Languedoc-Roussillon * Flashcards
What is North, South, East and West
Locate Languedoc - Roussillonon a map of France
Far South West of France
N=Gascony
East=Rhone and Provence
South=Med/Spain
West= Spain
Roussillon nearer to Spain
14 + 4
What are the main AOCs of the Languedoc
Languedoc
Clairette du languedoc,
Picpoul de Pinet
Pic Saint-Loup
Terrasses du Larzac
Faugeres
Saint-Chinian
Minervois
Minervois-La-Liviniere
La Clape
Corbières,
Corbierieres-Boutenac
Fitou
Cabardes
Malepere
Limoux
Cremant de Limoux
Muscat de Lunel
Muscat de Mireval
Muscat de Frontignan
Muscat de Saint Jean de Minervois
What are the main AOCs of Roussillon
Collioure (white, rosé, red)
Côtes du Roussillon (white, rosé, red)
Côtes du Roussillon Villages (red)
AOP Côtes du Roussillon Villages…..
……Latour de France (red)
…..Lesquerde (red)
…..Caramany (red)
……Tautavel (red)
……. Les Aspres (red)
Maury Sec (red)
Muscat de Rivesaltes
Rivesaltes
Maury (for fortified)
Banyuls
Banyuls Grand Cru
What are the topographical divisions of Languedoc
Foothills and Mountains
Coastal plains
Atlantic corridor
What are the topographical divisions of Roussillon
Located in the eastern part of the Eastern Pyrenees ‘département’, the Roussillon amphitheatre is open to the Mediterranean on one side and surrounded by three mountain ranges: the Corbières to the North, the Pyrenees – with Mount Canigou – to the West, and the Albères to the South.
Three main rivers cross Roussillon’s vineyards to meet the sea.
What are the meso-climatic divisions of Languedoc
The climate in all but the far western limits of the Languedoc (where Atlantic influence is apparent) is definitively mediterranean and one of the major viticultural hazards is drought
Wind is common throughout the growing season, with the tramontane bringing cool air from the mountains.
Cooler in hills
What are the meso-climatic divisions of Roussillon
Roussillon enjoys a perfect Mediterranean climate with dry, hot summers, and mild autumns and winters. Roussillon is France’s sunniest wine region with 2,530 hours (316 days) of sunlight on average each year. Rainfall is low (500-600mms a year) and mostly brought by thunderstorms in the spring and autumn.
8 different types of wind blow across the wine growing area and, one day out of three, the mighty Tramontane, a dominating north wind, sweeps through the land
List examples of how forward-thinking Languedoc has been in embracing change - climatic and economic
1 Water management
2 Grape Varieties - rapid replanting after phylloxera
3 Biodiversity
4 Enviromental projects
5 Co-ops
6 Return to Terroir
What is an ‘Episode Cevenol’
A Cévenol episode is a meteorological phenomenon that mainly occurs in the Cévennes (France) and its surrounding area. It consists of very violent and highly localised storms, accompanied torrential rain, in most cases causing, flooding.
weather phenomenon generally happens in autumn, when warm, moisture-laden air hovering over the Mediterranean blows inland as a south wind in conjunction with a depression/low pressure system Over the Bay of Biscay to the west. This south wind is then blocked by the Cévennes, which have already developed a cold air mass midst their peaks by this time of year. The on-going collision between trapped hot and cold air masses forms and re-forms clouds which drop heavy rains that can last for days, unleashing very high levels of precipitation and causing damaging floods before the Mistral and the Tramontane winds re-establish themselves and clear the skies.
What is Garrigue
1 low-lying vegetation that grows wild in sun-scorched limestone soils
2 a variety of aromatic, resinous herbs like rosemary, sage, bay leaves and thyme. It also includes shrubs like juniper and artemisia as well as lavender and mint.
3 aromatic compounds found in both plants and wine called terpenes. Alpha-pinene, the terpene most associated with garrigue, is linked to coniferous plants like pine trees, but also juniper, rosemary, sage, lavender and other plants common to Mediterranean climates.
What are the major soil types of Languedoc-Roussillon and where are they found
Between Nîmes, Perpignan and Carcassonne, there are a variety of different terroirs. Roussillon’s clay-limestone terraces and schistous massifs are juxtaposed with coastal terraces where the Pyrenees meet the Mediterranean Sea. The diverse soils, studded with round river stones and limestone, produce a variety of different wines with many assorted aromas, even within a single appellation. In general, the sedimentary sand and limestone soils are located on the coast, while the schistous soils are located in the mountainous parts of the regions.
What are the main red grapes of Languedoc
Grenache
Mourvedre
Syrah
Carignan
some Cinsault
Merlot
Cab Sav
What are the main white grapes of Languedoc
Bourboulenc
Clairette
Mauzac
Picpoul
Muscat
Describe the viticultural practices of Languedoc
how they have changed,
The Languedoc is the land of the proud peasant farmer. The size of the average holding is small, and usually much divided between parcels inherited from various different branches of the family. Basic, straggling bush vines still predominate, although an increasing proportion of vines, especially the newer international varieties, are being trained on wires. irrigation is theoretically permitted only within strictly specified limits, and in practice only the best and the worst producers tend to have any form of available irrigation system. The flatter, larger vineyards lend themselves to mechanical harvesting but their parcellation, and ripping out, has slowed the inevitable invasion. The region is by no means free of fungal diseases and some sprayings are usually necessary.
Describe mutage
Making sweet wines
Term derived from French (muté = silent) for stopping fermentation by adding alcohol to the fermenting must. In this state the must is called “Vin muté”. If the fermenting grape mash is doused with the alcohol, it is called “mutage sur grains”.
