Languedoc Pt 1 - General & viticultural History Flashcards
What was the original language spoken in Languedoc in the Middle Ages?
Occitan - the language of yes.
What was the original name of Languedoc and most of S.France?
Occitania.
How might the language of “yes” be interpreted nowadays and reflected in its approach to viticulture?
It may be seen as a land of opportunity where new things can happen.
Give examples of how Languedoc is a land of change/opportunity?
Exploiting the railroads for new markets;
Replanting post-phylloxera;
First French cooperative;
trialling new hybrids;
Embracing Vins de Pays category.
Where are the best Languedoc wines made?
In the hills where yields are naturally curtailed.
Why is it difficult for top-end wines form Languedoc to command fine wine prices?
The consumer stilll regards Languedoc as the IGP wine producer. This will take time to change.
What did the Romans build to facilitate trade in Languedoc?
The Via Domitia which connected Spain to Italy through S.France. It became the main axis for the wine trade. Vineyards were planted on both sides of this roadway.
Which port city in Langeudoc did the Romans colonise between 125 and 118 BCE?
Narbo (Narbonne)
How did the colonisation of Narbo stimulate the wine trade of Languedoc?
Narbo is on the intersection of the Via Domitia, the Aude River and the Mediterranean. It enabled cargo to pass from sea to river to land and became an important link to Carcassone and the interior.
Who took over viticulture and wine production in Languedoc after the fall of Rome?
The monks and the main consumers were the Catholic Church.
What role did the Aragon Empire have on winemaking in Languedoc?
From 1204 to 1349 Montpellier was considered part of the Aragon Empire. Winemakers started to experiment with adding spirit to fermenting must to stabilise sweet wine.
Who is credited with the technique of adding spirit to must?
Arnand de Villeneuve, an alchemist/physician living in Montpellier. It is known as “mutage”.
What was the impact of Mutage in Languedoc?
A huge trade in Vin Doux Naturel ensued some 400 years before the creation of port wines. There is still a thriving industry today.
Who is said to have discovered sparkling wine in Languedoc?
The monks of Saint-Hilaire in 1531 while crafting Blanquette de Limoux - 150 years before Dom Perignon in Champagne.
Which canal connected the Mediterranean to the Atlantic (almost), bypassing Spain and providing a shorter route?
150 miles long, Canal du Midi built 1667 to 1681. It ran from Sete to meet the Garonne in Toulouse which flowed on to the Gironde Estuary and the Atlantic. UNESCO site 1996.
What action did the Bordelais take when the Canal du Midi was in operation?
They enacted protectionist laws to prevent the sale of Languedoc wines through their port to other parts of France nd European markets.
Who were the main trading partners for Languedoc in the 17th Century?
The Dutch who needed wine in quantity. The sweet wines of Languedoc were less expensive than the dessert wines of Bordeaux.
How did wine style of Languedoc change in the 18th Century?
It became mainly dry white destined for brandy production to supply Napoleon’s army.
When did the Bordelais rescind the protectionist laws against Languedoc?
In 1776. A second canal was built linking Toulose to Castes-en-Dorthe parallel to the Garonne for easier transportation.
Which innovation may have had the most influence on the Languedoc wine industry in the 19th century?
The railroad between Paris, Lyon and Marseilles opened in 1855.
How did the railroad impact Languedoc wine production?
The low cost speedy transport opened up the the N.France and Europen markets. Production quadrupled over the next 25 years.
Which disease struck Languedoc in the middle of its vineyard expansion?
Phylloxera in 1863.
How did Languedoc respond to phylloxera?
It was the first to replant with the American rootstock.
How did Languedoc’s response to phylloxera affect their wine industry?
They became a source for French wine whilst others were still ripping out the diseased vines. By 1900 it was the largest supplier of wine and responsible for nearly 50% of Frnce’s total production.
Where and when was the first French wine cooperative established?
1905 in Maraussan near Bezieres.
How many coops in Languedoc now? What is their production output?
There are around 50 - responsible for close to 70% of Languedoc’s total production
What was the historical focus of winemaking in Languedoc?
Quantity rather than quantity. Very few AOC were awarded.
When were Languedoc and Rousillon joined administratively?
- They now comprise the largest growing region in S.France.
What is the benefit of the joining of Languedoc and Rousillon for wine production?
The regional Pays d’Oc and Languedoc AOC can incorporate grapes from both areas.
How have new AOCs gained momentum in the Languedoc?
The return to terroir wines has menat they have grown but still only represent 10% of production. IGP is 74% and VdF is 16%.
What is the production by AOC of Languedoc?
Corbieres - 24%;
Languedoc AOC - 23%;
Minervois - 9%;
St. Chininan- 6%;
Limoux - 5%
Fitou, Picpoul, Faugeres - 4% each;
Pic St Loup, La Clape - 2% each.
