Languedoc- Roussillion Flashcards
What is the “méthode ancestrale “ of sparkling winemaking?
Inducing a second fermentation by “waking up” a chilled, partially-fermented wine
What other grape is related to Lledoner Pelut?
Grenache
What appellations are located in the Languedoc’s “Atlantic corridor”?
Cabardès, Malepère and the Limoux AOCs
Crémant de Limoux is based on what grape variety?
Crémant de Limoux must contain at least 40% Chardonnay
Rolle is a synonym for what other grape variety?
Vermentino
What style of wine is produced in the Limoux AOC?
The Limoux AOC is for still reds and whites
What Languedoc AOC is particularly known for Syrah-based wines?
Minervois AOC
What is the “Massif de la Clape”?
A limestone outcrop separating Narbonne from the sea
What is the “Etang de Thau”?
A lake separating the Picpoul de Pinet AOC from the sea
What Languedoc AOC is evenly split between Atlantic and Mediterranean grape varieties?
Cabardès AOC
Who discovered mutage?
Arnaud de Villeneuve of Montpellier in 1285
What are the five primary grapes permitted for Languedoc AOC white wines?
Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Bourboulenc, Clairette, Picpoul Blanc
What appellation is nestled within the Corbières AOC?
Fitou AOC
What are the six “cru” appellations of the Languedoc region?
Faugères, La Clape, Corbieres-Boutenac, Saint Chinian Berlou, Saint Chinian Roquebrun and Minervois la Livinière
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.
What Languedoc appellation is based on a minimum 50% Merlot?
Malepère
What grape is used in the Blanquette Méthode Ancestrale AOC?
These wines are 100% Mauzac
What is the largest AOC in Languedoc in terms of geographic size?
Corbières (it is also the fourth largest in France.)
What is “mutage”?
The addition of grape spirit to must in order to stop fermentation and obtain a sweet wine
What two Languedoc appellations are known for single-varietal wines?
Clairette du Languedoc AOC and Picpoul de Pinet AOC
What is the oldest sparking wine in the world?
Blanquette de Limoux. The sparking phenomenon was discovered by the monks of Saint-Hilaire in 1531.
What are the four primary red grape varieties of the Languedoc AOC?
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Lladoner Pelut
What grape is referred to as the “lip stinger”?
Picpoul Blanc
What grape variety is used in the production of all Languedoc VDNs?
Muscat à Petitis Grains Blanc
What Languedoc appellation grows Chenin Blanc?
Limoux
What is the main grape variety of the Corbières AOC?
Carignan
What style of wine is made in the Maury AOC?
Dry reds and red VDN
What effect does the Tramontane have on winemaking in Roussillon?
The Tramontane reduces humidity and the risk of vine disease.
What are Roussillon’s most important rivers?
Agly, Têt and Tech
What French wine region boasts the highest number of organic and biodynamic wine producers?
Roussillon
Banyuls shares the same deliminated area with what other appellation?
Collioure
The southernmost appellation in France is:
Collioure/Banyuls
Tourbat is also known as:
Malvoisie du Roussillon
What style(s) of wine is/are made in the Collioure AOC?
Dry red, white and rosé
The prevailing north wind in Roussillon is called:
The Tramontane
What are the grape varieties allowed in the Muscat de Rivesaltes AOC?
Muscat à Petit Grains and Muscat d’Alexandrie
What are the “crus” of the Côtes du Roussillon Villages AOC?
Caramany, Latour de France, Lesquerde and Tautavel
What is the climate of Roussillon?
Mediterranean, with lots of heat and sunshine.
What AOC is shared jointly between Languedoc and Roussillon?
Languedoc AOC
What is the main grape variety used to produce red VDN?
Grenache
Roussillon is best known for what wine style?
Vins Doux Naturels (VDN)
Is Banyuls Grand Cru VDN made reductively or oxidatively?
Banyuls Grand Cru VDN is always oxidized.
What style of wine does the Banyuls Grand Cru AOC produce?
Red VDN only
What wine style(s) can be made under the Côtes du Roussillon Villages designation?
