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French Wine Scholar > South-West > Flashcards

South-West Flashcards

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1
Q

What is Gascony?

A
  • A former French province
  • A large cultural entity occupying the southwestern corner of France: it includes much of the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine and at least half of the region of Occitanie; the winegrowing area of Les Vins de Sud-Ouest (the wines of South-West) approx. equates to the expanse of this territory
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2
Q

Where does the Gascony name come from?

A

The word “Gascon” is derived from the same root as the word “Basque”: Vacones.
Basque culture dominated Gascony for most of its history. The Gascon dialect is a variation of Occitan that has been heavily influenced by the Basque language.

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3
Q

What has the Basque culture given birth to?

A

Famous literary works:
* The Three Musketeers
* Cyrano de Bergerac

Culinary:
* Duck
* Goose
* Foie gras
* Chestnuts
* Truffles
* Wine
* Armagnac

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4
Q

Describe the layout of the South-West wine region.

A
  • Lacks cohesion & homogeneity
  • Appellations are small & widely scattered
  • Various topography
  • Various grape varieties
  • Various wine styles
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5
Q

How wide is the production in the South-West?

A

Close to 30 appellations produce a wide variety of wine styles:
* Dry to sweet white
* rose
* red
* variety of sparkling

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6
Q

Which 2 regions are gaining traction in the South-West?

A
  • Cahors (Cot/Malbec)
  • Madiran (Tannat)
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7
Q

How many IGPs blanket the South-West?

A

13

Including Cotes de Gascogne, the second-largest volume IGP in France (100 million bottles).

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8
Q

How much area does South-West have under vine?

A

70,000ac/28,300ha

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9
Q

How much wine does the South-West produce?

A

270 million bottles per year.

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10
Q

How many indigenous varieties can be found in the South-West?

A

120

Rare local varieties ripen late in the season while maintiaining acidity, great attributes during global warming.

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11
Q

What challenges do regions such as Jurancon and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh face?

A

These sweet wine making appellations are having to “go dry” as demand for sweet wine decreases.

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12
Q

What is the Vinovalie co-operative?

A

An amalgamation of 4 co-operatives:
* Vignerons de Rabastens in Tarn
* Cave de Tecou in Tarn
* Cave de Fronton in Haute-Garonne
* Cave des Cotes d’Olt in Lot

Together, they are striving to entice and train people to work in the wine industry. They have also partnered with 11 other co-ops around France to collectively promote all of their top cuvees under the Marques & Coop umbrella. The goal is to build and promote brands.

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13
Q

Where is the South-West located?

A

In south-west France, bordered by the Atlantic to the west, Massif Central to the east, the Pyrenees to the south, and the region of Bordeaux to the north.

It encompasses 155,000ac/62,700ha, 12 French departements and 2 French regions.

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14
Q

What is the climate in the South-West?

A

Continental, overall.

  • The Bergerac & Dordogne River: Maritime influences with slightly warmer temperatures & more sun than Bordeaux
  • The Garonne, Tarn & Lot: Maritime & Mediterranean influences. Which dominates depends on the location of each AOC
  • The Pyrenean foothills: Some Maritime influences, but are impacted by the Pyrenees and benefit from the rain shadow provided by that mountain range and its foehn winds and cool air masses
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15
Q

Name the important rivers of the South-West where the majority of vineyards are located.

A
  • Dordogne
  • Garonne
  • Tarn
  • Lot
  • Gers
  • Adour
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16
Q

What soil types are found in the South-West?

A

Strikingly different soils, yet largely sedimentary:
* Limestone
* Marls composed of clay, sand & limestone
* Ancient alluvial river terraces deposited during various periods of glacial melt; largely comprised of pebbles, gravels, quartz and sand
* Wind-blown loess
* Flysch (thin beds of shale or marl interspersed with sandstone)
* Shale, granite & mica schist

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17
Q

How many different grape varieties have been identified in South-West France?

A

>300

120 of these are indigenous

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18
Q

Which varieties were produced via spontaneous crosses in the South-West?

A
  • Merlot: Cabernet Franc (originated in Spanish Basque Country) crossed with Magdeleine Noire des Charentes (South-West native)
  • Cot (Malbec): Prunelard (South-West native) crossed with Magdeleine Noire des Charentes
  • Carmenere: Cabernet Franc crossed with Gros Cabernet (a Hondarribi Beltza x Fer Servadou cross)
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19
Q

Rank the grape varieties grown in the South-West from widest to least.

