South of France Flashcards
What is the total area under vine in Languedoc Roussillon?
240,000 hectares
More than chile, South Africa or Australia
What is the common factor between Languedoc, Roussillon and Provence?
Low yields for AOC wines due to low rainfall and warm windy climate which accelerates evapotranspiration
(Lowest yields of all French regions)
What is the climate and overall topography of the Languedoc?
Mediterranean with long sunshine hours and very warm summers
Majority of vines sit on a low lying alluvial plain
Which two developments transformed the fortunes of the Languedoc?
Canal du Midi was built in the 17th century enabling travel to Bordeaux
Building of railways (19th century)
What is the average yearly rainfall in Languedoc?
600mm or less
What is the name of the cool dry wind which blows in the Languedoc around 200 days per year?
Tramontane
What influences allow successful organic viticulture in Languedoc?
Low moisture levels
Cool, dry Tramontane wind
Both significantly reduce fungal disease pressure and need for spraying
What percentage of France’s organic wine production is Languedoc responsible for?
One third
What are the 6 most grown grape varieties in the Languedoc?
- Carignan
- Syrah
- Grenache Noir
- Merlot
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cinsault
What are the main characteristics of Carignan?
Late budding
Late ripening
Capable of achieving very high yields (200 hl/ha) but will lose concentration
Old vines naturally control yields and increase concentration
Prone to powdery mildew and grape moths
Hard to machine harvest as bunches are very firmly attached to the vine
What training method has historically been used in Languedoc?
Bush vines - well adapted to the hot Mediterranean climate
What training system do new vineyards in the Languedoc tend to use and why?
Trellising - easier to machine harvest, reduces costs and need for labour
Which technique is often used in Languedoc to create fruity wines with medium to deep colour and low tannins?
Carbonic maceration
How is the majority of red wine in the Languedoc made?
5-7 days on skins to limit extraction of tannins
Mid range fermentation temperatures to preserve primary fruit
Stainless steel/concrete vessels
What percentage of Languedoc production is IGP wine?
70%
Which is the Languedoc’s largest IGP and what percentage of French wine production does it account for?
IGP Pays d’Oc
Accounts for 10-15% of all French wine production depending on vintage
What is the usual style of an IGP Pays d’Oc wine?
Fresh and fruity varietal expressions with little or no oak - good to very good and inexpensive to mid priced
What are the 3 forms of IGP (which can overlap) in Languedoc?
Regional
Departmental
Smaller unit named after a historical/geographical feature (eg IGP Cotes de Thongue)
What are the AOC requirements for composition of red wine in Languedoc?
A minimum of two varieties must be used INCLUDING one of the principal varieties (which are chosen by the individual appellation)
They may also set upper limits for the inclusion of any one variety and may set minimum and maximum amounts for certain combinations
Which grapes are usually required as part of the blend in AOC Languedoc winds?
Grenache
Most also want Syrah and Mourvèdre
In which two Languedoc AOCs is Carignan a principal variety?
Fitou AOC
Corbieres AOC
What is the average AOC yield limit in Languedoc and why are yields often lower than this?
Maximum yield 45-50 hl/ha
Often lower in practise due to low rainfall and low fertility soils
What are the 3 main appellation groupings in Languedoc?
Regional - Languedoc AOC
Named appellation - Corbieres AOC
Sub-appellation - corbieres-Boutenac AOC
Which Languedoc appellation is the 4th largest in France?
Corbieres AOC - 10,000 HA
