Languedoc-Roussillon Flashcards
2014
The Languedoc experienced cataclysmic hail storms in 2014, seriously compromising yield, but the Roussillon fared better and looks to have produced wines of balance, concentration and complexity at relatively low alcohol levels. Early start to the season but a cool, humid summer delayed harvest to average dates. Exceptionally productive Grenache after the coulure of 2013.
2013
A tricky vintage in the south of France with yields of coulure-afflicted Grenache down 50-60%. Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan fared better and an Indian summer compensated for the cold wet spring, bringing the grapes to full ripeness. Cooler conditions generally resulted in fresher than usual whites from Viognier, Vermentino and Roussanne.
2012
Described as the worst the Languedoc has seen for 22 years. Yields were low thanks to drought at one stage and mildew at another. Late, uneven ripening resulted in wines without fully developed varietal character in many instances. It certainly was not a complete disaster but overall the feeling is one of disappointment.
2011
A rainier year meant that volumes were finally back to normal after three lean years - however, it also created a problem with rot in the vineyards. A difficult year but one that has produced some very well balanced, successful reds.
2010
Quantity is down - again - but quality is good, with minimal rot thanks to dry, windy conditions in August and September.
2009
A warm and smaller than average year, especially for whites. Quality is very high quality across the region.
2008
Variable weather and drought in the summer made this a challenging year, but has created some concentrated, fruity and aromatic reds.
2007
Very cool, grey summer left grapes struggling to ripen properly.
2006
Relatively soft wines for medium-term drinking.
2005
Almost great but rain at harvest time diluted the potential somewhat.
2004
Traditional growing season. Very good, well-balanced wines that lasted well.
2003
The heatwave resulted in some very strange musts with such low acids and such high sugars than some fermentations got stuck, resulting in sweetish wines. Definitely not for the long term.
2002
Extremely variable. An unusually grey summer ended with disastrous floods in the Gard département in the far east of the region although many growers in the hills managed to make good wine.
2001
Summer was so hot and dry that some vines shut down and stopped ripening. Rain in September was a relief for those who picked after it although the wines picked too early may be uncomfortably tough. White wines are particularly concentrated.
2000
Devastating floods in November 1999 damaged some vineyards, as did storms in June and July but the summer was warm and dry (though not excessively so) and was followed by a prolonged harvest with some very good quality wine. Lovely, round, supple wines with ripe tannins.
