Roussillon Flashcards
What is the area under vine in Roussillon? What is this compared to the vineyard area in 1980?
21,000, nearly one third the size of what it was in 1980
What geographic feature dominates Roussillon?
The Pyrenees, a large mountain range on the border of France and Spain.
Where are the vineyards of Roussillon planted in relation to the Pyrenees?
Roussillon is on the East side of the Pyrenees and most of the vineyards are on the slopes and foothills of the mountains.
How much of the vineyard area in Roussillon is classified as AOC?
70%
How much of the vineyard area in Roussillon is established for high volume viticulture?
Very little as there is no extensive coastal plain or other flat land as in Languedoc.
What percentage of Roussillon wine production is still AOC wine? IGP? VDN?
Around 25% for each
How much of Rousillon’s wine is produced by cooperatives?
Around 75%
Is the majority of Roussillon wine white, rosé, or red?
The majority is red, followed by rosé and a small amount of white wine
What is the climate in Roussillon?
Warm Mediterranean with a lot of wind and moderate rainfall (500-600 mm per year) and high sunshine
Is the climate in Roussillon favorable to viticulture?
Yes, though drought can be an issue in some years
What effect does the rainfall and wind in Roussillon have on viticulture?
The low rainfall and high wind reduces disease pressure and increases fruit quality, in turn increasing fruit quality and profitability
How much of Roussillon is certified organic? Why?
15% due to the favorable climatic conditions
What are the top six varieties cultivated in Roussillon?
Grenache Noir Syrah Carignan Muscat Blanc Muscat of Alexandria Macabeu
What was the traditional method of training vines in Roussillon? Is it still practiced today?
Bush vines were traditional and many remain as they provide shade to the grape bunches
Trellising has been implemented in flatter land that is suitable for it, but this is less available in Roussillon than in Languedoc
What are the important AOCs of Roussillon?
Côtes du Roussillon AOC
Côtes du Roussillon Villages AOC
Collioure AOC
What is the size of Côtes du Roussillon AOC? Where is it situated?
5,000 ha
It comprises the entire Pyrénées-Orientales except the Collioure AOC area with vineyards on the lower slopes between 100-250m.
What types of wine are made in Côtes du Roussillon AOC?
White, rosé, and red wines