Lesser Regions Flashcards
Describe the basic geography of the Languedoc.
Location, climate, geographical landmarks, and soil
The Languedoc is the largest wine region of France, with 3x the vineyard area of Bordeaux. It is also the southernmost.
The Languedoc is bordered by the Cevennes Mountains in the north and the Pyrenees in the South (on the Spanish border). Vineyards are planted on a curved plain forming a crescent that faces the Mediterranean Sea, with the best ones are on slopes or on cool plateaus in the foothills of these mountain ranges.
The climate is Mediterranean, and the soils are chalk and gravel, with limestone farther inland. Some of the best vineyards are on round riverbed stones similar to those in Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
How much of total French wine production comes from the Languedoc?
25%
What kind of wines are made in the Languedoc?
All kinds - red, white, rose, sparkling, and sweet fortified.
What kind of wines are made in Provence?
Red, white, and rose.
Name a great rose from Provence.
Chateau d’Esclans
What is the most cultivated white grape variety in Switzerland?
Chasselas
What is Switzerland’s most important AOC?
Describe its layout.
Valais.
It is clustered along the banks of the Rhône River, in the rainshadow of the Alps. This, along with the Foehn, a warm, dry wind, make this region amicable to grape growing.
What is Vin des Glacier?
A maderized wine from Switzerland.
What is Retsina?
An aromatized Greek wine flavored with Aleppo pine resin
What is the hierarchy of Greek wine classification from lowest to highest?
Table
Varietal
PGI
PDO
Which PDO is known for production of Assyrtiko?
Santorini
What dessert wine is native to Hungary?
What are the two main grapes used to make it?
Tokaji
Furmint and Hárslevelű
What is Esszencia?
It is made from the free run juice of Aszu berries used to make Tokaji. It takes years to ferment, often resulting in wines with only 5%-6% alcohol and over 500g RS
Where is Jura?
Where are its vineyards?
It is in eastern France, just east of Burgundy.
Its vineyards are found on the lower slopes of the Jura mountains
What is Vin Jaune?
Means “Yellow Wine” in French, it is an oxidized white wine made in the Jura departement of France, made with a layer of yeast similar in style to Fino Sherry.
It is made strictly with Savignin grapes, and is NOT fortified.
