Roussillon Flashcards
1
Q
Which 2 cultures are prominent in the Roussillon?
A
- Catalan
- Occitan
Neither language is spoken anymore, but the distinct legacies remain.
2
Q
How much has the vineyard area in Roussillon shrunk since its zenith in 1882?
A
The current vineyard area is just 27% of it peak planting.
* 2019: 50,656ac/20,500ha
* 1882: 187,800ac/76,000ha
3
Q
Roussillon is a historic producer of which sweet wine?
A
Vin Doux Naturels
4
Q
What contributes to the high cost of winemaking in Roussillon?
A
- Wild boars: electric fencing is the only solution, without which the animals poach the grapes
- Mildew: requiring expensive vineyard sprays
- Heat & droughts: global warming has caused diminishing yields
Many growers/producers are working on the very edge of profitability.
5
Q
What percentage of production in Roussillon are co-ops?
A
75%
However, there has been an influx of wine producers attracted by the relatively affordable land prices & the region’s potential for quality winemaking.
6
Q
What percentage of all French VDNs are produced in Roussillon?
A
80%
7
Q
What percentage of wines produced in Roussillon are AOC, IGP, VDN AOC or wine without appellation?
A
- 40% dry AOC
- 36% dry IGP
- 17% VDN AOC
- 7% wine w/o appellation
8
Q
Where is Roussillon located?
A
This region lies within the Pyrenees-Orientales departement in the Occitania region.
It is bordered by Languedoc to the north & northeast and Spain to the south.
The region opens to the Mediterranean on the east.
It is surrounded on 3 sides by mountain ranges:
* Corbieres to the north
* Pyrenees, with the lofty Mount Canigou peak to the west
* Alberes Mountains (the eastern extension of the Pyrenees) to the south
9
Q
How do the mountains surrounding Roussillon on 3 sides influence the climate?
A
- Creates an amphitheater effect on a grand scale
- Inclement weather is blocked
- Heat is trapped
10
Q
What is the climate in Roussillon?
A
Mediterranean
- It is both sunny & dry
- receives some of the highest temperatures in all of mainland France
- Rainfall occurs in winter
- Summers are prone to drought
11
Q
How much sunshine does Roussillon receive?
A
Over 300 days per year
12
Q
How much rainfall does Roussillon receive?
A
Average of only 19.5-23.5in/500-600mm per year.
13
Q
Name the prevailing north wind in Roussillon.
A
Tramontane
Up to 8 different winds buffet the region from all sides.
14
Q
How is the Tramontane beneficial to the vineyards of Roussillon?
A
This dessicates the berries, increasing sugar concentration and reducing yields.
It serves to dry the soils and mitigate humidity, minimizing the risk of disease and promotes a healther environment for the vine.
15
Q
Where are the vineyards planted in Roussillon?
A
- Many line the slopes of the Pyrenees foothills.
- Others are located at various elevations on thin strips of land between the peaks
16
Q
How do the vineyards of Roussillon benefit from the landscape?
A
- Vineyards planted on or near the mountains benefit from cold air masses that descend from the mountains’ upper reaches during evening hours
- the convoluted landscape captures water, funnels, channels and sometimes intensifies the winds to temper heat
- Varied degrees of orientations
- Different elevations (up to 1,980ft/600m) to temper heat
17
Q
- Name the 3 rivers that cut through the landscape of Roussillon en route to the Mediterranean.
A
- Agly River: weaves through a geologically diverse series of hills that have proven to be some of the region’s most propitious vineyard lands (namely the cru sites of Caramany, Latour-de-France, Lesquerde and Tautavel)
- Tet River
- Tech River
18
Q
What soil types are found in Roussillon?
A
Much of the region consists of an iron-rich, sandy, red, water-retaining clay.
However, there is a huge diversity of soil types:
* limestone
* black schist
* granite
* gneiss
* gray schist
* galets
* sandstone
* shale
* quartz
* yellow clay
* marble
* sand
19
Q
In general, where in Roussillon are red and white grapes planted?
A
- White grapes: alluvial plains
- Red grapes: stonier sites at higher elevations
20
Q
Name the white grapes of Roussillon.
