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
