in the Languedoc is the only one where there is an equal split between Mediterranean & Atlantic varieties?
Cabardes AOC
The climate here has dual influences that allow for both types of grapes.
What influences contribute to the winds in Cabardes AOC?
This is where the cooler Atlantic breezes meet the more temperate winds of the Mediterranean.
They blow alternately in an evenly divided struggle with neither triumphing over the other.
What soil types are found in Cabardes AOC?
- Limestone
- Granite
- Gneiss
What styles of wine are produced in Cabardes AOC?
- Rose
- Red
Blends must consist of at least 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and/or Cabernet Franc and at least 40% Grenache and/or Syrah.
Which grape varieties are permitted in Cabardes AOC?
Red:
* [P] Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Syrah
* [S] Cot, Fer Servadou, Cinsaut
Which is the most westerly appellation of the Languedoc?
Malepere AOC
It is flatter & more open than the other Atlantic-influenced appellations of Cabardes & Limoux, but it is subject to the same cool westerly breezes.
What soil types are found in Malepere AOC?
Limestone & clay
What styles of wine are produced in Malepere AOC?
- Rose: min. 40% Cabernet Franc (backbone)
- Red
Atlantic varieties make up the majority of the red blends:
* min. 40% Merlot (backbone)
* min. 20% Cot and/or Cabernet Franc
Which grape varieties are permitted in Malepere AOC?
Red:
* [P] Cabernet Franc, Merlot
* [S] Cot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsaut, Grenache, Lledoner Pelut
Where is Limoux AOC located?
This appellation is located 22mi/35km southwest of Carcassonne in the Aude Valley in the Languedoc.
It is sheltered on three sides by two plateaus and the Pyrenees.
What soils types are found in Limoux AOC?
Stony clay-limestone
What styles of wines are produced in Limoux AOC?
- Dry White: from Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc & Mauzac (all must be hand-harvested)
- Red: primarily Merlot; Cot, Syrah and/or Grenache typically make up the balance (there must be min. 3 varieties in the blend and their proportions are stringently defined)
- Sparkling White
How are the white blended wines of Limoux AOC made?
- from Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc & Mauzac
- all grapes are hand-harvested
- wines are barrel fermented
- cannot be sold until May of the year after harvest
Which Limoux AOC white wine represents some of the best to be produced in the Languedoc?
Limoux Chardonnay
Production is small, but the overall quality level is very high.
How are red wines made in Limoux AOC?
- Primarily Merlot
- Cot, Syrah and/or Grenache make up the balance
- min. 3 varieties in the blend (proportions are stringently defined)
- grapes can be hand or machine harvested
- wines are aged in tank or barrel until at least April 15 of the year after vintage
The best red Limoux is both vivacious & structured.
Which sparkling wine claims to be the oldest in the world?
Blanquette de Limoux
How is Blanquette de Limoux made?
- Primarily Mauzac
- Possible additions of small amounts of Chardonnay and/or Chenin Blanc
- Wines are aged sur lie for 9 months
How is Blanquette Methode Ancestrale made?
- From 100% Mauzac
- Finished with 6-7% alcohol
- Min. 2 months aging
- Has a delicate sweetness
What styles of wine are produced in Cremant de Limoux AOC?
- Sparkling White
- Sparkling Rose
Which grape varieties are permitted in Cremant de Limoux AOC?
White:
* [P] Chardonnay
* [S] Chenin Blanc, Mauzac Blanc
Red:
* [S] Pinot Noir
What are the blending parameters for white sparkling wine from Cremant de Limoux AOC?
The typical blend is:
* 60% Chardonnay
* 30% Chenin Blanc
* 10% Mauzac
This is not a prescribed blend.
Most bottlings have a high proportion of Chardonnay.
Pinot Noir has recently been approved as a blending partner, so the “mix” is bound to start changing.
How are rose sparkling wines produced in Cremant de Limoux AOC?
A min. 15% of Pinot Noir is added to the assemblage.
Name the 4 Languedoc VDNs.