A
- Grenache Blanc
Others used in AOC white wines: Macabeu, Tourbat, Marsanne, Roussanne, Vermentino, Viognier, Carignan Blanc, Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc & Muscat d’Alexandrie
21
Q
Which grape variety is a main component of many Roussillon dry white wines and the white VDNs?
A
Grenache Blanc
22
Q
Name the rose/gris grapes of Roussillon.
A
Grenache Gris
23
Q
How is the Grenache Gris variety used in Roussillon?
A
It may be used in:
* Dry White wines
* VDNs
24
Q
Name the red grape varieties of Roussillon.
A
- Grenache
- Carignan
Others used in AOC production: Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsaut, Counoise & Lledoner Pelut
25
Which red grape variety is the mainstay of **Roussillon** red wines as well as the red **VDN**s?
**Grenache**
26
Which old-vine red grape variety can produce particularly concentrated and high-quality wines in **Roussillon**?
**Carignan**
This is the historic backbone to the red blend in this region.
Its heartland is in the western **Languedoc**.
27
Rank the grape varieties under vine in **Roussillon** from widest to least.
1. **Grenache** (23%)
2. **Syrah** (17%)
3. **Carignan** (13%)
4. **Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc** (10%)
5. **Muscat d'Alexandrie** (9%)
6. **Macabeu** (6%)
7. **Grenache Blanc** (5%)
8. **Grenache Gris** (4%)
9. **Mourvedre** (4%)
10. **Merlot** (2%)
Other (7%)
28
Which international grape varieties are grown in **Roussillon**?
* **Merlot**
* **Chardonnay**
* **Cabernet Sauvignon**
These are grown to a lesser extent and are typically used for **IGP** varietal wines.
29
What vinetraining methods are used in **Roussillon**?
* *gobelet*
* bushvine fashion
Vines are trained low to the ground to protect them from the Tramontane wind.
80% of vineyards are located on slopes, making this method necessary.
30
What is the planting density of the vineyards in **Roussillon**?
Generally around
1,600-2,000 vines per ac/4,000-5,000 per hectare.
The wide spacing is due to lack of water.
31
What percentage of **Roussillon** vineyards are being farmed organically?
**20%** (2018)
The dry & windy climate reduces the need for sprays.
32
How are white wines made in **Roussillon**?
* Direct press or
* Short skin contact
* Often vinified in barrel
33
How are rose wines made in **Roussillon**?
* *saignee*, or
* direct press
34
How are red wines made in **Roussillon**?
* Vinified in the traditional manner after destemming
* *Carbonic maceration* is used for certain grapes (**Carignan**, to soften its aggressive tannins)
* matured in tank, casks, barrels or demi-johns for an average of 2 years
35
What is *rancio*?
It is a fashion of winemaking for dry reds, whites and roses that have been matured by oxidative methods for as least 5 years in **Roussillon**.
They turn dark brown or tawyn and acquire leathery & gamey flavours.
36
How are VDNs made in **Roussillon**?
Fortified red, white & rose sweet wines (**VDN**s) are made in reductive or oxidative styles.
*Mutage* may happen after pressing or directly on the *Marc*.
Oxidative-style VDNs may be aged in *foudres*, barrels, vats and/or *glass bonbonnes*.
37
Name the appellations of **Roussillon**.
1. **Languedoc AOC**
2. **Cotes du Roussillon AOC** (1977): **25%** of total regional production
3. **Cotes du Roussillon Villages AOC** (1977): **9%**
4. **Collioure AOC** (1971, Dry White 2003): **2%**
5. **Maury (Sec) AOC** (1936, Red (Sec) 2011)
6. **Muscat de Rivesaltes AOC** (1956): **10%**
7. **Rivesaltes AOC**(1936): **6%**
8. **Maury AOC** (1936)
9. **Banyuls AOC** (1936): **2%** (including the **Grand Cru**)
10. **Banyuls Grand Cru AOC** (1962)
(**Cotes du Rousillon Villages AOC Tautavel**): **2%**
**IGP**s:
* **Cotes Catalanes IGP** (1981): **25%**
* Pays d'Oc IGP (1987): **13%**
38
What percentage of **Roussillon**'s **AOC** wine production is bottled under the **Languedoc AOC**?
Less than 2%
39
Which regional **AOC** is **Roussillon**'s largest by volume?
