Roussillon

Question 1

Where does Roussillon lie in relation to the Languedoc?

Answer 1

Roussillon is south of the Languedoc, touching the border of Spain.

Question 2

What style of wine is Roussillon known for?

Answer 2

Vin Doux Naturel

Question 3

What proportion of France’s fortified wine production occurs in Roussillon? In which appellation is it concentrated?

Answer 3

over 90%, mostly in Rivesaltes AOP

Question 4

What does Rivesaltes mean in Catalan?

Answer 4

“High Rivers”

Question 5

What are the styles of VDN made in Rivesaltes? What do they translate to?

Answer 5

Ambre - amber
Grenat - red
Tuile - tawny
Rose - pink

Question 6

What are the aging requirements for Rivesaltes AOP wines?

Answer 6

Ambre and Tuile wines are aged oxidatively until at least March 1 of the 3rd year after harvest.
Grenat wines are aged reductively for at least one year, and must be released before June 30 of the second year after harvest

Question 7

What are two different aging methods for Ambre and Tuile wines?

Answer 7

Some are aged in glass “bonbonnes” in the sun, others employ a solera system

Question 8

What are “Hors d’Age” wines?

Answer 8

Rivesaltes AOP wines that are aged for a min. 5 years, although most producers far exceed this minimum.

Question 9

What is the encepagement for Rivesaltes AOP?

Answer 9

Grenat - 100% Grenache Noir
Ambre, Tuile, and Rose
Principal: Grenache Noir, Gris, Blanc, Tourbat, Macabeu
Accessory: Max 20% combined Muscat a Petits Grains and Muscat d’Alexandria

Question 10

What differentiates Tuile from Ambre and Rose?

Answer 10

Grenache Noir must be present in the blend.

Question 11

What is Muscat de Rivesaltes AOP?

Answer 11

Rivesaltes wines produced solely from the two Muscat varieties; typically released earlier and better suited for youthful consumption, as wines lose aromatics quickly.

Question 12

Who introduced the process of mutage in Rivesaltes? What was its original purpose?

Answer 12

Armand de Villeneuve, a 13th Century physician; originally intended as a means for medicinal elixir brewing

Question 13

What styles are produced in Maury AOP?

Answer 13

Grenache-based dry reds, and VDN in a similar range of styles to Rivesaltes, based mianly on the 3 Grenaches

Question 14

What is the southernmost AOP in continental France? What style is produced here?

Answer 14

Banyuls AOP; VDN “traditionnel” is min. 50% Grenache Noir

Question 15

What are the rules for Banyuls Grand Cru AOP?

Answer 15

75% Grenache Noir, 30 months in barrel, released June 1st of third year after harvest.

Question 16

What is Banyuls “rimage?”

Answer 16

Vintage-dated Rouge VDN, released May 1 of year following harvest

Question 17

Do they make unfortified wines in Banyuls AOP?

Answer 17

Yes, but the wines are released as Collioure AOP

Question 18

Do they make unfortified wines in Maury AOP?

Answer 18

Yes, and they can release under the Maury AOP since 2011

Question 19

What are other dry wine AOPs in Roussillon?

Answer 19

Cotes du Roussillon AOP and Cotes du Roussillon Villages AOP

Question 20

What are dry wines in Roussillon generally made from?

Answer 20

GSM + Carignan for reds; Grenache Blanc, Macabeu, and Tourbat for whites

Question 21

What dry wine made in Cotes du Roussillon doesn’t follow the general encepagement?

Answer 21

Cotes du Roussillon AOP “Les Aspres” Rouge, Mourvedre and Syrah are used for this wine.