A
  1. Merlot (14%)
  2. Colombard (13%)
  3. Sauvignon Blanc (9%)
  4. Cot (7%)
  5. Gros Manseng (6%)
  6. Semillon (6%)
  7. Cabernet Sauvignon (6%)
  8. Cabernet Franc (6%)
  9. Ugni Blanc (5%)
  10. Tannat (4%)
    Other (24%)

IVSO 2014

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20
Q

Which was the most planted grape variety in the South-West before phylloxera?

A

Cot (Malbec)

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21
Q

What styles of wines are produced in the South-West?

A
  • Most whites are dry
  • Sweet wines in either botrytized or late-harvest styles
  • Sparkling whites made by ancestrale & traditional methods
  • Dry reds
  • Dry roses
  • Some red vin primeur
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22
Q

What is the recent advancement in red wine production that originated in the South-West?

A

Micro-oxygenation

Introduced by Patrick Ducournau in 1991 while working in Madiran with the native Tannat variety.

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23
Q

What is the purpose of micro-oxygenation and how does it work?

A

Very small quantities of oxygen are bubbled through a vat of fermenting wine to keep yeast healthy and avoid stuck fermentations.
Likewise, small quantities of oxygen can be bubbled through a vat of finished wine to polymerize tannins, clarify and stabilize.
This method softens tannins and eliminates reduction issues.

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24
Q

Name the sub-regions of the South-West.

A
  • Dordogne/Bergerac
  • Garonne, Tarn & Lot
  • Pyrenees
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25
Q

Where is Dordogne/Bergerac located?

A

This sub-region lies up-river from Sainte-Foy Cotes de Bordeaux and Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux and flanks the Dordogne River.
The appellations lie on the uplands comprising the southwestern flanks of the Massif Central.
The area is part of the historical & cultural region Perigord, & several dialects of Occitan are spoken here.

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26
Q

How do the wines of Dordogne/Bergerac compare to the other sub-regions in the South-West?

A

These appellations have more in common with Bordeaux than with the other sub-regions of South-West, such as proximity and grape variety, yet there are some differences in style.

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27
Q

How does the climate in Dordogne/Bergerac influence the wines?

A

The inland position of this sub-region leads to longer hang times as the vine works to ripen its fruit. Often resulting in dusty, slightly rustic tannins in the finished wines.

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28
Q

What winemaking methods are employed in Dordogne/Bergerac to manage aggressive tannins?

A
  • use of barriques
  • Large oak vessels

In Bergerac, red blends tend to focus early-ripening Merlot to soften the more astringent tannins of the 2 Cabernets.

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29
Q

Name the white grape varieties of Dordogne/Bergerac.

A
  • Sauvignon Blanc: mainstay for dry whites
  • Semillon: primary for sweet wines, especially Monbazillac

Others: Chenin Blanc, Colombard, Mauzac Blanc, Muscadelle, Ondenc & Ugni Blanc.

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30
Q

Name the rose/gris grape variety of Dordogne/Bergerac.

A

Sauvignon Gris: vinified as white, can be incorporated in dry & sweet white wines

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31
Q

Name the red grape varieties of Dordogne/Bergerac.

A
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Cabernet Franc
  • Merlot
  • Cot

Others: Fer Servadou & Merille

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32
Q

What is the climate in Dordogne/Bergerac?

A

Continental overall.
* Montravel, to the west, gets some oceanic influence from the Atlantic, 60mi/100km away.
* Average temperatures are warm
* Hot summers
* Short winters

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33
Q

What soil types are found in Dordogne/Bergerac?

A

Dominated by clay & limestone.
Pecharmant has red clay, flint & gravels.

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34
Q

Name the appellations of Dordogne/Bergerac.

A
  1. Bergerac AOC (1936)
  2. Cotes de Bergerac AOC (1936)
  3. Pecharmant AOC (1946)
  4. Cotes de Duras AOC (1937)
  5. Monbazillac AOC (1936)
  6. Saussignac AOC (1982)
  7. Rosette AOC (1946)
  8. Montravel AOC (1937, Red 2001)
  9. Cotes de Montravel AOC (1937)
  10. Haut-Montravel AOC (1937)
  11. Correze AOC (2017)
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35
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Bergerac AOC?