**Cotes du Roussillon AOC**
40
What styles of wine are produced in **Cotes du Roussillon AOC**?
* *Dry White*: must be a blend of at least 2 varieties; often they are **Grenache Blanc** & **Macabeu**
* *Rose*: generally a blend of **Grenache**, **Grenache Gris** & **Syrah**
* *Red*: must be a blend of at least 2 of the 4 primary grape varieties
A variety of styles are made from:
* youthful & light to
* more complex & concentrated designed for extended aging
41
Which grape varieties are permitted in **Cotes du Roussillon AOC**?
White:
* [P] **Grenache Blanc**, **Macabeu**, **Tourbat**
* [S] **Marsanne**, **Roussanne**, **Vermentino**, **Viognier**, **Carignan Blanc**
Rose/Gris:
* [P] **Grenache Gris**
Red:
* [P] **Grenache**, **Syrah**, **Mourvedre**, **Carignan**
* [S] **Cinsaut**, **Lledoner Pelut**
42
What percentage of wine production in **Cotes du Roussillon AOC** is red, white or rose?
* **50%** *red*
* **42%** *rose*
* **8%** *white*
(in 2019)
43
What areas does the **Cotes du Roussillon Villages AOC** cover?
This appellation extends east through the *Agly* and *Tet* river valleys and to areas south of the *Tet*.
44
What styles of wine are produced in **Cotes du Roussillon Villages AOC**?
**Red**
**Grenache**-based wines, that must be a blend of at least **2** grape varieties.
45
Which grape varieties are permitted in **Cotes du Roussillon Villages AOC**?
Red:
* [P] **Grenache**, **Syrah**, **Mourvedre**, **Carignan**
* [S] **Lledoner Pelut**
46
Name the **5 DGC**s of **Cotes du Roussillon Villages AOC**
1. *Caramany*
2. *Latour-de-France*
3. *Les Aspres*
4. *Lesquerde*
5. *Tautavel*
Any of these **DGC**s may add their name to the appellation.
Each has a slightly different grape focus and blending formula.
47
Which is the southernmost appellation in mainland France?
* **Collioure AOC**: dry wines
* **Banyuls AOC**: VDNs
* **Banyuls Grand Cru AOC**: VDNs
These appellations share the same area, nestled up to the *Mediterranean*.
48
Describe the landscape in **Collioure AOC**.
The landscape is breathtaking, with vines descending right to the sea at a steepness reminiscent of the Douro or Moselle river valleys.
No tractors can work the vineyards. All work is carried out by hand or by mule.
49
What styles of wine are produced in **Collioure AOC**?
* *Dry White*: customarily a blend of a least 70% **Grenache Blanc** and/or **Grenache Gris** with other varieties supporting them by up to 30%
* *Rose*: blends of at least 2 varieties
* *Red*: blends of at least 2 varieties
50
Which grape varieties are permitted in **Collioure AOC**?
White:
* [P] **Grenache Blanc**, **Macabeu**, **Marsanne**, **Roussane**, **Tourbat**, **Vermentino**
* [S] **Carignan Blanc**, **Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc**, **Muscat d'Alexandrie**
Rose/Gris:
* [P] **Grenache Gris**
Red:
* [P] **Grenache**, **Syrah**, **Mourvedre**, **Carignan**
* [S] **Cinsaut**, **Counoise**
51
Where is **Maury (Sec) AOC** located?
The vineyards of this appellation nestle on the slopes beneath the ancient ruins of Queribus Castle on hills that form the dividing line between the **Corbieres** and the *Pyrenees* mountain ranges in **Roussillon**.
52
What is the weather like in **Maury (Sec) AOC**?
* wind funnels through the hills at speeds of up to 60mph/100kph
* sun is relentless
* vines struggle to survive, producing just 2-3 bunches per vine
53
What style of wine is produced in **Maury (Sec) AOC**?
*Dry Red*: must be a blend of a min. of **2** grape varieties, with **Grenache** as the main component
Prior to release, the wines are aged until March 1 of the year after harvest, and producers are obligated to put *Sec* on the label.
54
Which grape varieties are permitted in **Maury (Sec) AOC**?
