South France Flashcards
What is the area under vine in Languedoc Roussillon?
224,000 hectares
What is area under vine in Languedoc?
205,000 hectares
Where are vineyards typically located in Languedoc?
- low lying alluvial plains
- More ambitious growers reclaiming vineyards in hillside slopes
Has planting in Languedoc increased or decreased?
Total area under vine has decreased by 50% since 1968
What % of production is by cooperatives in Languedoc?
60%
What is Languedoc’s climate
Warm Mediterranean
What is typical rainfall in Languedoc?
Below 600mm pa
Is Languedoc an important region for organic wine production?
Yes, Languedoc- Roussillon responsible for 33% of Frances organic wines
Top varieties grown in Languedoc?
Syrah, Grenache Noir, Merlot, carignan, cab sauvignon, chardonnay
Tell me about Carignan
- late budding, late ripening
- Can produce high yields (up to 200hl/ha
- Yields sharply reduce with age (50 years +)
- Prone to powdery mildew and grape moths
- Not suited to machine harvested as grape bunches firmly attached to vine
- Acidity and tannin = high, which are often softened by use of carbonic maceration or blending
- Simple blackberry fruit, though better quality wines also display fuller fruit, spices and earthy notes
How were vines traditionally grown in Languedoc and how is that changing?
Historically vines were bush trained. Now more trellised plantings which allows for mechanisation of IGP and AOC wines where topography allows. This is important as there is reduced availability of labour.
List winemaking techniques for inexpensive reds in Languedoc
*crushed and fermented on skins for 5-7 days to limit tannin extraction
*fermented in large concrete or stainless steel tanks
* Use of cultured yeasts for reliability
* Mid range fermentation temperatures to preserve primary fruit
* Stored over winter in stainless steel or concrete to enable flavour integration
OR
*Carbonic maceration for particularly tannic varieties like Carignan
What are main winemaking techniques for quality small production wines in Languedoc?
- hand harvesting and sorting tables
- Warm fermentation temperatures
- Ambient yeasts
- Maturation in barriques (225-238l)
- Capable of bottle ageing
What % of production is represented by IGP wines in Languedoc?
70%
What are regulations for IGP wines in Languedoc?
*max yields 90hl/ha for whites and reds, 100hl/ha for roses
* Can use 58 varietals. Top 4 are Merlot, cab sauvignon, Chardonnay and syrah
* Typically labelled with grape variety (roots of region’s success over last 40 years)
Where is IGP Pays d’Oc sold?
50% in France. Top exports Germany Netherlands and Belgium
All Languedoc AOCs require Grenache Noir in blend apart from…?
Cabardes AOC, Malepere AOC
In which two Languedoc AOCs is Carignan a principal variety?
Corbieres AOC. Fitou AOC
What are typical max yields in Languedoc AOCs
45-50 HL/ha with some subzones at 40hl/ha (though in practice, due to low rainfall, average is 35hl/ha)
What are the rules for Languedoc AOC
*principal varieties GSM
*min of 2 varieties, one must be principal
*no more than 80% of one variety
*Principal varieties must be min of 40% of blend (in combination)
*other varieties must not make up more than 30% of blend
What are rules for Corbieres AOC
*At least 40% of final wine must be any one of the principal varieties (GSM and Carignan)
*Max yield for white, red and rose is 50hl/ha
*in sub-appellation Corbieres Boutenac OC 70% of the blend must be GM & Carignan
How much has rose production increased
35% between 2010 and 2017
Examples of high quality wines in Languedoc
Mas de Daumas Gassac. Chateau Puech-Haut
What is dominant geographical feature of Roussillon
The Pyrenees with vineyards on foothill or slopes
