South of France Flashcards
With Co-ops being important in the region of Languedoc, how much of the region’s production do they represent?
70%
What is the climate of Languedoc?
Mediterranean with very warm summers, high levels of sunshine and relatively low rainfall.
What are the natural factors impacting viticulture in Languedoc?
The cool Tramontane north west wind and low moisture levels lead to low fungal disease risks.
In dry years drought can be an issue especially where irrigation isn’t installed, hence reducing production levels.
Name the top 6 grapes of Languedoc
Carignan Syrah Grenache Noir Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Cinsault
What are the main characteristics of Carignan?
Late budding and late ripening.
High yielding and can be naturally countered by using old vines.
Prone to powdery mildew and grape moths.
Not suited to machine harvesting as bunches firmly attach to vine.
What is the typical style of Carignan wines from Languedoc?
Medium ruby, High acidity, high tannins, unoaked, simple blackberry fruit.
Acceptable to good.
Inexpensive.
Higher quality ones have more intense fruits with spice and earthy notes.
With bush vines traditionally grown in Languedoc, how are they commonly trained now?
Many now grown on trellises for mechanisation.
For inexpensive wines of Languedoc, what is the usual fermentation temperatures?
Mid range to preserve primary fruits.
For inexpensive wines of Languedoc, how can they hold for 2-3 years even though they’re made for early drinking?
Wines often have medium tannins.
What winemaking technique is commonly used to produce fruity wines with medium to deep colour and low tannins in Languedoc?
Carbonic maceration
What varieties might be used for higher quality and ageable Languedoc wines via Carbonic maceration?
Carignan and Syrah
What type of Languedoc wines might utilise barriques?
High quality small volume production
How much of Languedoc’s production is IGP wines?
70%
What’s been the root of Languedoc’s commercial success over the last few years?
IGP wines labelled with a grape variety.
Which single IGP produces between 10-15% of all French production where the wines are of good to very good and inexpensive to mid-priced?
IGP Pays d’Oc
How much of Pays d’Oc production is sold in France and their key sales channel?
50%
Supermarkets and hospitality.
Key export markets are Germany, Netherlands and Belgium.
Name the top 4 grapes used in IGP Pays d’Oc which are mainly used for single varietal wines
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Chardonnay
Syrah
Apart from Cabardes AOC and Malepere AOC, which grape must all Languedoc AOCs contain?
Grenache Noir.
Most requires Syrah and Mourvèdre
Which Languedoc AOCs have Carignan as one of their principal variety?
Fitou and Corbieres
Give some of the more interesting quirks of AOC rules in Languedoc
Variety percentages of vineyards can be different to that of final wines.
Sub-zones can have different rules to parent appellation.
Give some of the rules around the large regional appellation Languedoc AOC
GSM principal varieties.
Min 2 varieties with min 1 principal variety.
No variety greater than 80% of blend.
Principal varieties must make up at least 40%.
Other varieties (Cinsaut, Carignan etc) cannot exceed 30%.
Which type of wine makes up around 90% of all Languedoc appellations?
Red wines
Apart from AOCs dedicated to white wines.
What is the general style of regional appellation in Languedoc?
All mediums, simple blackberry and red plums.
Acceptable to good.
Inexpensive to mid priced
What is the typical style of named appellations in Languedoc?
Medium (+) acidity, medium tannins, medium to high alcohol, medium (+) body, medium to medium (+) intensity, blackberry, red plum, herbal notes, minority have oak notes.
Good to very good, some outstanding.
Inexpensive to premium.