Red:
* [P] **Grenache**
* [S] **Syrah**, **Mourvedre**, **Carignan**, **Lledoner Pelut**
55
Name the **5 VDN** appellations in **Roussillon**.
* **Muscat de Rivesaltes AOC**
* **Rivesaltes AOC**
* **Maury AOC**
* **Banyuls AOC**
* **Banyuls Grand Cru AOC**
56
Where is **Muscat de Rivesaltes AOC** located?
This large appellation encompasses most of the departement of *Pyrenees-Orientales* (including **Maury** and **Banyuls**/**Collioure**) in **Roussillon** and **Languedoc**'s **Fitou**.
However, much of the production focuses on the flat plains surrounding the town of *Rivesaltes* just north of *Perpignan*.
57
What style of wine is made in **Muscat de Rivesaltes AOC**?
*Fortified White*: min. 10% (100g/l) RS, min. 15% abv
Can be made from **Muscat a Petit Grains Blanc** and/or **Muscat d'Alexandrie**.
58
What are the characteristics of **Muscat de Rivesaltes AOC** wines?
Heady aromas of peach, orange blossom, honey and honeysuckle with a rich and unctuous texture.
59
What wines are labeled as **Muscat de Noel**?
**Muscat de Rivesaltes AOC** wines marketed for the Christmas period of the year of harvest.
60
Where is **Rivesaltes AOC** located?
This appellation shares the same zone of production as **Muscat de Rivesaltes AOC** with the exception of the area of Banyuls/Collioure (this area is not included in the **Rivesaltes AOC** delimited area.
61
What styles of wine are produced in **Rivesaltes AOC**?
* *Fortified White*
* *Fortified Rose*
* *Fortified Red*
Minimum sweetnes: 4.5% (45g/l)
Minimum Alcohol: 15%
Most wines are made oxidatively.
62
Which grape varieties are permitted in **Rivesaltes AOC**?
White:
* [P] **Grenache Blanc**, **Macabeu**, **Tourbat**
* [S] **Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc**, **Muscat d'Alexandrie**
Rose/Gris:
* [P] **Grenache Gris**
Red:
* [P] **Grenache**
63
What styles of wine are produced in **Maury AOC**?
* *Fortified White*: primarily from **Grenache Blanc** & **Gris**, **Macabeu** & **Tourbat** (production is small)
* *Fortified Red*: can be made from the **3** **Grenache** varieties
Minimum Sweetness: 4.5% (45g/l)
Minimum Alcohol: 15%
These wines are made both oxidatively & reductively and uses similar terminology to **Rivesaltes**.
64
Which grape varieties are permitted in **Maury AOC**?
White:
* [P] **Grenache Blanc**, **Macabeu**, **Tourbat**
* [S] **Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc**, **Muscat d'Alexandrie**
Rose/Gris:
* [P] **Grenache Gris**
Red:
* [P] **Grenache**
* [S] **Syrah**, **Carignan**
65
Describe the vineyards that produce grapes for the **VDN**s of **Banyuls AOC**.
* planted on steeply terraced slops of *schist*
* many vines are old
* yields are low
* little disease pressure due to sun and wind
* several grape varieties are commonly found co-planted together in one vineyard and are harvested all at the same time
66
What styles of wine are produced in **Banyuls AOC**?
* *Fortified White*
* *Fortified Rose*
* *Fortified Red*
Most production is **Grenache**-based red and most of this is made in various oxidative styels.
67
Which grape varieties are permitted in **Banyuls AOC**?
White:
* [P] **Grenache Blanc**, **Macabeu**, **Tourbat**
* [S] **Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc**, **Muscat d'Alexandrie**, **Marsanne**, **Rousanne**, **Vermentino**, **Carignan Blanc**
Rose/Gris:
* [P] **Grenache Gris**
Red:
* [P] **Grenache**
* [S] **Syrah**, **Carignan**, **Cinsaut**, **Counoise**, **Mourvedre**
68
Where is **Banyuls Grand Cru AOC** located?
This appellation covers the same delimited area of production with **Banyuls AOC** in the southern-most area of the **Roussillon**.
69
What style of wine is produced in **Banyuls Grand Cru AOC**?
* *Fortified Red*: min. 75% **Grenache Noir**; the primary blending partners are the authorized white varieties
Wines are made in an oxidative style.