Describe Corbieres AOC
This giant of the Languedoc is one of the largest wine appellations in France (4th largest). It received AC status in 1985. To distinguish the wines, Corbières is divided into 11 terroirs or zones such as Sigean, Lézignan, Boutenac and Lagrasse.
The “terroirs” produce mainly red wines. The grape variety is Carignan for about 50%, blended with small amounts of Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Small quantities of rosé are made from these same red varieties and a miniscule amount of white wine is produced, mainly from Bourboulenc, Clairette, and Grenache Blanc. The red wines are rich and, spicy, full body and fruity and considered best. And since the introduction of carbonic maceration, they are big and full-bodied, yet have a fruitiness that does not exist in the older traditionally made wines.
Although competing now with Côteaux du Languedoc and Saint-Chinian, Corbières wines still offer good value. Soils - Limestone, marl, sandstone. Climate - The Mediterranean predominates, as can be seen in the typical vegetation of the garrigue, although the more westerly terroirs are also affected by oceanic influences. Traditional vinification and carbonic maceration are utilized, but increasingly, red wines are being matured in oak.
Reds and Roses
Min 50% Syrah, Grenache, Lladoner Pelut an d Mourvedre, plus Picpoul Noir Carignan, Terret Noir and max 20% Cinsaut
Whites
Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Maccabeo, Marsanne, Roussanne and Rolle plus max 10% Clairette, Muscat, Picpoul, Terret
Rosé
Min 50% Grenache, Llandoer Pelut, Mourvèdre and Syrah, plus Carignan, Picpouol Noir, Terret Noir, Carigan(max 10%); max 10% of Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Macabeo, Marsanne, Roussanne and Vermentino; max 10% Clairette, Muscat, Picpoul and Terret
Describe Clairette de Belleregarde AOC
Appellation situated between Nimes and Arles
Min 11% abv
Exclusively whites from 100% Clairette
Describe Costieres de Nimes AOC
Similar makeup to the wines of the Rhône
Reds
Max 40% each Carignan and Cinsaut, min 25% Grenache and min 20% combined or solo Mourvèdre and Syrah
Min 11%abv
Whites
May be sold after December 1st of year of harvest with no mention of premieur
Grenache, Bourboulenc, Macabeo, Roussanne, Vermentino and Marsanne; plus max 10% Viognier, Clairette, Muscat, Picpoul and Terrret
Min 11%abv
Rosé
Min 50% Grenache, Llanoder Pelut, Mourvèdre and Syrah; max 20% Carignan and max 10% Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Macabeo, Marsanne, Roussanne and Vermentino; plus max 10% Clairette, Muscat, Picpoul and Terret
Min 11%abv
Describe Languedoc AOC
Min 11.5% abv
Reds
Min 50% Grenache (alone 40%) Llanoder Pelut, Mourvèdre and Syrah(these two min 10% of blend); max 40% of either Carignan or Cinsaut; max 10% Counoise, Grenache Gris, Terret and Picpoul
Rosé
Min 50% Grenache (alone 40%) Llanoder Pelut, Mourvèdre and Syrah(these two min 10% of blend); max 40% of either Carignan or Cinsaut; max 10% Bourbolenc, Carignan Blanc, Clairette, Counoise, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Macabeo, Picpoul, Picpoul Noir, Marsanne, Roussanne, Terret Blanc, Terret Noir, Ugni Blanc and Vermentino
Whites
May be sold after December 1st of year of harvest with no mention of premieur
Bourbolenc, Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Picpoul Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, Vermentino with max 30% Macabeo, Terret Blanc, Carignan Blanc and Ugni Blanc
14 Villages able to append their name to AOC Coteaux de Languedoc
Where is Languedoc
France’s southwestern Mediterranean coast.
Rhone and Roussilon
Massif Central and Pyrennes
Atlantic corridor
What is the climate of the Languedoc
Mediterranean
Violent rain storms
Much sunshine
Dry North and westerly Tramontane wind
Moisture laden southerly winds
More diurnal in mountainous areas
What is an episode Cevenol
Autumn
Cevennes Mountain
South moisture-laden wind from Med
Encouraged by depression in Bay Biscay to West
Blocked by Cevennes (cold mountain air)
Clouds drop rain for days
Can damage crops
Mistral and Tramontane winds then reestablish
Which are the 3 topographical areas of the Languedoc
Coastal Plains
Hillsides and Mountains
Atlantic corridor
Which area is planted to high yoieding grapes
Coastal plains
What soils like Garrigue
Limestone
What is the overall climate of Languedoc?
Maritime
Semi-Maritime
Mediterranean
Continental
Mediterranean
What is an Épisode Cévenol?
An ancient mountain creating era
A repeated ancient sea-flood
A weather phenomenon generally happening in autumn
A hot drought lasting many years
A weather phenomenon generally happening in autumn
What was the Via Domitia
Roman road linking Gaul to Italy and Spain
Vines planted either side
Whose marriage in 1137 merged the kingdom of Aragon with the County of Barcelona to become the Crown of Arargon
Petronilla of Aragon and Ramon Berenguer IV of Barcelona
Which lands fell under the Crown of Araragon
Large areas of Spain
Balearic Islands
Sardinia
Much of South Western France
Languedoc 1204-1349
Who was Arnaud de Villeneuve
Under Aragonese rule
Physician and Alchesmist
Lived in Montpelier
Added spirit to fermenting must in order to make a stable sweet wine.