A
  • Dry White
  • Rose: may contain up to 20% of the primary white varieties with a max. 10% Muscadelle and/or 10% Sauvignon Blanc & Sauvignon Gris combined
  • Red

All wines must be blends of at least 2 varieties and contain min. 50% of the primary varieties.

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36
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Bergerac AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle
* [S] Ugni Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Ondenc

Rose/Gris:
* [P] Sauvignon Gris

Red:
* [P] Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cot
* [S] Fer Servadou, Merille

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37
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Cote de Bergerac AOC?

A
  • Red: must be a blend of at least 2 varieties; generally aged in oak barrels
  • Semi-Sweet to
  • Sweet White

White wines must not be dry and have a min. sweetness of 0.4% (4g/l) RS.
Majority of white wines must be made from the 3 primary varieties.
All wines must have a min. alcohol level higher than Bergerac AOC.

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38
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Cote de Bergerac AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle
* [S] Ugni Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Ondenc

Rose/Gris:
* [P] Sauvignon Gris

Red:
* [P] Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cot

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39
Q

What style of wine is produced in Pecharmant AOC?

A

Red: must contain at least 3 of the 4 authorized grape varieties; no one variety can be more than 65% of the blend.

Red grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cot

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40
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Cotes de Duras AOC?

A
  • Dry White
  • Rose
  • Red
  • Semi-Sweet White

Wines must be at least 2 varieties and contain at least 50% of the primary varieties.

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41
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Cotes de Duras AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle, Chenin Blanc, Ondenc, Mauzac Blanc
* [S] Ugni Blanc, Colombard

Rose/Gris:
* [P] Sauvignon Gris

Red:
* [P] Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cot

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42
Q

Which dessert wine appellation is the largest by size and volume in France?

A

Monbazillac AOC

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43
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Monbazillac AOC?

A
  • Sweet White: min. 4.5% (45g/l) RS
  • Selection de Grains Nobles (SGN): min. 8.5% (85g/l) RS

As a general rule, these wines are sweeter than Sauternes.
* Grapes must be hand harvested
* Grapes may be late-harvest and/or botrytized.
* SGN are usually made from botrytized grapes
* Both wines must use 80% of the primary varieties & possess a min. 12% abv.

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44
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Monbazillac AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle
* [S] Ugni Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Ondenc

Rose/Gris:
* [P] Sauvignon Gris

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45
Q

What style of wine is produced in Saussignac AOC?

A
  • Sweet White: min. 6.8% (68g/l) RS

Grapes may be late-harvest and/or botrytized.
Primary varieties must constitute the majority of the blend.
Wines are similar in style to Monbazillac.

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46
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Saussignac AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle
* [S] Ugni Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Ondenc

Rose/Gris:
* [P] Sauvignon Gris

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47
Q

What style of wine is produced in Rosette AOC?

A

Semi-Sweet White: 2.5-5.1% (25-51g/l) RS

Wines must be a blend of at least 2 grape varieties:
* Sauvignon Blanc
* Semillon
* Muscadelle
* Sauvignon Gris

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48
Q

Where is Montravel located and which appellations cover this area?

A

It is located on the right bank of the Dordogne River and includes:
* Montravel AOC
* Cotes de Montravel AOC
* Haut-Montravel AOC

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49
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Montravel AOC?

A
  • Dry White: Primary varieties must constitute the majority of the blend
  • Red

Wines are made from a blend of at least 2 varieties.

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50
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Montravel AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle
* [S] Ondenc

Rose/Gris:
* [P] Sauvignon Gris

Red:
* [P] Merlot
* [S] Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Cot

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51
Q

What style of wine is produced in Cotes de Montravel AOC?

A

Semi-Sweet White: 2.5-5.4% (25-54g/l) RS

Min. 80% of the primary varieties, with Semillon being at least 30% of the blend.

Grape varities:
* White: [P] Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle
[S] Ondenc
* Rose/Gris: [P] Sauvignon Gris

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52
Q

What style of wine is produced in Haut-Montravel AOC?

A

Sweet White: min. 8.5% (85g/l)

Semillon must be min. 50% of blend.

Grape varieties:
* White: [P] Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle
[S] Ondenc
* Rose/Gris: [P] Sauvignon Gris

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53
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Correze AOC?

A
  • Dry White
  • Red: prinicipally Cabernet Franc
  • Vin de Paille: min. 6.8% (68g/l) RS; Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and/or Sauvignon Blanc
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54
Q

Name the DGC of Correze AOC. What style of wines are made under this label?