Red wines only
A “bonbonne” is:
A large glass jar used for maturing VDN
What wines may be labeled Hors d’Age?
Oxidized VDNs aged a minimum of five years
What IGP is shared jointly between Languedoc and Roussillon?
IGP Pays d’Oc
Languedoc was an appellation of firsts…
- Mutage was invented there 400 years prior to port
- St Hillaire invented the first sparkling wine (prior to France)
- It was the first region to rebound from phylloxera by using American rootstocks
Languedoc is the….
Largest producer of IGP wines
What did Arnaud de Vileneuve find in 1285 in Montpelier?
The process of Mutage
In 1289 the University of Montpelier was founded…
It still exists today and is a leader in Oenology and Viticultural research.
In 1531 the Monks of St Hillaire founded what…….?
They founded the process of making sparkling wine. This is 150 years before Dom Perignon’s discovery
In 1681 what canal was constructed?
The Canal du Midi. This connected the Mediterranean port of Sete to the Garonne River in Toulouse. In 1996 this was named a UNESCO world heritage site
What happened to the Languedoc in the 17th Century?
The dutch became a big trader because they wanted sweet wine. However by the 18th century their biggest trader was the Nepolionic armies who wanted dry wine for brandies.
In 1855 something opened up that helped to ship Languedoc wines around the rest of France?
A railway from Paris, Lyon and Marseille
What was the fact that helped to make the Languedoc the number one region for wine by 1900?
It was the first region to replant to American rootstock
Vin de Pays/ IGP
1968: Vins de Pays category was created; finalised in 1979
2009: The vin de pays category was replaced by the IGP category (created a link to origin)
France has over 150 IGPs
Most important is the IGP Pays d’Oc which represents 67% of France’s total IGP production It is France’s largest wine export
1972: Languedoc and Roussillon adminsistatively joned; fruit can hail from Languedoc or Roussillion for Pays d’Oc
How many AOCs are in the Languedoc and Roussillon?
50 in the 80s it was 10
Just because it is IGP, doesn’t mean….
It is crap or inferior
Languedoc
Mediterranean coast
Rhone Valley lies to the northeast
Roussillon lies to the South
Mountain ranges flank its northwest border
The Languedoc covers four departments. They are….
From North to South
- Lozere
- Gard
- Herault
- Aude
The geology of the Languedoc and Roussillon is…
Very complex. They were covered in seawater. The soil is a mix of very ancient and very new materials
Languedoc- Soils
The soils were quite varied, pockets of volcanic soil, many types of sedimentary soils, both young and ancient, and plenty of rock;
- Mountain slopes; stony shale and marly limestone
- Garrigue; nutrient poor limestone
- The vast lowland plains and foothills; younger sedimentary and/or alluvial soils
- Pockets of granite, gneiss and schist
Soil Influence?
- Alluvial Soils produce fruity wines, often utilised for whites and roses
- Sites for Granite, gneiss, marl, clay and schist provide a base for powerful, spicy, red wines apt for aging
- Garrigue delivers red and white wines of high acidity and red wines with polished tannins
Languedoc has three topographical zones…
- Coastal plains
- Hillsides and Mountains
- Atlantic corridor
Coastal Plains- Langudeoc
- From Narbonne and Baziers to beyond Montpellier
- Flat, low-lying and fertile area
- Highest- yielding vines
- Grapes destined for entry-level IGP
Mountains and Hillsides-Languedoc
- Elevations of up to 1,320 feet (400 m)
- Peaks block rain and clouds, (rainshadow effect, trap sun and heat, provide cool air currents at night
Atlantic Corridor- Languedoc
- Western extremity of the Languedoc, where the Atlantic and Mediterranean forces meet
- White and sparkling wines
- “Bordeaux” varietals planted alongside Mediterranean counterparts
How many seasons does the Languedoc experience?
- Mild winters and hot dry summers
What wind counterbalances the winds from the sea in the Languedoc?
The Tremontane. They blow from the North/ and or the West.
How many hours of sunshine per year is there in the Languedoc Rousillion?
2,530 hours of sunshine. Rainfall averages at 27 inches/ 690mm a year.
