Languedoc/Rousillon Flashcards
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When did Languedoc-Roussillon Merge as one region?
Languedoc-Roussillon has been under the same administrative banner since 2017
Which departments are included in Languedoc?
Aude, Herault, Gard
What department is Roussillon located in?
Pyrenees-Orientales
How many hectares are under vine in Languedoc-Roussillon?
225,000 ha
Is the average yield in Languedoc-Roussillon high or low?
Very low, due to a warm, windy climate
From 2005-2015, how did Languedoc-Roussillon’s yields compare to other French regions?
Had the lowest yields of all French regions
What type of land do most vineyards in Languedoc occupy?
Low-lying alluvial plains
What significant infrastructure was constructed in the late 17th century that impacted Languedoc’s wine industry?
Canal du Midi
What percentage of wine production in Languedoc consists of AOC wines?
Less than 15%
What role have co-ops played in the Languedoc wine production since the 1950s?
Initially accounted for 90% of production, now produce 60% of total
What happened to Languedoc and Roussillon’s wine production after 1973?
Became the largest source of everyday wine in France
What climatic conditions are typical in Languedoc-Roussillon?
Rainfall below 600mm, lots of sunshine, warm summers
What is the Tramontane?
Cool, dry north-westerly winds blowing for about 200 days per year
What is the proportion of organic certified vineyards in Languedoc-Roussillon?
⅓ of France’s total
Which grape varieties are most commonly grown in Languedoc?
- Syrah
- Grenache
- Merlot
- Carignan
- Cabernet
- Chardonnay
What is a notable characteristic of Carignan grapes?
Buds late and ripens late
What is the maximum yield for Carignan per hectare?
Up to 200 hl/ha, but with low flavour intensity
What is the typical color and flavor profile of Carignan wines?
Ruby color with blackberry, high acid and tannins
What training method has predominated in Languedoc vineyards?
Historically trained as bush vines, now mostly trellised
What is common winemaking practice for basic wines in Languedoc?
Short ferment, mid-range temperatures, cultured yeast
What percentage of Languedoc’s wine production is IGP wine?
More than 70%
What is the maximum yield for IGP wine?
90 hl/ha, or 100 hl/ha for rosé
What are the top four grape varieties grown for IGP wine in Languedoc?
- Merlot
- Cabernet
- Chardonnay
- Syrah
True or False: Most AOC wines from Languedoc require a minimum of two grape varieties.
True
What is a distinctive requirement for wines from the Corbieres AOC?
Min 40% must be any combination of Carignan, Grenache, Mourvedre, and Syrah
What is the altitude range for the Cotes du Roussillon?
100-250 masl
What is the primary grape variety in the Cotes du Roussillon Village?
Grenache, Mourvedre, and Syrah
What is the altitude range for Minervois?
100-400m
What is the maximum yield for Corbieres-Boutenac AOC?
50 hl/ha
What is the required grape composition for wines from Fitou?
Must include both coastal and inland varieties
What is the climate like in Pic Saint Loup?
More continental with cold winters and warm summers
What is the main grape variety used in Picpoul de Pinet?
Piquepoul
What percentage of Roussillon’s vineyard area is AOC?
Around 70%
What has happened to vineyard plantings in Roussillon since the 1980s?
Decreased by about 2/3rds
What is the maximum yield for Cotes du Roussillon?
48 hl/ha
What is the primary climate of Roussillon?
Warm, windy Mediterranean climate
What is the top export market for Picpoul de Pinet?
UK
True or False: Co-ops account for around 75% of output in Roussillon.
True
What is the primary grape variety in Cotes du Roussillon?
Grenache, Mourvedre, and Syrah
What is the maximum percentage of carignan allowed in vineyards?
Less than 50%
Carignan must be less than 50% in vineyards, while syrah and mourvedre must make at least 25% combined or separately.
What are the blending rules for wines?
Wines must be two varieties, with no variety to be more than 80%
This ensures a diverse blend in the wine production.
What is the altitude range for Cotes du Roussillon Village?
100-400m
Altitude influences the cooling effect and acidity in wines.
What is the maximum yield for Cotes du Roussillon Village?
45hl/ha
Yields are often below this due to hot, dry conditions.
How many villages can append their names to Cotes du Roussillon Village?
Five villages
Some villages have lower maximum yields and may require carbonic maceration for carignan.
What are the principal grape varieties for Collioure red wines?
Grenache, syrah, mourvedre
These varieties contribute to the full-bodied, dry wines of the region.
What is the maximum yield for red and white wines in Collioure?
40hl/ha
This yield is uncommon due to the area’s heat, low rainfall, and poor soils.
What does IGP Cotes Catalanes include?
Pyrenees Orientales department
It is used for red and white wines, including some super premium white wines.
What percentage of Provence’s wine production is rosé?
90%
This represents 40-50% of France’s rosé production.
Which varieties are primarily focused on for red wines in Provence?
Grenache, syrah, carignan, cinsaut, mourvedre
These varieties have gained prominence in recent years.
What is the effect of the Mistral wind on vineyards?
Cooling influence and reduces fungal disease pressure
However, it can also interrupt flowering and reduce yields.
What is the significance of trellised vines in viticulture?
Aid mechanization and control canopy
Trellises help achieve sugar and phenolic ripeness, making vineyard access easier.
What process is used to make rosé wine?
Direct pressing or short maceration
Short maceration lasts less than a few hours.
What temperature range is fermentation done at for rosé?
14-18ºC
This temperature protects delicate primary fruit and avoids undesirable aromas.
What is the largest appellation in Provence?
Cotes de Provence
It has 20,000 hectares of planted vineyard, with 95% being rosé.
What is the maximum yield for Cotes de Provence wines?
55hl/ha
Realistically, yields are around 45hl/ha.
What is the primary grape variety in Bandol?
Mourvedre
Red wines must contain 50-95% mourvedre and are aged in oak for 18 months.
What percentage of Provence’s rosé is sold in France?
58%
Of this, 25% is sold to supermarkets.
What is the top export market for Provence wines?
USA
The USA takes nearly half of all Provence exports.
What is the role of co-operatives in Provence?
Responsible for nearly 50% of production
Co-ops are important alongside privately owned wineries.
Fill in the blank: The best sites for yielding wine are protected from the _______.
wind
True or False: The area under vine in Bandol has increased in the last 25 years.
False
The area has reduced from 1400ha to 600ha due to competition for land.
What are the Major AOP’s in Languedoc?
Cabardes, Malapere, Boutenac, Faugere, Fitou, La Clape, Minervois, Minervois-St Jean, Picpoul de Pinet