Must be aged in oak until June 1 of the third year after harvest.
70
Which grape varieties are permitted in **Banyuls Grand Cru AOC**?
White:
* [P] **Grenache Blanc**, **Macabeu**, **Tourbat**
* [S] **Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc**, **Muscat d'Alexandrie**
Rose/Gris:
* [P] **Grenache Gris**
Red:
* [P] **Grenache**
* [S] **Syrah**, **Carignan**, **Cinsaut**, **Counoise**, **Mourvedre**
71
What are the characteristics of **Banyuls Grand Cru AOC** wines?
Fig, prune, caramel, leather, tobacco & coffee. Characteristics typical to an oxidative style.
72
What does *Hors d'Age* mean?
In the production of **VDN**s in **Roussillon**, these are wines made in an oxidative style that have spent at least **5** years aging.
73
What is *Rimage*?
This is label nomenclature for *red* **VDN**s that are made in a reductive style (without oxygen).
This terminology is used in **Banyuls AOC**.
74
What is *Grenat*?
This is label nomenclature for *red* **VDN** wines that have aged reductively (without oxygen).
This terminology is used in:
* **Rivesaltes AOC**
* **Maury AOC**
75
What is *Tuile*?
This is label nomenclature for *red* **VDN** wines made in a slightly oxidative style that take a tuile (clay-tile) colour.
This terminology is used in:
* **Rivesaltes AOC**
* **Maury AOC**
* **Banyuls Grand Cru AOC**
76
What is *Rancio*?
This is label nomenclature for *red* & *white* **VDN** wines made in a ***fully** oxidative* style.
These are brown in colour and boast characteristic aromas of walnut and orange peel.
77
What is *Ambre*?
This is label nomenclature for *white* **VDN** wines made in an oxidative style.
It refers to the *amber* colour indicative of controlled oxidation.
78
Which is the most well-known **IGP** in **Roussillon**?
**Pays d'Oc IGP**
In **Roussillon**, it is used to produce straightforward varietal wines.
79
Name the **3 IGP**s in **Roussillon**.
1. **Pays d'Oc IGP**
2. **Cotes Catalanes IGP**
3. **Cote Vermeille IGP**
80
What area does **Cotes Catalanes IGP** cover?
This **IGP** covers most of the departement of *Pyrenees-Orientales*.
81
What styles of wines are produced in **Cotes Catalanes IGP**?
* Dry White
* Rose
* Red
82
Which grape varieties are permitted in **Cotes Catalanes IGP**?
White:
* [P] **Chardonnay**, **Grenache Blanc**, **Macabeu**, **Marsanne**, **Mauzac**, **Muscat a Petit Grains Blanc**, **Muscat d'Alexandrie**, **Parellada**, **Roussanne**, **Sauvignon Blanc**, **Tourbat**, **Vermentino**, **Viognier** and other indigenous & international varieties.
Rose/Gris:
* [P] **Grenache Gris**, **Muscat a Petit Grains Rose** and other indigenous & international varieties.
Red:
* [P] **Cabernet Franc**, **Cabernet Sauvignon**, **Carignon**, **Chenanson**, **Cinsaut**, **Grenache**, **Lledoner Pelut**, **Marselan**, **Merlot**, **Mourvedre**, **Syrah** and other indigenous & international varieties.
83
How much wine did **Cotes Catalanes IGP** produce in 2019?
Approx. the same volume of wine as the **Cotes du Roussillon AOC**.
84
What is the **Cotes Catalanes IGP** used for?
By some producers for ambitious high-quality wines that would not fit under an **AOC** banner due to existing production regulations.
Others use this **IGP** to produce a non-fortified *rancio* style of *red* or *white* wine.
85
What is involved in the production of non-fortified *rancio* style wines produced under **Cotes Catalanes IGP**?
* Often involves outdoor aging in glass bonbonnes
* must be aged until August 31 of the fifth year after harvest.
These wines often have a dark amber colour with tangy aromas and flavours of walnuts, burnt butter, dried fruits and spices.
86
What area does the **Cote Vermeille IGP** cover?
This **IGP** covers the **Banyuls**/**Collioure** area and is rarely used.