This technique – known as mutage
made VDNs
How did Languedoc get its name
It was the where the langue d’oc was spoken
Occitain language spoken over much of southern France + Basque
Where was first sparkling wine said to have been made
Languedoc
Abbey of Saint-Hilaire, near Limoux – not far from Carcassonne
The monks of the Abbey Saint-Hilaire are said to have created their sparkling wine – Blanquette de Limoux – in 1531.
When did the canal du midi open and which cities does it connect
1681
Sete to Bordeaux (via Garonne)
Originally to Toulouse
Who were the prime trading partners of the Languedoc in 17c
Dutch
sweet whites for Branjewin
Brandy for Napoleon’s army
A second canal was constructed in 1856 linking Toulouse to Castets-en-Dorthe – just south of the port city of Bordeaux. What was it called
Canal de la Garonne
What was the significant change in trade in 18c
Train transport meant cheap wines could be shipped easily to Northern France
Production in Languedoc quadrupled
Whihc was the first region to replant on American rootstocks
Languedoc
Who was France’s largest wine region in 1900
Languedoc
Which was the first French wine cooperative
Maraussan Co-operative
The first French wine co-operative was founded in 1905 in Maraussan near Béziers in Languedoc. Some co-operatives in Alsace are older – but Alsace was part of Germany at the time:
Approx how many co-ops in Languedoc at present and how much of the region’s production do they represent
150
70%
Which is the largest winemaking region in Southern France
Languedoc-Roussilon
How many departments were combined inot Languedoc-Roussilon
5
4 of Languedoc and i from Roussilon
What is the regional IGP of Languedoc-Roussilon
Pays d’Oc
What % of production are AOCs in Languedoc Roussilon
10%
74% is IGP
16% is Vin de France
The monks of the Abbey of Saint-Hilaire are said to have produced France’s first sparkling wine in 1531.
What is the wine called?
Crémant de Limoux
Blanquette de Veau
Blanquette de Limoux
Crémant de Languedoc
Blanquetter de Limoux
Which canal links the Mediterranean port of Sète to the Garonne River in Toulouse?
Canal du Carcassonne
Canal du Languedoc
Canal de Garonne
Canal du Midi
Canal du Midi
What are the main white grapes of Languedoc
Bourboulenc (La Clape)
Clairette (La Clape)
Mauzac Blanc (Blanquette, Limoux)
Picquepoul (picquepoul de Pinet)
Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc (VDNs)
Which is the most well known gris grape used Languedoc’s AOCs
Grenache Gris
What are the main red grapes of the Languedoc
Grenache Noir (normally blended)
Syrah
Mourvedre
Which is the main white variety in the wines of La Clape?
Clairette
Bourboulenc
Mauzac Blanc
Chardonnay
Bourboulenc
Which red grape is enjoying a surge in popularity in Languedoc?
Lledoner Pelut
Cinsaut
Fer Servadou
Carignan
Carignan
Name the two main VTS in the Languedoc
Gobelot (Traditional)
Guyot (Modern)
Drought is a problem in Languedoc - what is being doing to address the problem
Drought resistant rootstocks
Irrigation (with permission)
Climate change has led to some changes in viticulture - give 4 examples
Organic viticulture
Mildew resistant grapes - (Souvignier Gris, Cabernet Cortis, Muscaris, Floréal and Soreli)
New varieites and crosses for warmer climates
Heritage grapes - Carignan Renaissance, Aramon and Aspiran Noir – also known as Rivairenc
How are roses normally made in Languedoc
Direct press or saignee
Some Limoux white wines undergo barrel fermentaion - True or False
True
Which grape often undergoes carbonic maceration to tame its aggressive tannins
Carignan
Which 2 methods of production are used for Languedoc’s sparkling wines
Traditiona
Method Ancestrale
What percentage of France’s organic vineyards are planted in Languedoc-Roussillon?
7%
16%
27%
38%
38%
What is the traditional training system used in Languedoc?
Cordon
Guyot
Gobelet
Pergola
Lyre
Gobelet
Which are the top 3 AOCs by production in Langueoc
Corbieres 24%
Languedoc 23%
Minervois 9%
Can a Roussilon producer use Languedoc AOC
Yes - but not many choose to use it
How many DGCs does Langudeoc AOC have, and how many of those make white wine
11
None- all red wine only except for Cabrieres and Saint-Saturnin (rose)
Saint-Chinian makes dry white, rose and red wines - but is this the same as its two DGCs?
No - the two DGCs of Chinian are Berlou and Roquebrun and both only make red wines
Wines from AOC Languedoc include varitial bottlings of new authorised grapes - True or False
False
Wines from AOC Languedoc have to be blends of at least two grape varieties
What is this a list of
Cabrières, Grés de Montpellier, La Méjanelle, Montpeyroux, Pézenas, Quatourze, Saint-Christol, Saint-Drézéry, Saint-Georges-d’Orques, Saint-Saturnin and Sommières.
The 11 DGCs in Languedoc AOC
Which are the 10 need-to-know (non VDN) AOCs of the Western Languedoc
5 in the Atlantic corridor near the Canal du Midi
Malepere
Limoux
Cremant de Limoux
Cabardes
5 in the Mountains and Hillsides
Minervois
Minervois la Liviniere
Fitou
Corbieres
Corbieries Boutenac
Fitou has 2 non-contiguous zones of production - Name them and what you would expect to find in a bottle
Fitou Maritime
Haut Fitou
Red wines only from Carignan and Grenache
Which is the largest non-regional appellation in the Languedoc and the 4th largest by volume in France.
