Languedoc Pt 2 - Location, Climate,Geology, Topography, Soils

Question 1

Where is Languedoc located?

Answer 1

In the South of France on its SW Mediterranean coastline.

Question 2

Whch areas border Languedoc?

Answer 2

The Rhone Valley and its delta to the NE;
Roussillon to the South;
NW lies the Cevennes Mountains; SW the Pyrennees;

Question 3

How many departments does Languedoc encompass?

Answer 3

Four - Lozere, Gard,Aude Herault.

Question 4

What is the climate type of Languedoc?

Answer 4

Mediterranean.

Question 5

Describe the climate of Languedoc.

Answer 5

Two seasons - mild winters and hot, dry summers; plentiful sunshine - 2530 hours; Rainfall average - 686 mm pa.

Question 6

How does rain affect Languedoc?

Answer 6

Although it is not a high amount overall it bookends the growing season. It can arrive as violent storms that can flood the parched ground.

Question 7

What can early rainfall in the fall do a harvest in Languedoc?

Answer 7

It can devastate the harvest.

Question 8

What are the two northerly winds in Languedoc?

Answer 8

The Tramontane and the Mistral

Question 9

What is the southerly wind in Languedoc?

Answer 9

A sea wind which brings in unwanted moisture and humidity - disease pressure.

Question 10

How do the winds of Languedoc counterbalance each other?

Answer 10

The cool northerly winds blow cool air in summer months to chase humidity and reduce disease pressure.

Question 11

How does the hot dry sunny climate affect grapevines in Languedoc?

Answer 11

It allows the grapes to thrive, yielding plentiful, ripe crops each harvest.

Question 12

Where do the more concentrated wines come from in Languedoc?

Answer 12

The more mountainous areas. Here there is true winter dormancy, cooler summers and significant diurnal swings.

Question 13

What is the Episode Cevenol?

Answer 13

It is an autumn weather phenomenon in Languedoc in the Cevennes.

Question 14

What causes the Episode Cevenol?

Answer 14

Hot, moisture laden air from the Mediterranean blows inland as asouth wind. It runs up against the cool air masses on the Cevennes, causing clouds to form and reform delivering heavy rainfall that can last for days.

Question 15

What damage can the Episode Cevenol do to the vineyards?

Answer 15

It can cause floods, release high levels of precipation until the Northerly winds reestablish themselves and clear the air.

Question 16

Which geological events formed the landscape of Languedoc?

Answer 16

1. Mountain-building which created the Alps and the Pyrenees;
2. Sea invasions and retreats;
   3.Intense weathering in the inter-glacial periods.

Question 17

What are the three mesoclimates and topographical zones of Languedoc?

Answer 17

The coastal plains;
Hillsides and mountains;
Atlantic Corridor.

Question 18

Describe the coastal plains topography?

Answer 18

They are flat, low-lying and fertile and decidedly Mediterranean. They mainly planted to high-yielding grapes for IGP use.

Question 19

Which coastal plains AOCs are highly regarded?

Answer 19

Picpoul de Pinet;
the Muscat VDNs- Lunel, Frontignan, Mireval.

Question 20

What benefits do the hillsides and mountain AOCs of Languedoc experience?

Answer 20

The elevations of up to 1320 ft mitigate against the Mediterranean and soils enjoy good drainage.

Question 21

What is the Atlantic Corridor?

Answer 21

It is a weather corridor running to the Atlantic between the Pyrenees and the Cevennes Mountain from Carcassone to Toulouse. Mediterranean and Atlantic forces meet here.

Question 22

What is the topography of the Atlantic Corridor?

Answer 22

Hilly.

Question 23

What are the principal AOCs of the Atlantic Corridor?

Answer 23

Malepere, Limoux and Cabardes.

Question 24

Which are the main grapes grown in the Atlantic Corridor?

Answer 24

There is an even mix of Bordeaux varieties partnered with Mediterranean varieties.

Question 25

What factors create a vast array of growing conditions in Languedoc?

Answer 25

Elevation and proximity to the sea. The complex geology has created a wide diversity of soils.

Question 26

What soils are found on the hillsides of Languedoc?

Answer 26

On some there is limestone and ancient soils from limestone. On others there are pockets of granite, gneiss and schist.

Question 27

What soils are found on the vast coastal plains?

Answer 27

Younger sedimentary and/or alluvial soils, such as iron-rich gravels, sand, marl, clay and silt.

Question 28

Which of the soils in Languedoc produces a smaller crop, but that vines thrive on?

Answer 28

The limestone hills which are so poor from a nutritional standpoint they can barely support any other higher plant life other than garrique.

Question 29

What are the three meanings of “ garrique”?

Answer 29

1.The limestone soils itself;
2. the resinous herbs and scrub vegetation which grow on the soil;
3. the pungent aroma which comes when they are walked on or in the profile of wines produced here