- Muscat de Lunel AOC: min 11% (110g/l) RS
- Muscat de Mireval AOC: min 11% (110g/l) RS
- Muscat de Frontignan AOC: min 11% (110g/l) RS
- Muscat de Saint-Jean-de-Minervois AOC: min. 12.5% (125g/l) RS
What do all 4 of the VDN producing AOCs in Languedoc have in common?
- 100% Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc
- made in a reductive manner
- Grapes are hand harvested
- No irrigation is permitted
Where is Muscat de Lunel AOC located?
This appellation is situated between Montpellier and Nimes and is the most easterly of the Langudoc Muscat AOCs.
What soils are found in Muscat de Lunel AOC?
Rocky, with many galets
What is the climate in Muscat de Lunel AOC?
Decidedly Mediterranean
How early are the grapes in Muscat de Lunel AOC harvested and why?
Mid-August; due to the sun and reflected heat from the rocky soil
What topographical feature helps mitigate the heat in Muscat de Mireval AOC & Muscat de Frontignan AOC?
The Mediterranean; sea breezes mitigate the heat.
What soil types are found in Muscat de Mireval AOC?
Clay & limestone with a good sprinkling of galets.
What commune is shared by Muscat de Mireval AOC and Muscat de Frontignan AOC?
Vic-la-Gardiole
Here, producers can choose whether to label their wine as Muscat de Mireval or Frontignan.
Which is the oldest and largest of the Muscat VDNs in Languedoc?
Muscat de Frontignan AOC
What soil types are found in Muscat de Frontignan AOC?
Predominantly clay & limestone, with an increasing percentage of sand in the mix as vineyards approach the sea.
Which of the VDN producing AOCs of the Languedoc makes some of the most powerful Muscats?
Muscat de Frontignan AOC
Where is Muscat de Saint-Jean-de-Minervois AOC located?
This appellation is located in the northeastern corner of Minervois.
What is the climate in Muscat de Saint-Jean-de-Minervois AOC?
Continental influences due to elevation (825-990ft/250-300m).
What are the characteristics of wines from Muscat de Saint-Jean-de-Minervois AOC?
Very fragrant and floral with a higher level of acidity than their coastal counterparts.
How many IGPs are there in the Languedoc?
20
Including regional:
* Pays d’Oc IGP (By far the most important IGP in Languedoc and in France
Departmental:
* Aude IGP
Local/Zonal:
* Cotes de Thongue IGP
What styles of wine are produced under Pays d’Oc IGP?
- Dry White
- Rose
- Red
- Sweet White
Which grape varieties are permitted in Pays d’Oc IGP?
White:
* [P] Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc, Vermentino, Colombard, Terret Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne & other indigenous varieties.
Rose/Gris:
* [P] Grenache Gris & others
Red:
* [P] Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan, Cinsaut, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Marselan & other indigenous & international varieties.
How much area does the Pays d’Oc IGP cover?
Around half the planted area of Languedoc & Roussillon.
How much wine is bottled under the Pays d’Oc IGP?
6.5 million hectolitres
(This is about half of Australia’s total production, or around one-third of that of the USA)
This is the largest and most exported IGP in France.
What percentage of all French varietal wine is produced under Pays d’Oc IGP?
92%
How many grape varieties are sanctioned under Pays d’Oc IGP?
58 (as of 2020)
Including newcomers:
* Albarino
* Caladoc (a Grenache x Malbec cross)
What percentage of wine production under Pays d’Oc IGP is red, white, or rose?
- 54% Red
- 25% White
- 21% Rose
What are the most used grape varieties under Pays d’Oc IGP?
- Red wines: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, totaling over 80%
- White wines: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, totaling nearly 85%
- Rose wines: Grenache, Cinsaut, Syrah, totaling around 80%
What production rules apply to Pays d’Oc IGP?
- Requires tasting approval
- Non-varietally labeled wines must consist of more than 50% primary grapes and less than 50% secondary grapes in each respective wine category
- Wines can be labeled with several grape varieties if those varieties are principal grape varieties and if each constitutes at least 15% of the total
- White grapes may be incorporated into red & rose wine if red & white grape varieties are fermented together and if the white grapes constitute no more than 20% of the final blend