A

Coteaux de la Vezere
* White: Chenin Blanc only
* Red: Cabernet Franc only

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55
Q

How is Vin de Paille made in Correze AOC?

A

From Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and/or Sauvignon Blanc.
Grapes are fermented after at least 6 weeks of air drying.
The resulting wine is aged in oak for min. 18 months and released after December 1 of the third year following harvest.

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56
Q

Where is the Garonne, Tarn & Lot located?

A

This sub-region lies between Bordeaux & Languedoc.
The Tarn & Lot rivers are tributaries of the Garonne. Some vineyards clustered around the Lot River are at a significant elevation in the foothills of the Massif Central.

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57
Q

What are the seasons like in Garonne, Tarn & Lot?

A
  • Cold winters
  • Ample sunshine
  • Significant summer warmth
  • Grapes ripen fully
  • Autumns: warm southerly winds, mitigating humidty & reducing disease pressure
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58
Q

Name the white grape varieties of Garonne, Tarn & Lot.

A
  • Len de l’El (Loin de l’Oeil): popular for dry or sweet white wines in Gaillac
  • Saint-Come: secondary grape used for dry whites in the Lot River area
  • Fel: secondary grape used for dry whites in the Lot River area
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59
Q

Name the rose/gris grape variety of Garonne, Tarn & Lot.

A

Mauzac Rose: used in Gaillac for dry whites, sweet white wines & sparkling wines made by both ancestrale & traditional methods

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60
Q

Name the red grape varieties of Garonne, Tarn & Lot.

A
  • Cot: use as primary or secondary throughout the sub-region
  • Fer Servadou (Braucol): primary red grape in Gaillac
  • Negrette: versatile grape cultivated in Fronton for ages

Others:
* Gamay: often used for primeur wines
* Tannat, Syrah & Duras: used in roses & tannic reds

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61
Q

Name the appellations of Garonne, Tarn & Lot.

A
  1. Cotes du Marmandais AOC (1990)
  2. Buzet AOC (1973)
  3. Brulhois AOC (1984)
  4. Saint-Sardos AOC (2005)
  5. Fronton AOC (1975)
  6. Gaillac AOC (1938, Rose, Red 1970)
  7. Gaillac Premieres Cotes AOC (1938)
  8. Cotes de Millau AOC (1994)
  9. Cahors AOC (1971)
  10. Coteaux du Quercy AOC (1999)
  11. Entraygues-Le-Fel AOC (1965)
  12. Estraing AOC (1965)
  13. Marcillac AOC (1990)
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62
Q

Which South-West appellations flank the Garonne River?

A
  • Cotes du Marmandais AOC
  • Buzet AOC
  • Brulhois AOC
  • Saint-Sardos AOC
63
Q

What soil types are found in Cotes du Marmandais AOC?

A
  • Right Bank (extension of Entre-deux-Mers): clay & limestone
  • Left Bank (extension of Graves): gravelly alluvium
64
Q

What styles of wine is produced in Cotes du Marmandais AOC?

A
  • Dry White
  • Rose
  • Red: a blend of at least 2 varieties & at least one of them must be a primary variety

Wines are similar in style to Bergerac & Bordeaux.
Red wines dominate production.

65
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Cotes du Marmandais AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Sauvignon Blanc
* [S] Semillon, Muscadelle

Rose/Gris:
* [P] Sauvignon Gris

Red:
* [P] Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
* [S] Gamay, Cot, Syrah, Abouriou, Fer Servadou

66
Q

What soil types are found in Buzet AOC?

A

3 soil types:
* Gravelly clays
* Limestone clays
* Sandy clays (boulbenes)

67
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Buzet AOC?

A
  • Dry White
  • Rose
  • Red

All wines must consist of min. 90% primary varieties.
Production is red wine focused & most is carried out by the local co-operative (160 members).

68
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Buzet AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle
* [S] Colombard, Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng

Rose/Gris:
* [P] Sauvignon Gris

Red:
* [P] Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cot
* [S] Petit Verdot, Abouriou

69
Q

What soil types are found in Bulhois AOC?

A

3 soil types:
* Gravelly clays
* Limestone clays
* Sandy clays (boulbenes)

Same as neighboring Buzet AOC.

70
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Bulhois AOC?

A
  • Rose: blend of at least 2 varieties; primary varieties must constitute the majority of the blend & no single variety can be more than 70%
  • Red: blends must consist of at least 3 varieties; Merlot usually forms the backbone; primary varieties must constitute the majority of the blend & no single variety can be more than 70%

Red wine focused.