Corbieres
Corbieres makes dry white, rose and red - but which of these is it best known for
Carignan based red wine
Boutenac is in the process of removing part of its current name. What do they wish to remove and how do its rules vary from that AOC
Removing Corbieres name - although it lies within Corbieires zone
Only red wines of which >30% must be Carignan and no one variety >80%.
Corbieires can make white and rose
Protected by Mountains
Which is the most westerly AOC of the Languedoc and what would you expect to find in a bottle of this wine
Malpere
Mainly red (although could be rose) from Merlot, Cot and/or Cabernet Franc
What are Limoux AOC whites generally made from
Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Mauzac
Which of these staements about Limoux wines is incorrect
a) Limoux AOC makes dry white and red wines and sparkling white
b) Whites are made from Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Mauzac – all of which must be hand harvested,
c) Red and white wines must be barrel fermented
d) White wines cannot be sold until the November the year after harvest
e) There must be at least three varieties in a red blend
f) Red grapes must be hand harvested
g) Red wines aged until 15 April after harvest
h) Limoux reds are primarily Merlot
c - Red wines can be tank fermented
d - white wines sold after May the year after harvest
f - red grapes can be machine harvested
Cremant de Limoux is made as white or rose - True or False
True
The rosé style is achieved by adding a minimum of 15% Pinot Noir to the assemblage.
What is a typical blend of Cremant de Limoux
Chardonnay
plus
Chenin, Mauzac, Pinot Noir
Which is the only AOC in Languedoc where there is an equal split between Mediterranean and Bordeaux varieties in the blends
Cabardes AOC
Reds and roses from
>40% Cab Sauv, Merlot and Cab Franc; and
>40% Grenache/Syrah
Whcih Languedoc AOC is being described here
The AOC makes dry white, rose and red.
Soils are predominately clay and limestone with pockets of sandstone.
Red wines tend to be Syrah-based with high proportions of Grenache and Mourvèdre. White wines must be made of 80% of the primary varieties. The vast majority of production here is red.
Minervois
Which is the AOC in the northern portion of Minervois and what type of wines do they make
Minervois-La Livinière AOC.
It makes only red wines.
How does Blanquette de Limoux differ from Blanquette Methode Ancestrale
BdL= Mauzac and Cahrdonnay/Chenin
BMA=100% Mauzac
BdL= sur lie aging for 9/12
BMA= 2/12 aging
BdL=around 12.5%
BMA=6-7%
BdL=dry
BMA=delicate sweetness
Name all of the 10need to know AOCs (not VDNs) of the western Languedoc
Two in the Coastal Plains
La Clape
Picpoul de Pinet
5 in the Mountains and Hillsides
Saint Chinian
(DGC Saint Chinian Berlou
DGC Saint Chinian Roquebrun)
Faugeres
Clairette du Languedoc
Terraces du Larzac
Pic-saint-Loup
La Clape is dominated by which mountains
The Massif da la Clape
Large limestone outcrop
La Clape makes dry white, red and rose wines - True or False
False - no rose
Which AOC has been described as one one of the hottest, driest and sunniest parts of France
La Clape
La Clape is known for its red wines but which grape dominates its white wines
Bourboulenc
Which AOC is being described
It produces more white wine than any other AOC in Languedoc.
The vineyards descend to the large saltwater lake, Étang de Thau – the only barrier between the vines and the sea.
The climate is influenced by year- round sea breezes which moderate temperatures. Despite a very narrow diurnal temperature swing, most of the grapes are harvested by machine at night to bring slightly cooler fruit into the winery.
Co-operatives account for over 80% of production.
Although most wines are fermented in stainless steel and bottled young to retain the wine’s delicate citrus aromas, barrel-aged styles are also produced.
Piquepoul de Pinet
Faugeres vineyards lie in the foothills of which mountain range
Cevennes
Faugeres wines must be a blend of at least 2 varieties but are they grape varieties normally found in Bordeaux or Rhone type blends?
Rhone
White grapes: Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Vermentino
Red grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Lledoner Pelut
Which AOC makes semi-sweet and fortified white wines from Clairette
Clairette du Languedoc
Most production is dry white
Which is the highest AOC in the Languedoc and therefore xperiences wide diurnal swings
Terrasses du Larzac
What type of wine in Terrasses of Larzac best known for?
Red wines which must be a blend of three varieties – typically Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre.
What % of Terrasses du Larzac vineyards are certified organic
50%
What is Pic Saint Loup and, other than wines, what type of vegetation would you find there
Mountain
Garrigue
In Pic St Loup wines must be a blend of how many varieties
2 - Syrah always one of them
Languedoc AOC also covers the Roussillon vineyard area.
True or False?
True
Which is the largest non-regional appellation in the Languedoc?
Minervois
Corbières
Limoux
Saint-Chinian
Picpoul de Pinet
Corbieres
Name the 4 AOCs in Languedoc that make fortified wines
Muscat de Lunel (galets)
Muscat de Mireval (can be Frontignac label)
Muscat de Frontignan (seaside/powerful)
Muscat de Saint-Jean de Minervois (sweeter/fragrant)
What are common between all the Languedocs fortifed muscats
Muscats a Petits Grains
Reductive
Hand Harvest
No irrigation
Min Alcohol 15%
Min sweetness 11% (except St Jean de Minercois=12.5%)
Whcih AOC in Languedoc makes sweet fortified wines but not from Muscat a Petits Grains
Clairette du Languedoc AOC
One Languedoc AOC produces dry white, semi-sweet white and fortified white wines. Which AOC is that?
