Languedoc-Roussillon

Question 1

What are the major red grapes of the Languedoc?

Answer 1

Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvedre.

Question 2

What is Lladoner Pelut?

Answer 2

A red grape variety. Sibling of Grenache

Question 3

Name three sub-regions within Languedoc AOP that have geographical designations on the label?

Answer 3

Cabrieres, Saint-Christol and Sommieres.

Full list:

Cabrières, Grés de Montpellier, La Méjanelle, Montpeyroux, Pézenas, Quatourze, Saint-Christol, Saint-Drézéry, Saint-Georges-d’Orques, Saint-Saturnin, Sommières

Question 4

What styles of wine may be produced under Limoux AOP?

Answer 4

Blanc, Rouge, Blanquette de Limoux (traditional method sparkling) and Vin Mousseux Methode Ancestrale.

Question 5

What varieties may be used in still white Limoux AOP wines?

Answer 5

Mauzac, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay

Question 6

What varieties may be used for Blanquette de Limoux?

Answer 6

Minimum 90% Mauzac plus Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay

Question 7

What varieties may be used for Limoux Vin de Mousseux Methode Ancestrale?

Answer 7

Mauzac.

Question 8

What is Mauzac?

Answer 8

A white grape variety found in Limoux, Languedoc. As it is a high acid variety, it is suited to sparkling. Possesses a distinct dried apple peel aroma.

Question 9

What are the elevage requirements for Blanquette de Limoux and Limoux Vin Mousseux Blanc Methode Ancestrale?

Answer 9

Blanquette de Limoux - Minimum 9 months on lees. No further requirements.

Limoux Vin Mousseux Blanc Methode Ancestrale - Minimum 2 months on lees.

Question 10

What varieties may be used for Cremant de Limoux AOP?

Answer 10

Combined 90% maximum of the following:

• Chardonnay (minimum 50%); and
• Chenin Blanc (10% - 40%).

Combined 20% maximum of the following:

• Mauzac; and
• Pinot Noir (maximum 15%).

Question 11

What are the ageing requirements for Cremant de Limoux AOP?

Answer 11

Minimum 12 monthas of ageing plus a minimum of 9 months on lees.

Question 12

Which appellation requires still white wines to be aged in oak?

Answer 12

Limoux AOP

Question 13

Which appellations in the Languedoc are based on Bordeaux varieties for their red wines? Why are Bordeaux varieties a focus in these regions?

Answer 13

Limoux AOP, Malepere AOP and Cabardes. These far western appellations of the Languedoc undergo a cooling influence from the Atlantic Ocean. This moderates the climate allowing for conditions to successfully ripen Bordeaux varieties.

Question 14

Which appellation lies entirely within Minervois AOP?

Answer 14

Minervois-La Liviniere AOP

Question 15

Describe the difference between red wines from Minervois AOP and red wines from Corbieres AOP?

Answer 15

Minervois AOP is further north with higher elevation. Wines typically have more Grenache and Syrah thus are typically more refined than wines from Corbieres AOP that have more Carignan and Mourvedre.

Question 16

Which appellations lies entirely within Corbieres AOP?

Answer 16

Corbieres-Boutenac AOP.

Question 17

What differentiates Corbieres-Boutenac AOP for Corbieres AOP?

Answer 17

Corbieres-Boutenac AOP only allows red wines. Wines may only be made from the ‘principal varieties’ of the region: Grenache, Carignan, Mourvedre and Syrah.

Question 18

What are the two regions for Fitou AOP.

Answer 18

Fitou Maritime and Fitou Haut.

Question 19

In which appellation of the Languedoc can you produce Rivesaltes AOP VDN?

Answer 19

Fitou AOP

Question 20

Name the VDN appellations (excluding Rivesaltes AOP) of the Languedoc.

Answer 20

Clairette de Languedoc AOP;
Muscat de St-Jean de Minervois AOP; 
Muscat de Lunel AOP;
Muscat de Mireval AOP; and
Muscat de Frontignan AOP.

Question 21

Which appellation(s) may produce VDL?

Answer 21

Muscat de Frontignan AOP; and

Clairette de Languedoc AOP (VDL must be rancio in style).

Question 22

What is the newest AOP in the Languedoc? When was it created?

Answer 22

Pic St-Loup AOP. 2017.

Question 23

How does Pic St-Loup differentiate itself from the rest of the Languedoc?

Answer 23

The most northern appellation in the Languedoc (excluding Languedoc AOP). More consistent rain along with drying winds is conducive to ripening Syrah. Pic St-Loup only allows a maximum of 10% Carignan.