71
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Bulhois AOC?

A

Red:
* [P] Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Tannat
* [S] Cabernet Sauvignon, Cot, Fer Servadou, Abouriou

72
Q

What soil types are found in Saint-Sardos AOC?

A

River alluvium consisting of limestone pebbles and/or silt.

This area experiences more Mediterranean influences being further south & east along the Garonne.

73
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Saint-Sardos AOC?

A
  • Rose
  • Red

Wines are Syrah-dominant, but uniquely blended with Tannat to create tannic reds & hardy roses.

Secondary varieties include: Cabernet Franc & Merlot

74
Q

Which South-West appellations flank the Tarn River?

A
  • Fronton AOC
  • Gaillac AOC
  • Gaillac Premieres Cotes AOC
  • Cotes de Millau AOC
75
Q

Where is the Fronton AOC located?

A

Between the Garonne River and its tributary, the Tarn, just north of Toulouse.

76
Q

Which appellation is known as the home of Negrette?

A

Fronton AOC

Current DNA research suggests this variety is local to this region. However, legend states that it was brough to the area from Cyprus by the Knights Templar.

77
Q

What soil types are found in Fronton AOC?

A

Sandy clays (boulbenes)

78
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Fronton AOC?

A
  • Rose
  • Red

Wines must contain min. 40% Negrette, but can be up to 100%.
Production is largely red.

79
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Fronton AOC?

A

Red:
* [P] Negrette
* [S] Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Cot, Fer Servadou, Cinsaut, Gamay, Syrah, Merille

80
Q

Which appellation makes the widest range of wine styles in all of South-West?

A

Gaillac AOC

81
Q

What soil types are found in Gaillac AOC?

A
  • Clay
  • Limestone
  • Sand
  • Flint
  • Gravelly alluviums
82
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Gaillac AOC?

A
  • Dry White: typically made from Mauzac, Mauzac Rose, Muscadelle & Len de l’El; made in a primeur style via cool fermentation & early bottling
  • Rose: min. 2 varieties, primary grapes must form the majority of the blend; via direct press or saignee
  • Red: min. 2 varieties, primary grapes must form the majority of the blend; typically aged in vats or barrels
  • Doux/Sweet White: min. 4.5% (45g/l) RS: primarily Mauzac, Muscadelle & Len de l’El are fermented after being amply ripened or over-ripened
  • Vendanges Tardives: min. 10% (100g/l) RS: most crafted fro Len de l’El & Ondenc; flavour compounds within the grapes are concentrated by passerillage or botrytis; a hand harvest follows in successive passes
  • Sparkling White
  • Sparkling Rose
  • Red Primeur: made by semi-carbonic maceration from 100% Gamay; released the 3rd Thursday of November
83
Q

What soil types are found in Gaillac AOC?

A
  • Clay
  • Limestone
  • Sand
  • Flint
  • Gravelly alluviums
84
Q

What are the 3 styles of sparkling wine made in Gaillac AOC?

A
  • Gaillac Methode Ancestrale: made with Mauzac Blanc and/or Rose; it can be made as brut, demi-sec or doux (within a range of 1-8% or 10-80g/l)
  • Traditional method: primarily with Len de l’El & Mauzac; aged on lees for min. 9 months; finished with less than 5% (50g/l) RS
  • Blanc Sec Perle: made from Mauzac, Mauzac Rose, Muscadelle & Len de d’El; made in 2 ways
    1. Carbon dioxide can be captured during malolactic conversion so the wine retains the “pearls” with bottled
    2. Carbon dioxide can be added to the wine after malolactic converstion
85
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Gaillac AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Len de l’El, Mauzac Blanc, Muscadelle
* [S] Sauvignon Blanc, Ondenc

Rose/Gris:
* [P] Mauzac Rose

Red:
* [P] Duras, Syrah, Fer Servadou
* [S] Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Prunelard, Gamay

86
Q

What style of wine is produced in Gaillac Premieres Cotes AOC?

A
  • Dry White

These wines were formerly made in a sweet or semi-sweet style but are dry today. Production is dwindling.

87
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Gaillac Premieres Cotes AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Len de l’El, Mauzac Blanc, Muscadelle
* [S] Sauvignon Blanc, Ondenc

Rose/Gris:
* [P] Mauzac Rose

88
Q

Which appellation shares the land with the sheep that produce the famous Roquefort cheese?

