South of France Flashcards
What are the three areas covered in WSET under SOuth of France?
LAnguedoc, Roussillon and Provence
What are the two parts of the former administrative region of Languedoc-Roussillon that since 2016 has been part of the Occitainie admistrative region?
Languedoc = departments of Aude, Herault and Gard
Roussillon - Department of Pyrenees-Orientales
How many ha under vine does Languedoc-Roussillon have?
240,000 (220,000 are in Languedoc)
more than the individual countries of Chile, Australia, or South Africa
What is a common feature for Provence, Languedoc and Roussillon?
low yields for AOC wines due to low rainfall and a warm windy climate causing high rates of evapotranspiration
Which region had the lowest yields of all French regions (roughly 1/2 of Champagne or Alsace) between 2005-2015
Languedoc-Roussillon
Where is the Languedoc located?
mainly located on a low lying alluvial plain however recently more ambitious growers are reclaiming vineyards on hillside slopes with the intention of creating higher quality wines
What is the climate of Languedoc?
Mediterranean
What are the grape varieties found in Languedoc?
local varieties (Piquepoul) and those found in the south of France including in Rhone Valley (Syrah, Grenache Noir and Carignan)
What is produced as a large vol in Languedoc?
IGP level wines especially those produced from and labelled as single varieties
What is some historical facts of Languedoc?
it was both Greek and Roman colony, as well as the site of many monasteries in the middle ages.
What transformed Languadoc’s fortunes in the late 17th Century
the building of the Canal du Midi which connected it to Bordeaux enabling wines to be efficiently transported to export markets and to Paris making grape growing an important part of the region’s economy
When did co-operatives become important in Languedoc
in the 1950s when they accounted for 90% of the total production (today they account for 70% of production)
What happened post 1973 when France no longer sourced wine from Algeria?
Languedoc and Roussillon together became the largest source of everyday wine in France
What led to the removal of vineyards in Languedoc?
overproduction in relation to demand
Describe the climate in Languedoc?
Mediterranean with high levels of sunshine, rainfall below 600 mm a year, and very warm summers
very favorable for grape growing
What helps to keep spraying at minimum in Languedoc?
low moisture levels, cool dry Tramontane north west wind that blows for about 200 days per year means there is low disease pressure from fungal disease
How is certified organic wine production possible in Languedoc?
due to the climate helping to not have the need for spraying
What type of grape varieties are grown in Langedoc?
most are black - top varieties are Carignan, Syrah, Grenache Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cinsault
What is the advantage of Carignan budding late and ripening late?
avoids spring frosts, but needs to be grown in a warm climate with a long ripening season
What kind of yields does Carignan produce>
it can produce high yields (200 hl/ha) which made it popular in the past when the vol of production was the most sought after characteristic
What happens if Carignan is allowed to produce at its potential yield?
there is low flavor intensity
What has to happen in order to have Carignan produce wines of high concentration
yields need to be sharply reduced - which happens naturally when vines become old (50 yrs or more)
What is Carignan prone to?
powdery mildew and grape moths
Is Carignan typically hand or machine harvested? why?
not machine-harvested due to the bunches being firmly attached to the vine
What are Carignan grapes high in?
tannins and acidity
How do winemakers soften tannins and acidity in Carignan wines?
carbonic maceration or by blending with other varieties
General SAT for Carignan wines in Languedoc
(besides from very old vines unoaked)
med ruby
simple blackberry fruit
high acidity
high tannins
acceptable to good
inexpensive
Some very good or outstanding quality have intense black fruit with spice, earthy notes and can attract premium and super premium prices
Historically how were vines grown in Languedoc? why?
bush vines and some still remain - well adapted to the climate providing some shade to the bunches
Historically how were vines grown in Languedoc? why?
bush vines and some still remain - well adapted to the climate providing some shade to the bunches, but work must be done by hand
HOw have many new vineyards been planted in recent decades in Languedoc?
with trellises enabling a high degree of mechanization reducing costs
HOw are IGP wines harvested in LAnguedoc? AOC wines?