In the Languedoc where is the best place for diurnal range?
The Hills
What are the authorised white grapes for Languedoc?
Same as many that are grown in the South of France.
- Bourboulenc
- Chardonnay
- Chenin Blanc
- Clairette
- Grenache Blanc
- Grenache Gris
- Maccabeu
- Marssane
- Mauzac Blanc and Rose
- Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc
- Muscat d’Alexandria
- Picpoul Blanc
- Rousanne
- Rolle
- Viognier
Historically what was the grape that was used in Languedoc red blends?
Carignan. However this has now been reduced to a secondary grape. Most blends are now Syrah or Grenache dominant.
Permitted Red Grapes of the Languedoc include….
- Aspiran
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Carignan
- Cinsault
- Cot
- Fer Servadou
- Grenache Noir
- Lladoner Pelut
- Merlot Noir
- Pinot Noir
- Mourvedre
- Picpoul Noir
- Syrah
- Terret Noir
Grapes Authorised for AOC Rose Production in the Languedoc are…..
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Carignan
- Cinsault
- Clairette Rose
- Cot
- Grenache Gris
- Grenache Noir
- Merlot Noir
- Mouvedre
- Pinot Gris
- Pinot Noir
- Syrah
What are the allowed grape varieties in IGP wines from the Languedoc?
Pretty well the same grapes as the AOC wines, but there can be up to 56 varieties permitted
What are the permitted requirements of labelling in IGP wines from the Languedoc?
- Must contain 50% primary grapes and less than 50% of secondary grapes
- Only primary grapes can be varietally labelled. There must be 85% of this grapes in the wine for this to be permitted
- Multiple varieties can be listed on the labels if grapes listed are primary and if each constitutes 15% of the total
- Up to 20% white grapes may be incorporated into reds and rose wines, red and wine varieties must be fermented together
Red Grapes allowed for IGP Wines in Languedoc?
Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Cinsalt, Cot (Malbec), Gamay Noir, Grenache Noir, Marselen, Merlot Noir, Mondeuse, Morastel, Mouvedre, Muscat a Petit Grains Rouges, Negrette, Nielluccio (Sangiovese), Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Portan, Syrah, Tempranillo
Secondary Grapes:
Carignan, Chenanson Noir, Alicante Bouchet
Grapes for IGP Rose for Langudoc?
Primary Grapes:
Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Cinsault, Clairette Rose, Cot (Malbec), Gamay Noir, Gewurztraminer Rose, Grenache Gris, Grenache Noir, Marselan, Merlot Noir, Mondeuse, Morrastel, Mouvedre, Muscat a blanc petit Rouges, Muscat de Hambourg, Negrette, Nielluccio (sangiovese), Petit Verdot, Pinot Girs, Pinot Noir, Portan, Sauvignon Gris, Syrah, Tempranillo
Secondary Grapes for IGP Rose:
Carignan, Chenanson Noir
Grapes for IGP Whites for the Languedoc?
Primary Grapes:
Altesse Blanc, Bourbourlenc, Chardonnay, Chasan, Chenin, Columbard, Gewurztraminer Rose, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Gros Manseng, Macabeu, Marsanne, Mauzac Blanc, Muscat a Blanc Petit Grains Blanc, Muscat of Alexandria, Petit Manseng, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Rousanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Semillon, Sylvaner, Terret Blanc, Rolle (Vermentino), Viognier
Secondary Grapes:
Carignan Blanc, Clairette Blanc, Picpoul Blanc, Ugni Blanc (Trebbiano)
What are the three levels of quality in the Languedoc?
- AOC
- IGPs (which was formerly called Vin De Pays- VDP)
- Vins Sans IG (wines Without A Geographic Indication, formerly Vin De Table)
Although there are many great AOC wines in the Languedoc….
There are amazing and noteworthy wines at the IGP level as well
IGP Pays d’Oc represents what percentage of IGP production in France?
67%
What are the three IGPs that are only in Languedoc?
IGP Aude
IGP Herault
IGP Gard
All of these are mainly sold in France
Local IGPs?