Picpoul de Pinet
Terrasses du Larzac
Saint-Chinian
Clairette du Languedoc
Corbières Boutenac
Clairette du Languedoc
Three of the four Languedoc VDNs must have a minimum sweetness level of 11%/110 g/l R.S. The fourth VDN AOC requires a minimum of 12.5%/125 g/l R.S. – which AOC is that?
Muscat de Lunel
Muscat de Mireval
Muscat de Frontignan
Muscat de Saint-Jean-de-Minervois
Muscat de Saint-Jean-de-Minervois
How many IGPs in Languedoc
20
Which is France’s largest IGP and most exported IGP.
Pays d’Oc
about half of Australia’s total production – or around one-third of that of the USA.
What is the split of red. white and rose in IGP Pays d’Oc
Red=54%
White=25%
Rose=21%
Which are the most commonly used grapes for varietal red wines in Pays d’Oc AOC
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah – totaling over 80% of varietal Pays d’Oc reds.
Which are the most commonly used grapes for varietal white wines in Pays d’Oc AOC
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier – totaling nearly 85% of varietal Pays d’Oc whites.
Which are the most commonly used grapes for varietal rose wines in Pays d’Oc AOC
Grenache, Cinsaut, Syrah – totaling around 80% of varietal Pays d’Oc rosés.
Which are IPG Pays dOc production rules
a) Pays d’Oc IGP wines require tasting approval
b) Non-varietally labeled wines must consist of more than 50% primary grapes and less than 50% secondary grapes.
c)Wines can be labeled with several grape varieties – if those grape varieties are principal grape varieties and if each constitutes at least 15% of the total.
d)White grapes may be incorporated into red and rosé wine if red and white grape varieties are fermented together – and if the white grapes constitute no more than 20% of the final blend.
All of them
Pays d’Oc IGP wines which are not varietally labeled must contain more than what percentage of primary grapes?
40%
50%
60%
70%
50%
Pays d’Oc IGP wines which are not varietally labeled must contain more than what percentage of primary grapes?
40%
50%
60%
70%
92%
In Languedoc, the AOCs situated on the hills and mountains are
considered to be higher quality than those on the plains – why?
Cooler temperatures than those on valley floor
Maintains acidity
Less fertile soils with this topsoils
Which AOC is made up of two separate zones of production within the southern part of Corbières?
Limoux
Minervois
La Clape
Fitou
Fitou
Which two Languedoc AOCs are known for single-varietal wines?
Clairette du Languedoc
Pic Saint-Loup
Picpoul de Pinet
La Clape
Cabardès
Clairette du Languedoc
Picpoul de Pinet
Which one of these AOCs is NOT in Languedoc’s Atlantic corridor?
Cabardès
Malepère
Limoux
Faugères
Faugeres
Which one of these AOCs is NOT in Languedoc’s Atlantic corridor?
Cabardès
Malepère
Limoux
Faugères
Mauzac
Which Languedoc AOC has Chenin Blanc as a Primary grape variety?
Muscat
Malepère
Cabardès
Limoux
Limoux
Which is the most westerly AOC in the Languedoc?
Limoux
Malepère
Minervois
Cabardes
Malpere
1 Languedoc, Faugères, Minervois, Saint-Chinian and Corbières
2 Picpoul de Pinet
Cabardès, Malepère and Pic Saint-Loup
3 Terrasses du Larzac, Minervois-La Livinière, Corbières Boutenac and Fitou
4 La Clape
5 Clairette du Languedoc
6 Limoux
7 Crémant de Limoux
a) can all make dry white, rosé and red.
b) can only make dry whites.
c) can all make red and rosé wines.
d) can all only make red wines.
E) can only make dry white and red wines.
F) can only make dry white, semi-sweet white and fortified white wines.
f) can make dry white, red and sparkling white wines.
g) can make sparkling white and sparkling rosé wines.
All in order
CHECK
What is the primary grape used in the production of Crémant de Limoux?
Muscat
Clairette
Macabeu
Chardonnay
Terret Blanc
Chardonnay
The limestone outcrop known as the Falaise de l’Hortus (Cliff of Hortus) is found in which Languedoc AOC?
Terrasses du Larzac
Saint-Chinian
La Clape
Pic Saint-Loup
Minervois-La Livinière
Corbières Boutenac
Pic saint Loup
Which Languedoc AOC is in the foothills of the Cévennes mountains?
Corbières
Faugères
Cabardès
Minervois
Faugeres
Apart from the four VDN AOCs – none of Languedoc’s other AOCs permit the production of sweet wines
True or False?
False
Sweet and semi-sweet wines can be made in Clairette du Languedoc.
Which is not a definition of garrigue?
The limestone soil
The resinous herbs and scrub vegetation that grow on the limestone
The climate that occurs around the limestone
The aroma of the herbs when crushed underfoot
The climate
Match the AOC with the correct blending rules
1=Pic Saint-Loup
2=Malepere
3=Corbières Boutenac
4=Cabardès
=red wines must contain at least 40% Merlot.
=no one variety can be more than 80% – but at least 30% must be Carignan.
=wines must be a blend of at least two varieties – with Syrah always being one of them.
=reds must be least 40% Cab Sauv, Merlot &/or Cab Franc & at least 40% Grenache &/or Syrah.
Malepere=red wines must contain at least 40% Merlot.
Corbieres Boutenec=no one variety can be more than 80% – but at least 30% must be Carignan.
Pic St Loup=wines must be a blend of at least two varieties – with Syrah always being one of them.
Cabardes=reds must be least 40% Cab Sauv, Merlot &/or Cab Franc & at least 40% Grenache &/or Syrah.
Which is the oldest and largest of the four Muscat VDN AOCs in Languedoc?