A

Cotes de Millau AOC

89
Q

Where are the vineyards of Cotes de Millau AOC located?

A

On terraced, south-facing slopes, and their roots wend their way through fractured limestone.
Mediterranean warmth reaches the vines despite a mountain range separating the appellation from the Languedoc.

90
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Cotes de Millau AOC?

A
  • Dry White: min. 50% Chenin Blanc
  • Rose: Gamay is primary
  • Red: min. 30% Gamay & min. 30% Syrah

Red wines dominate production.

91
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Cotes de Millau AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Chenin Blanc
* [S] Mauzac

Red:
* [P] Gamay, Syrah
* [S] Fer Servadou, Cabernet Sauvignon, Duras

92
Q

Which South-West appellations flank the Lot River?

A
  • Cahors AOC
  • Coteaux du Quercy AOC
  • Entraygues-Le-Fel AOC
  • Estaing AOC
  • Marcillac AOC
93
Q

What is the climate like in Cahors AOC?

A

Dry, despite being equidistant from both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
The grapes achieve full phenolic ripeness.

94
Q

What soil types are found in Cahors AOC?

A

Vines are planted on:
* The limestone plateaus of the Causses or
* On gravelly slopes & river terraces

95
Q

What is the name for the Cot variety in Cahors AOC?

A

Auxerrois

96
Q

What style of wine is produced in Cahors AOC?

A

Red: min. 70% Cot

Secondary varieties:
* Merlot
* Tannat

97
Q

What are the characteristics of wines from Cahors AOC?

A

Deeply pigmented, concentrated and cellar-worthy.
These inky “black wines” were favoured by King Henry II or England, Emperor Peter I of Russia and Pope John XXII.

98
Q

Coteaux du Quercy AOC has the same climatic influences and terroirs as which South-West appellation?

A

Cahors AOC

99
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Coteaux du Quercy AOC?

A
  • Rose: must be a blend of 2 varieties
  • Red: must be a blend of 3 varieties

Cabernet Franc dominates both blends.

Secondary grapes: Merlot, Cot, Tannat, Gamay

100
Q

What is the climate in Entraygues-Le-Fel AOC?

A

Some Mediterranean influences despite the east-west orientation of the river valleys.

101
Q

Where are vines in Entraygues-Le-Fel AOC planted?

A

Most are south-facing, lie at 1,150ft/350m in elevation and are located mid-slope.
This position maximizes sunlight exposure and minimizes the risk of frost.
The foothills serve as suntraps.

102
Q

What soil types are found in Entraygues-Le-Fel AOC?

A

Vineyards are terraced on soils of shale & granite.

103
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Entraygues-Le-Fel AOC?

A
  • Dry White: largely Chenin Blanc
  • Rose: min. 85% Fer Servadou & the 2 Cabernets
  • Red: a blend of at least 3 grape varieties w/ min. 40% Fer Servadou
104
Q

How high are the vineyards of Estaing AOC planted?

A

1,000-1,600ft/300-500m

105
Q

What soil types are found in Estaing AOC?

A

Limestone & mica schist

106
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Estaing AOC?

A
  • Dry White: at least 2 varieties
  • Rose: primarily Gamay
  • Red: Must include 3 varieties with Gamay & Fer Servadou making up at least 50% of the blend

Production is mostly red.

107
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Estaing AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Chenin Blanc
* [S] Mauzac Blanc, Saint-Come

Red:
* [P] Fer Servadou, Gamay
* [S] Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Mouyssagues, Pinot Noir, Abouriou, Castet, Duras, Negrette

108
Q

Where are the vineyards of Marcillac AOC planted?

A

On terraced vineyards positioned on the slopes of the Valley of Marcillac, between 985-1,970ft/300-600m in elevation.

109
Q

What soil types are found in Marcillac AOC?

A

Iron-rich clay-limestone soils known as rougiers.

110
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Marcillac AOC?

A
  • Rose
  • Red

Wines must be 80-100% Fer Servadou.

111
Q

Where are the vineyards of Marcillac AOC planted?

A

On terraced vineyards positioned on the slopes of the Valley of Marcillac, between 985-1,970ft/300-600m in elevation.

112
Q

Where are the vineyards of Marcillac AOC planted?

A

On terraced vineyards positioned on the slopes of the Valley of Marcillac, between 985-1,970ft/300-600m in elevation.

