Languedoc Pt 8 - Atlantic Corridor AOCs

Question 1

Which AOCs form the Atlantic Corridor in Languedoc?

Answer 1

Cabardes, Malepere and Limoux.

Question 2

When was Cabardes AAOC awarded? Styles? Grapes?

Answer 2

Awarded in 1999 for red and rose.
Red:(P) Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Syrah.

Question 3

What is the climate of Cabardes AOC?

Answer 3

The cooler breezes of the Atlantic and more temperate winds of the Mediterranean meet. They blow alternately with neither predominant.

Question 4

What makes Cabardes unique in Languedoc in terms of grape varieties?

Answer 4

It is the only region that has an equal split of Mediterranen and Atlantic varieties planted.

Question 5

What are the soils of Cabardes AOC?

Answer 5

Limestone, granite and gneiss.

Question 6

What are the blend rules in Cabardes AOC?

Answer 6

Must be at least 40% Cab. Sauv, Merlot and/or Cab Franc, AND at least 40% Grenache and/or Syrah.

Question 7

Which is the most westerly AOC of Languedoc?

Answer 7

Malepere AOC.

Question 8

When was Malepere AOC awarded? Styles? Grapes?

Answer 8

Awarded 2007 for Rose and red.
Red:(P) Cabernet Franc, Merlot.

Question 9

What is the topography of Malepere AOC?

Answer 9

It is flatter than Limoux and Cabardes but has the same cool westerly breezes influence.

Question 10

What are the blend rules in Malepere AOC?

Answer 10

Reds must be at least 40% Merlot and at leats 20% Cot and/or Cabernet Franc.
Rose must be at least 40% Cabernet Franc.

Question 11

When was Limoux AOC awarded? styles? Grapes?

Answer 11

Awarded 1938 Blanquette and Blanquette Ancestral, sparkling. Awarded 1959, Dry white and red.
White:(P) Mauzac Blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc;
Red:(P) Merlot.

Question 12

Where is Limoux located? Soils?

Answer 12

It is in the Aude Valley, sheltered on three sides by the Pyrenees and two plateau. It has stony, clay limestone soils.

Question 13

What are the main grapes in Limoux white wines? What is the harvesting method?

Answer 13

Chardonnay, Chenin blanc and Mauzac Blanc( also known locally as Blanquette). Must be hand harvested.

Question 14

How is Limoux dry white wine made?

Answer 14

They are barrel fermented and cannot be sold until May of year after harvest.Production is small but

Question 15

What are the blend rules for Limoux red wines?

Answer 15

Primarily Merlot with Cot, Grenache and/or Syrah. Must be at least three varieties in the blend.

Question 16

How is Limoux red wine made?

Answer 16

Grapes can be machine or hand harvested. Wines are aged in tank or barrel until at least 15 April of year after vintage?

Question 17

What is the character of the best red Limoux?

Answer 17

Vivacious and structured.

Question 18

What sparkling wine claims to be the oldest in the world?

Answer 18

Blanquette de Limoux. St Hilaire from the late 16th Century.

Question 19

What grapes are used in Blanquette de Limoux?

Answer 19

Primarily Mauzac Blanc possibly with small amounts of Chardonnay/Chenin Blanc.

Question 20

What are the ageing requirements for Blanquette de Limoux?

Answer 20

Wines are aged sur lie for nine months.

Question 21

Whta grapes are used in Blanquette Methode Ancestrale?

Answer 21

100% Mauzac.

Question 22

How is Blanquette Methode Ancestrale aged?

Answer 22

It is aged a minimum of two months and finished with 6-7% alcohol and delicate sweetness.

Question 23

When was Cremant de Limoux AOC awarded?

Answer 23

Awarded in 1990 for sparkling white and sparkling rose.

Question 24

Which grapes are used in Cremant de Limoux?

Answer 24

White: (P) Chardonnay; (S) Chenin Blanc, Mauzac Blanc;
Red: (S) Pinot Noir (recently approved)

Question 25

What is the typical blend of Cremant de Limoux?

Answer 25

Chardonnay - 60%;
Chenin Blanc - 30%;
Mauzac - 10%.
This is not prescribed.

Question 26

How is rose Cremant de Limoux achieved?

Answer 26

By adding a minimum of 15 % Pinot Noir to the assemblage( blending stage).