There are 93 local IGPs in France. They are part of the small growing areas of each departement
Examples in the Languedoc: IGP Cotes de Thongue, IGP Mont Baudile
Vins Sans IG
- Not many regulations
- Extremely high yeilds (double that of AOCs)
- Must pass French standards for safe food consumption
- Southern France is the number one producer of Vin Sans IG wines in all of France
Regional Languedoc AOC?
- The largest AOC in acreage and volume
- Replaced the Coteaux du Languedoc in 2007
- AOC Languedoc has larger zone of production than the AOC Coteaux du Languedoc
- Rather confusingly, the two names will coexist until 2017
AOC Languedoc Grapes?
Red/ Rose: Grenache Noir, Lladoner Pelut, Syrah, Mouvedre (min 50%), Cinsault, Carignan (min 40%)
White: Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Rousanne, Marsanne, Rolle, Clairette, Picpoul
Wines must be blends with minimum of two grape varieties
Production is 79% Red, 21% Rose and 8% White
What are the 12 districts that can be added to the AOC Languedoc?
- Sommieres
- Pic St Loup
- St Christol
- Gres de Montpellier
- St Georges d’Orques
- St Drezery
- La Mejanelle
- Montpeyroux (located within Terrasses du Larzac)
- St Saturnin (located within the Terrasses du Larzac)
- Cabieres
- Pezenas
- Quatourze
Picpoul de Pinet- Languedoc
- Created in 2013
- 100% White, 100% Picpoul
- Limestone Soils
La Clare- Languedoc (Cru)
- One of the finest parts of the region
- 90% Red, 10% White
- Reds: Minimum 70% Grenache, Syrah Mouvedre
- White: minimum of 40% Bourboulenc
- Soils: Predominately Limestone
How many stand alone AOC are in the interior of the Languedoc (the mountains and hillsides)?
7
Terrasses du Larzac (Hillsides and Mountains)- Languesdoc
- Among the highest diurnal temperature swings in the Languedoc
- Reds Only: Syrah, Grenache and Mouvedre (min 60%), Carignan and Cinsault (min 30%)
- Mixed soils of clay, stone, iron-rich clay and limestone
Clairette de Languedoc (Hillside and Mountains)- Languedoc
- White only: 100% Clairette
- Limestone soils, some quartz and schist in North
- One of two appelations in the Languedoc that is named after white varietals
Faugeres (Hillside and Mountains)- Languedoc
- Cru
- Schist soils
- 85% Red, 13% Rose, 2% whites
- Reds based on Syrah, Grenache, Mouvedre, Cinsault and Carignan
- Whites based on Grenache Blanc, Rousanne, Marsanne, Vermentino and others
Saint Chinian (Hillside and Mountains)- Languedoc
- 83% Red, 13% Rose, 4% Whites
- Schist soils in the north, Clay and limestone in the south
- Reds based on Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Llandoner Pelut (min 70%), plus Carignan and Cinsault
- St Chinian Berlou and St Chinian Roquebrun: Crus
Minervois (Hillside and Mountains)- Languedoc
- 94% Reds, 4% Roses, 2% Whites
- Mixed soils of clay, limestone, sandstone, marble and schist
- Reds based on min 60% Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre
- Minervois La Liviniere: Cru
Corbieres (Hillside and Mountains)- Languedoc
- Biggest non regional AOC in France
- Jagged limestone hills is what it is named after
- 95% Red, 3% Roses and 2% Whites
- Soils: Predominately limestones
- Reds Carignan- based
- Corbieres Boutenac: Cru
Fitou (Hillside and Mountains)- Languedoc
- One of the oldest appellations in the Languedoc
- Reds Only
- Carignan/ Grenache (min 60%)
- Clay/ Limestone soils nearer the ocean; Limestone/ sandstone in interior
- Divided into Fitou Marine and Haut Fitou
What is different about the Atlantic Corridors of the Languedoc?