113
Q

What winds do the appellations of the Pyrnees benefit from?

A

The warm, dry foehn winds that crest the mountain range, chase away humidy and bring clear skies.

114
Q

Name the rivers of the Pyrnees.

A
  • Nive River: cuts through Irouleguy
  • Gave d’Oloron River: Bearn & Jurancon on the right bank
  • Gave de Pau River: Bearn & Jurancon on the left bank
  • Adour River: Tursan, Saint-Mont & Madiran/Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh cluster around it

All rivers originate in the Pyrnees.

115
Q

Name the white grape varieties of the Pyrnees.

A
  • Gros Manseng: grown on both sides of the mountain; in France, it is used to bring freshness to the dry wines of Jurancon, Saint-Mont & Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh
  • Petit Manseng: develops high sugars while maintaining acidity, so it is incorporated into the sweet wines of Jurancon & Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh

Others: Camaralet, Lauzet, Courbu, Petit Courbu, Barogue, Arrufiac & Raffiat

116
Q

Name the red grape varieties of Pyrnees.

A
  • Tannat: native to the Adour River Basin; main grape in Madiran & Saint-Mont; it is late ripening with thigh clusters high in sugar & tannin

International varieties: Cabernet Franc & Cabernet Sauvignon; important blending partners
Other lesser-used local grapes: Manseng Noir & Courbu Noir

117
Q

Name the appellations of the Pyrnees.

A
  1. Madiran AOC (1948)
  2. Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh AOC (1948)
  3. Saint-Mont AOC (1981)
  4. Tursan AOC (1958)
  5. Jurancon AOC (1936)
  6. Bearn AOC (1975)
  7. Irouleguy AOC (1970)
118
Q

Where is Madiran AOC located?

A

Deep within Gascony on the left bank of the Adour River. It is equidistant from the Atlantic and the Pyrenees (approx. 60mi/100km) and is bordered by Saint-Mont to the north.

119
Q

What is the weather like in Madiran AOC?

A
  • Warm & dry during growing season
  • Ample rain falls in winter & spring
  • Warm dry foehn air mass generated by the rain-shadow effect of the Pyrenees helps to mitigate disease pressure
120
Q

What soil types are found in Madiran AOC?

A

Pebble-studded limestone-rich clays & silts; many contain iron.

121
Q

What style of wine is produced in Madiran AOC?

A

Red: must contain more than 50% Tannat; Cabernet Franc/Sauvignon & Fer Servadou can complete the blend

122
Q

What is Fer Servadou called in Madiran AOC?

A

Pinenc

123
Q

What is Cabernet Franc called in Madiran AOC?

A

Bouchy

124
Q

What are the characteristics of wines from Madiran AOC?

A

Deeply tannic, well structured. Typically require time in the cellar to soften and mellow.

125
Q

Where is Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh AOC located?

A

This appellation covers the same geographical area as Madiran AOCs, but is for white wines only.

126
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh AOC?

A
  • Sec/Dry White: must contain at least 2 varieties, one of which must be a primary
  • Sweet White: min. 4.5% (45g/l) RS; same blending formula as Sec; made by passerilage (rainsining on the vine), not by botrytis
127
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng, Courbu, Petit Courbu
* [S] Arrufiac, Sauvignon Blanc

128
Q

What soil types are found in Saint-Mont AOC?

A
  • Western: sandy soils
  • Eastern: more limestone-rich clays
129
Q

Which Pyrenees appellation lays claim to a significant legacy of old vines?

A

Saint-Mont AOC

The average vine age ranges between 30-50 years. Some are over 150 years old.

130
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Saint-Mont AOC?

A
  • Dry White: min. 60% Gros Manseng
  • Rose: mandatory blends; min. 70% primary red varieties
  • Red: min. 60% Tannat
131
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Saint-Mont AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Gros Manseng
* [S] Arrufiac, Courbu, Petit Courbu, Petit Manseng

Red:
* [P] Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Fer Servadou
* [S] Cabernet Franc, Merlot

132
Q

What is the weather like in Tursan AOC?

A
  • More pronounced maritime influences
  • Higher rainfall than Madiran & Saint-Mont
133
Q

What is the weather like in Tursan AOC?

A
  • More pronounced maritime influences
  • Higher rainfall than Madiran & Saint-Mont
134
Q

What is the weather like in Tursan AOC?

