Languedoc-Roussillon Region Flashcards
Location/Climate
Warm climate
Southern France by the Mediterranean Sea
*France’s new world wine region with some improving appellations
Grapes
Other (33%), Southern Rhône Blend (22%), Carignan-Grenache-Syrah (11%), Grenache-Syrah (9%), Grenache-Mouvedre-Syrah (9%), Grenache (6%), Picpoul (5%), cincault-Grenache-Syrah (4%)
Terroir
Diversity with sandy beaches, lagoons,
Volcanoes lead to limestone, riverine sand, and gravel belts
Wine Characteristics
Wide Variety depending on where grapes are grown in the region
Red Blends
Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cinsault are the dominant grapes
Regions like Saint-Chinian, Minervois, Corbieres, Fitou produce great quality
(Black olive, cassis, pepper, dried herbs, crushed rocks)
White Blends
Southern France has a large diversity of white grapes
Grapes include Marianne, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Muscat Blanc, Vermentino, Picpoul
Flavors vary greatly
Picpoul de Pinot
Phrase means (stings the lips) referring to the grape with high acid
Refreshing and light bodied
Amazing alternative to Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc
(Honeydew, preserved lemon, apple blossom, crushed rock)
Wine Region within - Cotes du Roussillon
Lies next to the Spanish border and is famous for dessert wines with Grenache and Muscat Blanc grapes
Can also find excellent dry red wines from places like Couilloure
(Raspberry, clove, olive, cocoa, crushed rocks
Appellation - Cremant de Limoux
Sparkling wines made with Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc
(Baked apple, lemon, lime, mascarpone, peach skin)
Dessert Wines
Made with Grenache and Muscat Blanc
Grapes are picked ripe and partially fermented with a neutral grape spirit added creating a rich fortified wine
Cot (Malbec)
Rustic taste with earthy fruit flavors and herbal notes
(Green olive, black currant, tobacco, blackberry, dried herbs)
Chenin Blanc Grape
Dry, sparkling, sweet - could be anything
Notable regions include Vouvray, Montlouis sur Loire, Savennieres
(Pear, honeysuckle, apple, beeswax)