They experience the greater continental influences and grow a different mix of grape varieties
Cabardes (Atlantic Corner)- Languedoc
- Style: Red (90%) and Rose (10%)
- Grapes: Both Cabernets, Merlot, Malbec, Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault
- Limestone….with Granite and Gneiss on the higher slopes
- Only Languedoc AOC with equal split between Meditearean and Atlantic varieties
Malepere (Atlantic Corner)- Languedoc
- Red (70%) and Rose (30%)
- Clay/ Limestone
- Most Westerly AOC
- Atlantic varieties make up the majority of the red blend here and Merlot (min 50%) forms the backbone
Limoux (Atlantic Corner)- Languedoc
- The Southernmost AOC of the Atlantic Corridor
- Five different AOCs: 2 for Still wines and 3 for Sparkling Wines
- Red: Merlot, Cot, Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Grenache, Syrah, Carignan
- White: Mauzac, Chenin, Chardonnay
- Limestone with some sandstone, quartz and clay
Blanquette de Limoux- Languedoc
- Oldest sparkling wine in the world
- Min 90% Mauzac, up to 10% Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay
- Aged 9 months sur lie
- Brut and Demi Sec Styles
Cremant de Limoux- Languedoc
- Min 40% Chardonnay with Chenin Blanc, Mauzac, Pinot Noir is also allowed
- 12 months sur lie aging
- Rose version also
Blanquette Méthode Ancestrale AOC- Languedoc
- 100% Mauzac
- Maximum alcohol level: 7%; Residual sugar 6-8% (60-80 grams per litre)
- Minimum 2 months aging
- Two distinct methods of production:
1. Partially fermented must is chilled in Dec, bottled in March. Lightly sparkling wine with yeast still in the bottle
2. Partially fermented must is chilled and bottled with yeast. Disgorged after 2-3 years
How many Vin Doux Naturales Appellations are in the Languedoc?
4
What are the criteria for fortified wines from the Languedoc?
- Fortified with neutral spirit
- 15% alcohol
- Miniumum R/s is 11% (110 g/L)
- Saint Jean De Minevois is finished with a minimum alc of 12.5% (125 g/L) RS
What is the name of the process for arresting fermenting must with the addition of neutral spirits called?
Mutage
What is a special character of Vin De Naturals from the Languedoc?
They are made reductively
Bordeaux varieties dominate which appellation in the Languedoc?
Malepere
Which appellation in the Languedoc is known for Syrah based blends?
Minevois
Which appellation is so hot and arid as to be consideredone of the most inhospitable places to grow grapes in the Languedoc?
La Clape
What are the main geographical futures of the leading appellations of the Languedoc?
Picpoul de Pinet- Etang de Thau Terrasse du Larzac- Larzac Plateau Faugeres- Massif de la Clape Minervois- Montagne Noire La Clape- Montagne de la Clape
What makes Rousillion unique?
- It is a bridge to Spain. It was under Aragon rule for 500 years.
- One of the driest and windiest
- Has the largest percentage of organic and biodynamic producers in France
- Produces 80% of France’s fortified wines
- Viticulture was introduced by the Phoecians, but was slower to take hold than Languedoc due to be hilly
The Catalan Influence of Roussilion
- 13th to 18th Centuries was part of the Aragon empire
- Aragon rule left a legacy of Catalan language, culture and winemaking style
- Many grapes native to Spain were planted in Rousillion:
Carinena- Carignan
Mataro- Mourvedre
Macabeo- Maccabeu
What is Rousillion known as?
French Catalogna. Spanish winemaking traditions have been carried over since the 1900s. It was the art region ti embrace refrigeration
AOC History of Rousillion?
- 1936: Rousillion received three AOCs: Riversaltes, Banyuls. Maury
- 1956: Muscat de Rivesaltes awarded an AOC
- 1962: Banyuls Grand Cru AOC created
- 1971: Collioure, the first AOC awarded to a dry wine
- 1972: Rousillion and Languedoc were administratively joined
But Roussillon now boasts 13 AOCs in total that produce red, white and rose still wines plus Vin Doux Naturel
Because Languedoc and Rousillion are administratively joined, IGP Pays d’Oc and AOC Languedoc may include grapes from both Languedoc and Rousillion
Where is Rousillion located?
North: Languedoc South: Spain and the Pyranees East: Mediterranean Sea West: Pyranees Foothills Roussilion lies within the Pyrenees- Orientals department
How big is the vineyard size of the Rousillion?