A
  • More pronounced maritime influences
  • Higher rainfall than Madiran & Saint-Mont
135
Q

What soil types are found in Tursan AOC?

A
  • Sandstone
  • Silt
  • Gravel
  • Limestone-rich clays
136
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Tursan AOC?

A
  • Dry White
  • Rose
  • Red

All wines are mandatory blends consisting of 2 primary grapes, which must represent at least 50% of the mix. No single grape can be more than 60% of the blend.

137
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Tursan AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Gros Manseng, Baroque
* [S] Chenin Blanc, Claverie, Petit Manseng, Raffiat de Moncade, Sauvignon Blanc

Rose/Gris:
* [S] Sauvignon Gris

Red:
* [P] Cabernet Franc, Tannat,
* [S] Cabernet Sauvignon, Fer Servadou, Merlot

138
Q

What is the climate in Jurancon AOC influenced by?

A
  • Altitude
  • Atlantic precipitation
  • Warm, dry foehn winds coming over the Pyrenees
  • Mediterranean sun
139
Q

What soil types are found in Jurancon AOC?

A

Sandy-clays studded with galets (locally known as poudingues) washed down from the Pyrenees, on a steep terrain.

140
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Jurancon AOC?

A
  • Sec (Dry White): Gros Manseng & Petit Manseng make up majority if the wine is a blend; varietal wines from each of these grapes are allowed; must be labeled “Sec”
  • Semi-Sweet to Sweet White: min. 4.0% (40g/l) RS: Gros/Petit Manseng must make up majority of a blend (varietal wines permitted); grapes undergo passerillage (raisining on vine), hand harvested in late October (into November) w/ at least 2 passes in the vineyard
  • Vendanges Tardives: 5.5% (55g/l) RS (they often have even higher RS: crafted from Petit Manseng and/or Gros Manseng only; grapes undergo passerillage; hand picked with a min. of 2 passes in the vineyard; harvest cannon begin until November 2nd; cannot be released until June 15th of the 2nd year after harvest
141
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Jurancon AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng
* [S] Camaralet, Lauzet, Petit Courbu

142
Q

Where is Bearn AOC located?

A

This appellation has 3 non-contiguous growing areas:
* main area lies along the Gave de Pau River
* overlapping the Jurancon
* overlapping the Madiran/Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh

Vineyards are on hillsides.
Wines from the overlapping regions can be bottle as any style of Bearn; but this is usually only practiced for styles not authorized in those AOCs.

143
Q

What is the climate in Bearn AOC?

A

Maritime

Humidiy & rainfall are offset by foehn winds arching over the Pyrenees.

144
Q

What soil types are found in Bearn AOC?

A

Sandy-clay

145
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Bearn AOC?

A
  • Dry White: min. 50% Raffiat de Moncade
  • Rose: min. 70% primary varieties with min. 25% Tannat
  • Red: min. 50% Tannat
146
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Bearn AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng, Raffiat de Moncade
* [S] Camaralet, Courbu, Lauzet, Petit Courbu, Sauvignon Blanc

Red:
* [P] Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat,
* [S] Courbu Noir, Fer Servadou, Manseng Noir

147
Q

Which South-West wine region is the southernmost?

A

Irouleguy AOC

And the only one within French Basque country.

148
Q

Where are the vineyards of Irouleguy AOC planted?

A

Steep or terraced slopes sheltered from the north & west winds.

149
Q

What soil types are found in Irouleguy AOC?

A

3 distinct types:
* Sandstone
* Limestone
* Clay

150
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Irouleguy AOC?

A
  • Dry White: blend of at least 2 varieties
  • Rose: min. 90% primary red varieties; white grapes can complete the blend
  • Red: must contain a majority of Tannat and/or Cabernet Franc; Cabernet Sauvignon can complete the blend

The majority of wine production is red.

151
Q

What is the largest and most significant IGP in South-West?

A

Cotes de Gascogne IGP

Approx. 100 million bottles (750,000hl) produced annually.
It is 2nd in production volume, after Pays d’Oc IGP.
75% is exported.

152
Q

What area does the Cotes de Gascogne IGP cover?

A

The same zone of production as Armagnac.

Nearly 30,000ac/12,000ha.

153
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Cotes de Gascogne IGP?

A
  • Dry White (75% of production)
  • Rose (8%)
  • Red (7%)
  • Semi-Sweet White
  • Sweet White (10%)

French Wine Scholar (34 decks)

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