Muscat de Frontignan
Muscat de Mireval
Muscat de Lunel
Muscat de Saint-Jean-de-Minervois
Muscat de Frontignan
As of 2020, how many DGCs are there in Languedoc AOC?
2
7
11
17
21
11
Which of these is incorrect?
Grenache: Garnacha
Syrah: Samso
Mourvèdre: Monastrell
Carignan: Cariñena
Syrah:Samso
What styles of wine are produced in Limoux AOC.
Select all that apply
Dry white
Semi-sweet white
Sweet white
Rosé
Red
Sparkling white
Dry white, Red and Sparkling white
Which is unique about Languedoc Cabrières and Saint-Satumin compared to all the other Languedoc DGCs?
They make dry white wines as well as red
They make sweet white wines as well as red
They make rosé wines as well as red
They only make red wines
They make fortified white wines as well as red
Make rose wines as well as reds
Which Languedoc appellation claims to have first produced sparkling wine?
Limoux
How was the impact of phylloxera different in Languedoc compared to other French regions?
Replanted with American rootstock quickly
Which two appellations in Languedoc are known for producing single-varietal wines?
Picpoul de Pinet
Clairette de Languedoc
Which grape variety is used in the production of Blanquette Méthode Ancestrale?
Mauzac 100%
What is an Épisode Cévenol?
Winds from South cause days of heavy rain in Autumn
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 rainy 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
Hillsides and Mountains
Atlantic corridor
The VDN appellations of the Languedoc can be made reductively and/or oxidatively.
True or False?
False - all reductively
Languedoc’s soils are fairly homogenous.
True or False?
False
Wide range including
Limestone
Granite and Schist
What is the western extremity of Languedoc known as?
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 Mourvèdre.
Historically, what effect did the Bordelais have on the Languedoc wine trade?
Bordeaux linked by Canal du Midi
Bordelais Limited sale of wines other than Bordeaux
In Languedoc, which grape variety is often fermented using Carbonic Maceration?
Carignan
Which grape variety is used in all Languedoc VDN AOCs?
Muscat a Petit Grains Blanc
What is “garrigue”?
Resinous vegetation on calcareous soils
Aroma
Soils
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
Haut Fitou
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 AOC
What are the two DGCs of the Saint-Chinian AOC?
Roquebrun
Berlou
What is the most westerly appellation in Languedoc?
Malepere
Languedoc is currently experimenting with which two Greek grape varieties?
Agiorgitiko
and
Assyrtiko
Which Languedoc appellation has planted an equal split of Atlantic and Mediterranean grape varieties?
Cabardes
What are the 4 key red grapes of Languedoc
Grenache Noir
Syrah
Mourvedre
Carignan
What are the 5 key white grapes of Languedoc
Bourboulenc
Clairette
Mauzac Blanc
Picquepoul
Muscat a Pettis Grains Blanc
What is the split in production between IGP, Vin de France and AOC
AOC=10%
Vin de France=16%
IGP=74%
How many authorised grape varities in Pays d’oc AOC
58
What borders Roussillon
Languedoc to the north and northeast, Spain to the south and the Mediterranean to the east.
Which 3 mountain ranges surround Roussillon
Corbieres
Pyrennes
Alberes Mountains
The Corbières to the north, the Pyrenees – including Mount Canigou peak – to the west and the Albères Mountains – the eastern extension of the Pyrenees – to the south.
What weather effect do the 3 mountain ranges of Roussillon create
Ampitheatre
Trapping heat, blocking inclement weather
One of hottest areas in mainland France
Approx how many days sunshine a year does Roussillon recieve
300
What are viticultural challenges in Roussillon
Drought and winds - 8 types
What is the Tramontane
Wind from the north - dessicates berries - increasing sugar concentration
Blows away disease
What are the 3 rivers of the Roussillon region- from North to South
Agly, Tet and Tech
What are the soils of the Roussillon region
Diverse - but much is iron-rich, sandy, red water-retainng clay
Match the site type with the grape varieties
Red - White
alluvial plains- higher stonier sites
White=alluvial plains
Red=higher stonier sites
What is the climate of Roussillon?
Maritime
Semi-Maritime
Mediterranean
Continental
Mediterranean
Which mountain range forms the northern boundary of Roussillon?
Pyrenees
Corbières
Albères
Alps
Corbieres
Which region, between the 12th and the 17th centuries, was successively part of the Kingdom of Aragon, and the Kingdom of Majorca under James the Conqueror
Roussillon
When did Roussillon return to Aragon rule
1349
When did Roussillon become French again
1659
End of Franco-Spanish war
Treaty of Pyrennes
Why did Roussillon come to viticulture later than Languedoc
Difficult terrain (rugged topography)
What are the French equivalents of these grape names
Carinena
Macabeo
Mataro/Monastrell
Carignan
Macabeu
Mourvedre
how have Roussillon’s wines evolved from rustic reds
to finer reds
More temperature control
Which were the first Roussilon AOCs in 1936
Rvesaltes
Banyuls
Maury
What % of France’s VDNs are produced in Roussillon
80%
What are the 3 top AOC/IGPs s of Roussillon
Cotes de Roussillon AOC (25%)
Cotes Catalanes IGP (25%)
Pays d’Oc IGP (13%)
next AOCs are
Muscat de Rivesaultes
Cotes de Roussillon Villages
Roussillon was at one stage part of which island Kingdom?
Majorca
Corsica
Sardinia
Sicily
Majorca
Which Treaty ceded Roussillon to France?
