Madiran

Question 1

where is Madiran located?

Answer 1

This region is in sight of the Pyrenees mountain range that separates France from Spain and 80 kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean

Question 2

What is Madiran AOC known for and are there any other wines made within Madiran?

Answer 2

Madiran AOC is a high tannin red wine made
principally from the Tannat variety.

also there is a late harvest white made.
called Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh AOC is made from local varieties, similar in style to Jurançon.

Question 3

What influences the Madiran climate and what effects does this have?

Answer 3

Madiran has influence from the Atlantic with relatively high annual rain fall (1,000mm)

Question 4

With high rainfall (1,000mm), when does the rain fall?

Answer 4

this falls mainly in late winter and spring.

Question 5

Tannat ripens fully in most years here, what contributes to this?

Answer 5

Warm, sunny summers and dry autumns with warm days and cool nights and a hot, dry southern Föhn wind

Question 6

explain the topography of Madiran

Answer 6

Madiran comprises four large, roughly parallel ridges oriented north–south, with steep west-facing slopes.

Question 7

The soils on slopes are mainly ___ and _____ with good drainage, producing grapes that make tannic wines suitable for ____ ____ _____.

Answer 7

clay and limestone

long bottle-ageing

Question 8

the soils on the flatter land, __ and _____ soils predominate and the resulting wines are less tannic and can be drunk earlier.

Answer 8

clay and clay/loam

Question 9

Tannat

Characteristics

Answer 9

This black grape variety is vigorous and therefore best supported on a trellis.
It is mid-ripening, and therefore has normally been picked before the onset of autumn rains.
it is prone to botrytis bunch rot that has to be controlled.

As a variety it is highly tannic, which affects decisions about winemaking.

Question 10

TASTING NOTE:

Madiran reds

Answer 10

Madiran wines intended for ageing are typically

• deep ruby in colour,
• pronounced aromas and flavours of blackberry and blackcurrant plus oak flavours,
• high tannins,
• high acidity
• full body
• alcohol ranges from the top end of medium to high.

These wines are very good to outstanding in quality and mid- to premium priced.

Earlier drinking styles with lower levels of tannins and concentration are also made.

Question 11

Madiran AOC must be made with __-__ per cent Tannat, blended with ____ _____ and ____ ____ and/or the local black variety _____

Answer 11

60–80%

Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and/or the local black variety Fer.

Question 12

How can vines be trained in Madiran?

Answer 12

Vines can be trained with the Cordon de Royat or a cane-replacement system

Question 13

Why must grapes be destemmed in Madiran?

Answer 13

to reduce the extraction of further tannins

Question 14

What is the maximum yield for Madiran?

Answer 14

Maximum yield is 55 hL/ha.

Question 15

actions made to soften tannins in Tannat range from shorter maceration times , to ageing in oak and through bottle age.

there was a technique created seeking to soften the tannins in Tannat.

Who made this technique and what is it?

Answer 15

Patrick Ducournau pioneered the technique of micro-oxygenation, seeking to soften the
tannins in Tannat wines.

Question 16

Early drinking styles are achieved by ____ only the ____ grapes, ____ _____ and the use of ____-______

Answer 16

picking only the ripest grapes

gentle pressing

micro-oxygenation.

Question 17

How much Madiran AOC is sold in France and where is it sold?

Answer 17

80% is sold within France

of which 50% is sold in supermarkets and 25/25% through hospitality and retail.

Question 18

name two producers of Madiran AOC

Answer 18

Alain Brumont and Ch. d’Aydie.

Question 19

Production is split roughly 50:50 between private growers and cooperatives.

Name two Important co-operatives

Answer 19

Cave de Crouseilles and Plaimont