Languedoc Pt 8 - Atlantic Corridor AOCs Flashcards
Which AOCs form the Atlantic Corridor in Languedoc?
Cabardes, Malepere and Limoux.
When was Cabardes AAOC awarded? Styles? Grapes?
Awarded in 1999 for red and rose.
Red:(P) Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Syrah.
What is the climate of Cabardes AOC?
The cooler breezes of the Atlantic and more temperate winds of the Mediterranean meet. They blow alternately with neither predominant.
What makes Cabardes unique in Languedoc in terms of grape varieties?
It is the only region that has an equal split of Mediterranen and Atlantic varieties planted.
What are the soils of Cabardes AOC?
Limestone, granite and gneiss.
What are the blend rules in Cabardes AOC?
Must be at least 40% Cab. Sauv, Merlot and/or Cab Franc, AND at least 40% Grenache and/or Syrah.
Which is the most westerly AOC of Languedoc?
Malepere AOC.
When was Malepere AOC awarded? Styles? Grapes?
Awarded 2007 for Rose and red.
Red:(P) Cabernet Franc, Merlot.
What is the topography of Malepere AOC?
It is flatter than Limoux and Cabardes but has the same cool westerly breezes influence.
What are the blend rules in Malepere AOC?
Reds must be at least 40% Merlot and at leats 20% Cot and/or Cabernet Franc.
Rose must be at least 40% Cabernet Franc.
When was Limoux AOC awarded? styles? Grapes?
Awarded 1938 Blanquette and Blanquette Ancestral, sparkling. Awarded 1959, Dry white and red.
White:(P) Mauzac Blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc;
Red:(P) Merlot.
Where is Limoux located? Soils?
It is in the Aude Valley, sheltered on three sides by the Pyrenees and two plateau. It has stony, clay limestone soils.
What are the main grapes in Limoux white wines? What is the harvesting method?
Chardonnay, Chenin blanc and Mauzac Blanc( also known locally as Blanquette). Must be hand harvested.
How is Limoux dry white wine made?
They are barrel fermented and cannot be sold until May of year after harvest.Production is small but
What are the blend rules for Limoux red wines?
Primarily Merlot with Cot, Grenache and/or Syrah. Must be at least three varieties in the blend.
How is Limoux red wine made?
Grapes can be machine or hand harvested. Wines are aged in tank or barrel until at least 15 April of year after vintage?
What is the character of the best red Limoux?
Vivacious and structured.
What sparkling wine claims to be the oldest in the world?
Blanquette de Limoux. St Hilaire from the late 16th Century.
What grapes are used in Blanquette de Limoux?
Primarily Mauzac Blanc possibly with small amounts of Chardonnay/Chenin Blanc.
What are the ageing requirements for Blanquette de Limoux?
Wines are aged sur lie for nine months.
Whta grapes are used in Blanquette Methode Ancestrale?
100% Mauzac.
How is Blanquette Methode Ancestrale aged?
It is aged a minimum of two months and finished with 6-7% alcohol and delicate sweetness.
When was Cremant de Limoux AOC awarded?
Awarded in 1990 for sparkling white and sparkling rose.
Which grapes are used in Cremant de Limoux?
White: (P) Chardonnay; (S) Chenin Blanc, Mauzac Blanc;
Red: (S) Pinot Noir (recently approved)
What is the typical blend of Cremant de Limoux?
Chardonnay - 60%;
Chenin Blanc - 30%;
Mauzac - 10%.
This is not prescribed.
How is rose Cremant de Limoux achieved?
By adding a minimum of 15 % Pinot Noir to the assemblage( blending stage).
