Languedoc Pt 1 - General & viticultural History

Question 1

What was the original language spoken in Languedoc in the Middle Ages?

Answer 1

Occitan - the language of yes.

Question 2

What was the original name of Languedoc and most of S.France?

Answer 2

Occitania.

Question 3

How might the language of “yes” be interpreted nowadays and reflected in its approach to viticulture?

Answer 3

It may be seen as a land of opportunity where new things can happen.

Question 4

Give examples of how Languedoc is a land of change/opportunity?

Answer 4

Exploiting the railroads for new markets;
Replanting post-phylloxera;
First French cooperative;
trialling new hybrids;
Embracing Vins de Pays category.

Question 5

Where are the best Languedoc wines made?

Answer 5

In the hills where yields are naturally curtailed.

Question 6

Why is it difficult for top-end wines form Languedoc to command fine wine prices?

Answer 6

The consumer stilll regards Languedoc as the IGP wine producer. This will take time to change.

Question 7

What did the Romans build to facilitate trade in Languedoc?

Answer 7

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.

Question 8

Which port city in Langeudoc did the Romans colonise between 125 and 118 BCE?

Answer 8

Narbo (Narbonne)

Question 9

How did the colonisation of Narbo stimulate the wine trade of Languedoc?

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

Who took over viticulture and wine production in Languedoc after the fall of Rome?

Answer 10

The monks and the main consumers were the Catholic Church.

Question 11

What role did the Aragon Empire have on winemaking in Languedoc?

Answer 11

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.

Question 12

Who is credited with the technique of adding spirit to must?

Answer 12

Arnand de Villeneuve, an alchemist/physician living in Montpellier. It is known as “mutage”.

Question 13

What was the impact of Mutage in Languedoc?

Answer 13

A huge trade in Vin Doux Naturel ensued some 400 years before the creation of port wines. There is still a thriving industry today.

Question 14

Who is said to have discovered sparkling wine in Languedoc?

Answer 14

The monks of Saint-Hilaire in 1531 while crafting Blanquette de Limoux - 150 years before Dom Perignon in Champagne.

Question 15

Which canal connected the Mediterranean to the Atlantic (almost), bypassing Spain and providing a shorter route?

Answer 15

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.

Question 16

What action did the Bordelais take when the Canal du Midi was in operation?

Answer 16

They enacted protectionist laws to prevent the sale of Languedoc wines through their port to other parts of France nd European markets.

Question 17

Who were the main trading partners for Languedoc in the 17th Century?

Answer 17

The Dutch who needed wine in quantity. The sweet wines of Languedoc were less expensive than the dessert wines of Bordeaux.

Question 18

How did wine style of Languedoc change in the 18th Century?

Answer 18

It became mainly dry white destined for brandy production to supply Napoleon’s army.

Question 19

When did the Bordelais rescind the protectionist laws against Languedoc?

Answer 19

In 1776. A second canal was built linking Toulose to Castes-en-Dorthe parallel to the Garonne for easier transportation.

Question 20

Which innovation may have had the most influence on the Languedoc wine industry in the 19th century?

Answer 20

The railroad between Paris, Lyon and Marseilles opened in 1855.

Question 21

How did the railroad impact Languedoc wine production?

Answer 21

The low cost speedy transport opened up the the N.France and Europen markets. Production quadrupled over the next 25 years.

Question 22

Which disease struck Languedoc in the middle of its vineyard expansion?

Answer 22

Phylloxera in 1863.

Question 23

How did Languedoc respond to phylloxera?

Answer 23

It was the first to replant with the American rootstock.

Question 24

How did Languedoc’s response to phylloxera affect their wine industry?

Answer 24

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.

Question 25

Where and when was the first French wine cooperative established?

Answer 25

1905 in Maraussan near Bezieres.

Question 26

How many coops in Languedoc now? What is their production output?

Answer 26

There are around 50 - responsible for close to 70% of Languedoc’s total production

Question 27

What was the historical focus of winemaking in Languedoc?

Answer 27

Quantity rather than quantity. Very few AOC were awarded.

Question 28

When were Languedoc and Rousillon joined administratively?

Answer 28

1972. They now comprise the largest growing region in S.France.

Question 29

What is the benefit of the joining of Languedoc and Rousillon for wine production?

Answer 29

The regional Pays d’Oc and Languedoc AOC can incorporate grapes from both areas.

Question 30

How have new AOCs gained momentum in the Languedoc?

Answer 30

The return to terroir wines has menat they have grown but still only represent 10% of production. IGP is 74% and VdF is 16%.

Question 31

What is the production by AOC of Languedoc?

Answer 31

Corbieres - 24%;
Languedoc AOC - 23%;
Minervois - 9%;
St. Chininan- 6%;
Limoux - 5%
Fitou, Picpoul, Faugeres - 4% each;
Pic St Loup, La Clape - 2% each.