54,734 acres/ 22,150 ha of vineyards in Rousillion (about half the surface area of the Languedoc). One third the volume of the Languedoc due to lower yields caused by shocking soils
What is the climate of the Rousillion?
Mediterranean
- One of France’s sunniest regions (325 days of sunshine a year)
- In the rain shadow of the Pyrenees
- Summers are drought prone
- Always windy; Tramontone; prevailing north wind
- Mean temperatures are the highest of France
What was Rousillion subjected to that made a much more mountainous terrain?
More intense pressure and buckling
Mountains ring Rousillion…
North: Corbeires Mountains
West: Canigou, one of the highest peaks of the Pyranees at more than 9,000 feet (2,785 m) in elevation
South: a myriad of peaks including the appropriately named Roc de France at 4,785 feet (1450 m) which forms the border with Spain
Vineyards line slopes and/or planted in the thin strips of land between peaks
Vineyards of Rousillion?
- Ampetheatre effect: inclement weather is blocked and heat is trapped
- Vineyards planted on or near the mountains experience greater diurnal temperatures swings
- The convoluted landscape captures water, funnels winds in a west/ east direction and provides a varied degree of orientations/ elevations temper heat
What are the three rivers that are to do with Rousillion?
Agly
Tet
Tech
Their headwaters are located in the Pyranees run through the plains to empty into the Mediterranean
The water is pure, nutrient- rich and cold
The Soils of Rousillion?
- The name of the region is derived from- Rousse= Russet= Red
- Much of the region consists of iron- rich, sandy, red, water-retaining clays
- Vines grow on limestone, black schist, granite, gneiss, gray schist, galets, sandstone, shale, quartz, yellow clay, marble and sand
- In general: Alluvial plains: white grapes, Stonier sites at higher elevations: red grapes
The red and white grapes of the Rousillion are the same as….
The Languedoc but with two additions
Muscat d’Alexandrie- Roussillion
- One of the many Muscat clones
- Not as delicate as Muscat a Petit Grains but same flavour profile
- Used in Vin Doux Naturels
Tourbat- Rousillion
- Ancient Variety
- Produces wines high in extract, alcohol and acidity
- Prone to oxidation
- Also called Malvoisie du Rousillion or Malvasia
- Used in Vin Doux Naturels and still wines
What are the 8 communal AOCs of Rousillion?
- AOC Cotes du Roussillon Villages- Named Village
- AOC Collioure
- AOC Maury Sec
Plus 5 Vin Doux Naturels
- AOC Riversaltes
- AOC Muscat de Riversaltes
- AOC Maury
- AOC Banyuls
- AOC Banyuls Grand Cru
What is the one subregional AOC of Rousillion?
AOC Cotes Du Rousillion; it produces red wines only
What are the two regional AOCs of Rousillion?
AOC Languedoc
AOC Cotes de Rousillion
What are the IGPs of the Rousillion?
IGP Pays d’OC (shared with the Languedoc) and IGP Pyrenees- Orientals (second most important)
AOC Cotes du Roussillon?
- 1977
- Style: 80% Red, `13% Rose, 7% White
- Roussillion’s largest appellation
- One ‘cru’ within this AOC; Cotes du Roussillon Les Apres….soon to become a cru for Cotes du Roussillon
Cotes du Roussillon?
- 1977
- Red only AOC
- Extends through the valleys of the rivers: Agly and Set
- Grape Varieties: Grenache, Carignan, Llandoner Pelut, Syrah, Mourvedre
- Wines are Grenache- based and must be a blend of at least two varieties
- No more than 70% of each variety
Cotes du Roussillon- Named Village?