Treaty of Westphalia
Treaty of Paris
Treaty of the Pyrenees
Treaty of Trianon
Pyrennes
Which are Roussillon’s top 3 red grapes
Grenache
Syrah
Carignan
then Mourvedre
Which are Roussillon’s top 3 white grapes
Muscat a Petits Grains
Muscat d’alexandrie
Macabeu
then Grenache Blanc
Which white grape is the main component of Roussillon’s dry white wines and white VDNs
Grenache Blanc
Which family of grapes are the main ones for dry white, rose and red production
Grenache
In which category would you find international grapes
IGP varietal wines
What is the main grape variety used to produce white VDNs in Roussillon?
Carignan Blanc
Grenache Blanc
Chenin Blanc
Macabeu
Grenache Blanc
What is the main grape variety used to produce red VDNs in Roussillon?
Grenache
Grenache Gris
Carignan
Lledoner Pelut
Grenache
What is the traditional VTS in Roussillon
Gobelet - low to ground
Works well in areas of low rainfall and with vines with strong canes - Grenache and Carignan
Are vine typically machine or hand-harvested in Roussillon
Hand - as gobelet trained and on slopes
Would Roussillon’s vineyards be described as high-density or low-density planted
Low density
Less than 2Kper ha
Water availability
What % of Roussillon’s vineyards are farmed organically
20%
What type of methods are used to make rose in Roussillon
direct press or saignee
Carbonic maceration is used in Roussillon - True or False
True for Carignan
What are bonbonnes
Glass jars used for aging
How are wines made rancio
Matured by oxidative methods for at least 5 years
Name 4 types of aging vessel for VDNs
Foudres
Barrels
Vats
Glass demi-johns
As of 2018, what percentage of Roussillon’s vineyards are farmed organically?
10%
20%
30%
40%
20%
In Roussillon – and Languedoc – which red grape variety is often fermented using carbonic maceration?
Carignan
Cinsaut
Grenache
Counoise
Lledoner Pelut
Carignan
Which are the 2 regional AOCs of Roussillon
Cotes de Roussillon (dry white, rose, red)
Languedoc (less than 2%)
Cotes de Roussillon red and white wines must be a blend - True or False
True
Cotes de Roussillon mostly produces white wines - True or False
False - 50% red, 42% rose, 8% white
What is the regional IGP of Roussillon
Cotes Catalanes
What type of wine would you expect to see in a Cotes de Roussillon villages
Red wine blend
Normally - Grenache based
What are the 5 DGCs of Cotes de Roussillon Villages
Caramany
Latour-de-France
Les Aspres
Lesquerde
Tautavel
What types of wine does Maury (Sec) AOC make
Red wine only
Maury AOC is for VDNs
Dry reds must have sec on label
In which AOC is Queribus castle
Maury (sec) AOC
There is a particular weather feature of Maury - what is it
The wind funnels through the hills at speeds of up to 60 mph/100 kph, and the sun is relentless. The vines struggle to survive, producing just two to three bunches per vine.
How long are Maury Sec wines aged
Until March 1 of the year after harvest
What types of wine does Collioure AOC make
Dry white, rose and red
Which wine AOC does Collioure share the same area
Banyuls
Which is the largest AOC in Roussillon?
Côtes du Roussillon
Côtes du Roussillon Villages
Collioure
Rivesaltes
Cotes de Roussillon
Roughly what percentage of Roussillon’s wine production was bottled as Languedoc AOC in 2019?
21%
14%
10%
2%
2%
Which AOCs in Roussillon make VDNs and what types
Muscat de Rivesaultes (only white)
Rivesaultes (all types)
Maury (red and white)
Banyuls (red, white, rose)
Banyuls Grand Cru (red)
What is Muscat de Noel
Muscat de Rivesaltes can be labeled as “Muscat de Noël” for wines marketed for the Christmas period of the year of harvest.
Which AOCs of Roussillon make dry white, red and roses
Cotes de Roussillon
Collioure
Maury Sec
The minimum sweetness level of all Roussillon VDNs is 10% - True or False
False
True only for Muscat de Rivesaultes
Rivesaultes=4.5%
Maury=4.5%
Banyuls=4.5%
Banyuls Grand Cru=4.5%
The minimum abv of Roussillon’s VDNs in AOCs is 15% - True or False
True
True for Muscat de Rivesaultes, Rivesaultes, Maury, Banyuls, Banyuls Grand Cru
What makes Banyuls VDN a Banyuls Grand Cru VDN
Must contain a minimum of 75% Grenache
Aged in oak until June of 3rd year after harvest
Blended with white graoes
Which Roussillon AOCs is known for only making VDNs in a reductive style
Muscat de Rivesaultes
Which AOCs lie on the L’Agly river
Cotes de Roussillon
Cotes de Roussillon Village
Rivesultes
Muscat de Rivesaultes
How many types of VDN does Maury make
6
Only red and white - but 3 types of each
Red=grenat, tuile, rancio
White=blanc, ambre, rancio
Rivesaultes and Banyuls makes 3 extra types of VDN than Maury what are these
Hors de Age Tuile and Ambre
Rose in a reductive style
Banyuls has a different name for their Red VDNs - not grenat and Tuile - but what
Reductive=Rimage
Oxidative=Traditional
What makes a VDN hors d’Age category
Oxidative aging
Must spend at least 5 years aging
Banyuls Grand Cru is only for red VDNs but is this made oxidatively or reductively?
Oxidative styles only = Tuile with hors d’age
Which of these VDNs is only made reductively?
Maury
Muscat de Rivesaltes
Rivesaltes
Banyuls
Muscat de Rivesaultes
Reductive VDN wines aged for a minimum of 5 years may be labeled Hors d’Age. True or False?
