Languedoc-Rousillon Flashcards
Which Languedoc appellation claims to have first produced sparkling wine?
Limoux.
The sparkling phenomenon was discovered by the monk of Saint-Hilaire in 1531.
How was the impact of phylloxera different in Languedoc compared to other French regions?
Languedoc was the first region to be replanted on American rootstocks and the first to recover their wine industry.
Which two appellations in Languedoc are known for producing single-varietal wines?
Clairette du Languedoc and Picpoul de Pinet AOCs.
Which grape variety is used in the production of Blanquette Methode Ancestrale?
Mauzac, 100%
What is an Episode Cevenol?
An autumnal weather phenomenon; trapped hot and cold air masses result in heavy rains that can last for days.
Languedoc has equal amounts of rainfall all year round. True or False?
False.
The rain season is before and after the summer months and can arrive in the form of violent storms.
What are the three topographical zones of the Languedoc region?
Coastal plains,
Hillsides and mountains, and the Atlantic corridor.
The VDN appellations of the Languedoc can be made reductively and/or oxidatively. True or False?
False.
They must be made reductively.
Languedoc’s soils are fairly homogenous. True or False?
False. There are a wide range of soils found in Languedoc.
What is the western extremity of Languedoc known as?
The Atlantic Corridor; here, Atlantic and Mediterranean weather patterns meet.
Most Languedoc red wines, at the AOC level, are single varietal. True or False?
False. Most are blends including such grapes as Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Mourvedre.
Historically, what effect did the Bordelais have on the Languedoc wine trade?
They prevented Languedoc wines from being sold through the Bordeaux port system, in order to protect the Bordeaux wine trade.
In Languedoc, which grape variety is often fermented using Carbonic Maceration?
Carignan…..to tame its tannins.
Which grape variety is used in all Languedoc VDN AOCs?
Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc
What is “garrigue”?
Limestone soil, the scrub vegetation that grows upon it, and the aroma of those herbs when crushed underfoot or found in a glass of wine.
In what year was France’s first wine co-operative founded?
1905 in Maraussan, near Beziers.
What are the names of the two sections of the Fitou AOC?
Fitou Maritime, close to the coast, and Haut Fitou, further inland.
In what year were Languedoc and Roussillon joined administratively?
1972
Which Roman road traversed through the Languedoc, connecting Spain and Italy?
Via Domitia
What percentage of France’s organic vineyards are found in the Languedoc?
38%
Who discovered mutage?
Arnaud de Villeneuve of Montpellier in 1285
What is the largest non-regional AOC in Languedoc in terms of geographic size?
Corbieres
What are the two DGCs of the Saint-Chinian AOC?
Berlou and Roquebrun
What is the most westerly appellation in Languedoc?
Malepere