IGP wines = machine
AOC = can also be machine harvested where the topography allows
For inexpensive wines on Languedoc where is winemaking carried out?
in large concrete or stainless steel tanks
What kind of yeasts are used for Languedoc wines?
cultured yeasts to ensure rapid and complete fermentation and a consistent style
How are most inexpensive red wines made in Languedoc?
by crushing the grapes and fermenting them on their skins for 5-7 days to limit the extraction of tannins
What temperatures are used for fermentation in Languedoc wines?
mid range temps to preserve primary flavors
How long and where are the wines stored after fermentation in Languedoc?
for a few months in stainless steel or concrete tanks
Are Languedoc wines made to age or be drank early?
they are made for early drinking but they will hold for 2-3 years
How is carbonic maceration used in Languedoc?
to produce fruity wines with med to deep color and low tannins esp with tannic varietals such as Carignan
What type of temperature is used for fermentation in LAnguedoc?
mid range temps to preserve primary flavors
What types of vessels are used to store wines in Languedoc and for how long?
stainless steel or concrete tanks are used for a few months of storage
Are Languedoc wines made for aging or early drinking?
the vast majority of them are made for early drinking however some high quality ones are made for aging as well.
What are some differences found in Languedoc with how high quality wines are made
more use of sorting tables, fermentation at warm temperatures, more use of ambient yeasts, and of barriques for the maturation of the wines. some experimentation is being done with concrete tanks and eggs and large-format oak vats
these wines are meant to age in the bottle
How much of the production of Languedoc wines do IGP wines represent?
70%
what are the regulations for IGP Languedoc?
more flexible than AOC
max yields are 90 hl/ha for red and white
max yields are 100 hl/ha for rose
wide range of varieties total of 58 may be used
What has been the root of Languedoc’s commercial success over the last three decaded?
IGP category due to attractive inexpensive price brand
What are the 3 forms of IGP in France
Regional = for the whole Languedoc-Roussillon region
Departmental = IGP Gard - Gard being a French admin depart
Smaller unit named after a historical or geographical feature
What is the largest producer of IGP wines in France?
IGP Pays D’Oc - this single IGP produces between 10-15% of all French wine depending on the vintage
How are IGP wines divided up by color?
just over half are red
a over quarter white
and just under a quarter rose
Describe a typical IGP wine In France?
fresh, fruity expression of the variety being used with little or no use of oak for maturing the wine.
good to very good in quality
inexpensive to midpriced
What are the top 4 varieties grown and mainly used for single variety wines in IGP wines of France?
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Syrah
What are the top seven varieties grown by percentage in Vol of IGP in France
Merlot = 21%
Cab Sauv = 14%
Chardonnay = 12%
Syrah = 11%
Grenache Noir - 8%
Sauvignon Blanc = 7%
Cinsault = 6%
other varieties = 21%
How much of othe production of IGP Pays d’Oc sold
in France mostly in supermarkets but hospitality sales are also significant
What are the top three export markets for IGP Pays d’Oc
Germany, Netherlands and belgium
How much red wines account for production in all appellations in South of France except for the white wine-only appellations?
90%
In all cases what do Languedoc AOCs for red wine require for varieties?
min of two varieties including one or more of the principal varieties
What two appellations are the exception to Languedoc’s rule of requiring the use of Grenache Noir?
Cabardes AOC and Malepere AOC
What other two varieties besides grenache Noir, do most Languedoc AOC require to be part of the blend?
Syrah, and Mourvedre
What is the principal grape varietal in Cabardes AOC and Malepere AOC
Carignan
Can rules for sub zones be different to the parent appellations in South of France?
yes
Can different percentages be set for varieties in the vineyard and in the final wine in South of France?
Yes - the AOC might require 50% of the variety in the vineyard but only 40% of the same variety in the final wine allowing producers some flexibility
What can unused grapes in South of France be used for?
other wines (ex rose), IGP wines, or made as Vin de France
What are typical max yields for South of France?