- Cotes du Roussillon Villages- Named Villages: Caramany, LaTour de France, Lesquerde and Tautavel
- Encircle the town of Maury
- Red wines only
- Must be a blend of at least two varieties: Grenache Noir, Carignan Noir, Llandoer Pelut, Syrah and Mouvedre
AOC Collioure- Roussillon
- Red: 1971, Rose: 1991, White: 2003
- Southernmost appellation in France
- Collioure and Banyuls share same delimited area; Collioure is the appellation for dry whites; Banyuls the appellation for VDNs
- red and Roses: Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan
- White: Mainly Grenache Blanc and Grenache Gris
AOC Maury Sec- Roussillon
- Style: Red
- Dry wines must be a blend of at least two varieties and are Grenache Noir based (60 to 80%). Minimum 6 months aging
- To avoid confusion with its fortified counterpart sec must be on the label
How are VDNs made?
- Grapes are picked with more than 25.2% (252 g/L ) sugar
- Pure alcohol is added during fementation (in the amount of 5-10% of the total juice volume)
- The alcohol kills the yeast, stopping fermentation, leaving unfermented sugars in the unfinished wine. This technique is known as mutage.
- The point at which alcohol is added during fermentation determines the final residual sugar level of the wine
- Most VDNs contain more than 10% RS
White VDNs that don’t have Muscat in the title are usually comprised of…….
Grenache Blanc, Tourbat or Maccabeu
Red VDNs are usually made from?
Grenache
VDNs can be produced…
Reductively or Oxidatively
Working Reductively- VDNs
- Topped up tanks or barrels to their fullest
- Delivers fresh, fruit- forward, fruit dominate VDNs
Working Oxidatively- VDNs
- Barrels, casks, tanks or glass jars are not topped up
- Sun exposure
- Delivers nutty wines with some hints of maderization
Words to describe a reductive winemaking style for VDNs are?
Grenat
Rimage
Words to describe an oxidative winemaking style for VDNs are?
Ambre
Tuile
Rancio (madernized)
Hors d’Age; Undergone a minimum of 5 years of aging
Rivesaltes (white)
Grenache Blanc, Tourbat, Maccabeu, plus up to 20% Muscat a Petit Grains and/ or Muscat d’Alexandrie
Rarely made reductively; oxidised it is ambre, extremely oxidised, Rancio. I aged (oxidatively) for a min. 5 years, Hors d Age might be on the label
Rivesaltes (red/ rose):
Grenache Noir plus up to 20% Muscat a Petits Grains and/ or Muscat d Alexandrie.
When made reductively it is Grenat; oxidised, Tuile, extremely oxidised, Rancio. If aged (oxiditively) for a min. 5 years, Hors d Age may be on the label
The rose version is only made reductively
Muscat de Rivesaltes- Roussillon
(Whites Only)
Muscat a Petit Grains Blanc and Muscat d’Alexandrie
The wine is almost never made in an oxidative style
Maury- VDN
Maury (White): Grenache Blanc, Tourbat, Maccabeu, plus up to 20% Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc and/ or Muscat d’ Alexandrie. Usually made reductively. If oxidised (rare), Ambre
Maury (red): Grenache Noir plus up to 20% Muscat a Petit Grains Blanc and/or Muscat d’Alexandrie. Reductively, Grenat; if oxidised, Tuile, if extremely oxidised, Tuile
- Both can be labeled Hors d’Age if they undergo a min. of 5 years of (oxidative) ageing
Banyuls- VDN
(Red/ Rose)
Min of 50% Grenache Noir plus up to 10% Muscat a Petit Grains Blanc and/ or Muscat d’Alexandrie. Red Banyuls, when made reductively, is labelled Rimage; Oxidised, it is tulie, if extremely oxidised, Rancio
(White)
Grenache Blanc, Tourbat and Maccabeu plus up to 10% Muscat a Petit Grains blanc and/ or Muscat d’ Alexandrie. White Banyuls can be made reductively, oxidised, it is Ambre, if extremely oxidised, Rancio
- Both Red and White: Hors d’Age if aged (reductively) for at least 5 years
- Banyuls Rose: only made reductively
Banyuls Grand Cru- VDN
- Minimum 75% Grenache Noir
- Carignan, Cinsault and Syrah also allowed
- Mandatory aging requirement: 30 months in oak
- Can be labelled dry/ sec when under 5% RS
Banyuls Grand Cru cannot be made reductively; oxidised, it is Tuile; if it has undergone a minimum of 5 years (oxidative) aging Hors d’Age