False
Only oxidative styles can be labelled Hors d’Age – if they spent at least five years aging.
What are the 3 IGPs of Roussillon and which one is need to know
Need to know
Cotes Catatalanes
Also Pays d’Oc
Pays Vermeille
Cotes Catalanes produced approximately half the amount of wine as Côtes du Roussillon AOC. - True or False
False - about the same
Cotes Catalanes produce a non-fortified style of red or white wine which is aged outdoors in glass bonbonnes - what are these wines called and how long must they be aged
Rancio
Aug 31 of 5th year after harvest
Which IGP is the most used in Roussillon?
Côte Vermeille
Pays d’Oc
Côtes Roussillon
Côtes Catalanes
Pyrénées-Orientales
Cotes Catalanes
ôtes Catalanes IGP can be used for rancio style wines – how long must these be aged for before being sold?
Until August 31 of the second year after harvest
Until August 31 of the third year after harvest
Until August 31 of the fourth year after harvest
Until August 31 of the fifth year after harvest
31 Aug of 5th year after harvest
Why does Languedoc-Roussillon have the largest
number of certified organic producers in France?
Healthier grapes because of low disease pressure
Wind
Ample sunshine (low rainfall)
Which of these rivers is not in Roussillon?
Agly
Têt
Tech
Aude
Aude
What effect does the Tramontane wind have on the vineyards?
Reduces humidity
Damages vines
Brings heavy rains
Brings heat from the Mediterranean
Reduces humidity
What wine styles of wine can be made in Côtes du Roussillon Villages AOC?
Dry red and white
Dry red, rosé and white
Dry red only
Dry red and white and VDNs
Dry red only
Which of these is not a Côtes du Roussillon Villages DCG?
Caramany
Lesquerde
Collioure
Les Aspres
Collioure
Banyuls AOC shares the same area with which other Roussillon AOC?
Maury
Les Aspres
Collioure
Rivesaltes
Collioure
What are the large glass jars used for maturing VDN called?
Foudres
Bonbonnes
Mistral
Boutenac
Bonbonnes
Match these VDN aging terms with their style:
Grenat and Rimage
Tuilé, Hors d’Age, Ambré, Traditionnel
Rancio
Very oxidative
Oxidative
Reductive
Match these VDN aging terms with their style:
Grenat and Rimage=Reductive
Tuilé, Hors d’Age, Ambré, Traditionnel=Oxidative
Rancio=Very Oxidative
In 2018 what was the most planted red grape in Roussillon?
Carignan
Syrah
Grenache
Mourvèdre
Grenache
In 2018 what was the most planted white grape in Roussillon?
Grenache Gris
Muscat à Petits Grains Blanc
Macabeu
Muscat d’Alexandrie
Grenache Blanc
Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc
What style of wine does Banyuls Grand Cru AC produce?
Dry red only
Dry red and white
Red and white VDN
Red, white and rosé VDN
Red VDN only
Red VDN only
Banyuls makes red, rosé and white VDNs on steeply terraced slopes that are comprised of…what?
Limestone
Granite
Schist
Arène
Schist
What term is used for a reductively aged red Banyuls?
Grenat
Rimage
Hors d’Age
Traditionnel
Rimage
Côte Vermeille IGP covers the same area as…?
Côtes du Roussillon
Tautavel
Banyuls/ Collioure
Rivesaltes
Banyuls/Collioure
Maury AOC produces Fortified White and Fortified Red wines. What other style can also be produced here?
Dry white, rosé and red
Dry white and red
Dry red only
Dry white only
Dry red only
What is the climate of Roussillon?
Mediterranean
Roussillon is best known for what style of wine?
VDN
What is “Tramontane”?
Wind from North
What grape is the most commonly used in the production of the dry white wines of Roussillon?
Grenache Blanc
What are the names of the three main rivers that weave through Roussillon?
Agly
Tet
Tech
Muscat de Rivesaltes AOC extends into Languedoc.
True or False?
True - extends into Fitou
Which IGP just covers most of the Pyrénées-Orientales département?
Cotes Catalanes
Which VDN AOCs in Roussillon produce white, rosé and red fortified wines?
Rivesaultes
Banyuls
What is the minimum number of grapes that must be in the Côtes du Roussillon-Villages blend?
2
What is “Mutage”?
Additional of grape spirit to stop fermentation
What is the traditional form of vine training in Roussillon?
Gobelot
Many of Roussillon’s key red grape varieties originated in Spain.
True or False?
True
Maury AOC only produces VDN wines. True or False?
False
Maury Sec
Which important IGP
is shared between Languedoc and Roussillon?
Pays d’Oc
Banyuls Grand Cru must be made from at least 75% Grenache Noir. True or False?
True
What is “Muscat de Noël”?
Muscat de Rivesault VDN sold at Christmas of year of harvest
What are the names of the three mountain ranges that surround Roussillon?
Corbieres
Pyrennes
Alberes
What is the main grape variety used to produce red VDN?
Grenache Noir
What is the southernmost appellation in mainland France?
Collioure/Banyols
The Languedoc AOC covers Roussillon vineyard areas.
True or False?
True
What are two labeling terms on VDNs that refer to red wines that have aged reductively?
Grenat, Rimage (Banyuls)
What is meant by “tuilé”?
Red VDN wine aged oxidatively
What is meant by “ambré”?
White VDN wine aged oxidatively
To what does “hors d’age” refer?
VDN
Aged oxidately for over 5 years
What type of soil covers much of Roussillon?
Iron-rich clay