45-50 l/ha
What are the max yields for Languedoc AOC?
reds = 50 hl/ha
whites = 60 hl/ha
What are the three groupings of the Languedoc in terms of style, price, and quality
Regional appellation (ex Languedoc AOC)
Named Appellation (Corbieres AOC)
sub appellation (Corbieres-Boutenac AOC)
Describe Rsgional appellation for Languedoc?
wines typically have medium intensity in aroma and flavor, simple blackberry, and red plum fruit, with med tannins, acidity, alcohol and body
acceptable to good
inexpensive to mid priced
Describe named appellations for Languedoc?
typically have med to med + intensity in aroma and flavor with blackberry and red plum fruit with herb notes (lavender and rosemary)
med tannins
med to med+ acidity
med to high alcohol
med + to full body
minority of wines have oak aromas
good to very good with some outstanding examples
inexpensive to premium priced wines
Describe sub appellations
typically have med + to pronounced aromas and flavors and med+ tannins
very good quality with some outstanding examples
mostly mid priced with some premium examples
What is the fourth largest appellation in france?
Corbieres
Where is Corbieres appellation found?
hilly appellation in southwest of Narbonne
How many ha does Corbieres have?
over 10,000
What are the two key mountain ranges in Corbieres that provide sites for vineyards?
Tauch and D’Alaric
How high are the slopes of Tauch and D’Alaric in Corbieres
up to 450m
How do the Tauch and D’Alaric mountains help grapes?
the cooling influence of altitude and cold northernly winds helps to retain acidity in grapes.
How much red wine by volume is produced in Corbieres?
nearly 90%
What does the final wine in Corbieres need to be made up of?
at least 40% must be any of the principal grape varietals - Carignan, Grenache Noir, Mourvedre, and Syrah with the remainder being from other permitted grape varieties including Cinsault (max 20%)
what are the max yields in Corbieres
for red, white and rose = 50 hl/ha
What varietals does the subregion of Corbieres Boutenac AOC require?
Carignan, Grenache Noir, and Mourvedre to make up 70% of the blend.
How much of Corbieres wines are sold domestically?
70%
What markets in France are Corbieires wines sold?
supermarkets
How much of Corbieres wines are exported? and what are the leading export markets?
30% - China, Germany, Belgium
What varietals are used to make rose and white wines in Corbieres AOC?
Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, or Rolle (Vermentino)
Describe Minervois AOC
extensive appellation with a range of climatic zones based on altitude and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea
Whay style wines are found in Minervois AOC?
mostly reds, but also rose and whites
What are most red and rose wines made from in Minervois AOC?
Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Mourvedre - together with these and Cinsault and Carignan must be 50% of the final blend with no blend exceeding 80%
What styles of wines are found in Minervois La Liviniere AOC?
red wine only
Where is Minervois La Liviniere AOC situated?
limestone terrace of gentle slopes at up to 400 m of altitude giving it good drainage exposure to the sun and some cooling influences from altitude
What do the cooling temperatures in Minervois La Liviniere AOC lead to?
higher acidity levels
describe what the make up of the wines is in Minervois La Liviniere AOC?
Syrah, Mourvedre and Grenache Noir must make up at least 40 % and these plus Carignan and CInsault must make up at least 80% of the blend
Where is Saint-Chinian AOC loacted
large appellation between Minervois and Faugeres
What types of wines are produced in Saint Chinian AOC?
main red and roses from blends
What do Saint Chinian AOC wines need to be made of?
prinicpally Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvedre min 50% of the blend
What are the two areas within the appellation of Saint Chinian AOC?
northern zone
southern area
Describe the northern zone in Saint Chinian AOC
arid fast-draining schist soils resulting in low yields and wines of higher concentration. 2 subzones within this sector - Saint Chinian Roquebrun AOC and Saint Chinian Berlou AOC
Describe the southern area in Saint Chinian AOC?
soils are clay and limestone with greater water-holding capacity which produces higher yields and less concentrated wines.
Where is Fitou AOC?
it is made up of two areas with a part of Corbieres AOC between them adjacent to Roussillon.
Describe Fitou AOC
it was the first AOC in Languedoc formed in 1948
the coastal area of Fitou is relatively flat low lying plains with clay and limestone soils that have good water retention