South-West Flashcards
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
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.
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
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
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
6
Q
Which 2 regions are gaining traction in the South-West?
A
- Cahors (Cot/Malbec)
- Madiran (Tannat)
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).
8
Q
How much area does South-West have under vine?
A
70,000ac/28,300ha
9
Q
How much wine does the South-West produce?
A
270 million bottles per year.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
15
Q
Name the important rivers of the South-West where the majority of vineyards are located.
A
- Dordogne
- Garonne
- Tarn
- Lot
- Gers
- Adour
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
17
Q
How many different grape varieties have been identified in South-West France?
A
>300
120 of these are indigenous
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)
19
Q
Rank the grape varieties grown in the South-West from widest to least.
A
- Merlot (14%)
- Colombard (13%)
- Sauvignon Blanc (9%)
- Cot (7%)
- Gros Manseng (6%)
- Semillon (6%)
- Cabernet Sauvignon (6%)
- Cabernet Franc (6%)
- Ugni Blanc (5%)
-
Tannat (4%)
Other (24%)
IVSO 2014
20
Q
Which was the most planted grape variety in the South-West before phylloxera?
A
Cot (Malbec)
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
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.
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.
24
Q
Name the sub-regions of the South-West.
A
- Dordogne/Bergerac
- Garonne, Tarn & Lot
- Pyrenees
25
Where is **Dordogne/Bergerac** located?
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.
26
How do the wines of **Dordogne/Bergerac** compare to the other sub-regions in the **South-West**?
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.
27
How does the climate in **Dordogne/Bergerac** influence the wines?
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.
28
What winemaking methods are employed in **Dordogne/Bergerac** to manage aggressive tannins?
* 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**.
29
Name the white grape varieties of **Dordogne/Bergerac**.
* **Sauvignon Blanc**: mainstay for dry whites
* **Semillon**: primary for sweet wines, especially Monbazillac
Others: **Chenin Blanc**, **Colombard**, **Mauzac Blanc**, **Muscadelle**, **Ondenc** & **Ugni Blanc**.
30
Name the rose/gris grape variety of **Dordogne/Bergerac**.
**Sauvignon Gris**: vinified as white, can be incorporated in dry & sweet white wines
31
Name the red grape varieties of **Dordogne/Bergerac**.
* **Cabernet Sauvignon**
* **Cabernet Franc**
* **Merlot**
* **Cot**
Others: **Fer Servadou** & **Merille**
32
What is the climate in **Dordogne/Bergerac**?
**Continental** overall.
* Montravel, to the west, gets some oceanic influence from the Atlantic, 60mi/100km away.
* Average temperatures are warm
* Hot summers
* Short winters
33
What soil types are found in **Dordogne/Bergerac**?
Dominated by *clay* & *limestone*.
**Pecharmant** has *red clay*, *flint* & gravels.
34
Name the appellations of **Dordogne/Bergerac**.
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)
35
What styles of wine are produced in **Bergerac AOC**?
* *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.
36
Which grape varieties are permitted in **Bergerac AOC**?
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**
37
What styles of wine are produced in **Cote de Bergerac AOC**?
* *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**.
38
Which grape varieties are permitted in **Cote de Bergerac AOC**?
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**
39
What style of wine is produced in Pecharmant AOC?
*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**
40
What styles of wine are produced in Cotes de Duras AOC?
* *Dry White*
* *Rose*
* *Red*
* *Semi-Sweet White*
Wines must be at least **2** varieties and contain at least **50%** of the primary varieties.
41
Which grape varieties are permitted in Cotes de Duras AOC?
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**
42
Which dessert wine appellation is the largest by size and volume in France?
**Monbazillac AOC**
43
What styles of wine are produced in **Monbazillac AOC**?
* *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.
44
Which grape varieties are permitted in **Monbazillac AOC**?
White:
* [P] **Sauvignon Blanc**, **Semillon**, **Muscadelle**
* [S] **Ugni Blanc**, **Chenin Blanc**, **Ondenc**
Rose/Gris:
* [P] **Sauvignon Gris**
45
What style of wine is produced in **Saussignac AOC**?
* *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**.
46
Which grape varieties are permitted in **Saussignac AOC**?
White:
* [P] **Sauvignon Blanc**, **Semillon**, **Muscadelle**
* [S] **Ugni Blanc**, **Chenin Blanc**, **Ondenc**
Rose/Gris:
* [P] **Sauvignon Gris**
47
What style of wine is produced in Rosette AOC?
*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**
48
Where is Montravel located and which appellations cover this area?
It is located on the right bank of the *Dordogne River* and includes:
* Montravel AOC
* Cotes de Montravel AOC
* Haut-Montravel AOC
49
What styles of wine are produced in Montravel AOC?
* *Dry White*: Primary varieties must constitute the majority of the blend
* *Red*
Wines are made from a blend of at least **2** varieties.
50
Which grape varieties are permitted in Montravel AOC?
White:
* [P] **Sauvignon Blanc**, **Semillon**, **Muscadelle**
* [S] **Ondenc**
Rose/Gris:
* [P] **Sauvignon Gris**
Red:
* [P] **Merlot**
* [S] **Cabernet Sauvignon**, **Cabernet Franc**, **Cot**
51
What style of wine is produced in Cotes de Montravel AOC?
*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**
52
What style of wine is produced in Haut-Montravel AOC?
*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**
53
What styles of wine are produced in Correze AOC?
* *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**
54
Name the DGC of Correze AOC. What style of wines are made under this label?
*Coteaux de la Vezere*
* *White*: **Chenin Blanc** only
* *Red*: **Cabernet Franc** only
55
How is *Vin de Paille* made in Correze AOC?
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.
56
Where is the **Garonne, Tarn & Lot** located?
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.
57
What are the seasons like in **Garonne, Tarn & Lot**?
* Cold winters
* Ample sunshine
* Significant summer warmth
* Grapes ripen fully
* Autumns: warm southerly winds, mitigating humidty & reducing disease pressure
58
Name the white grape varieties of **Garonne, Tarn & Lot**.
* **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
59
Name the rose/gris grape variety of **Garonne, Tarn & Lot**.
**Mauzac Rose**: used in **Gaillac** for dry whites, sweet white wines & sparkling wines made by both *ancestrale* & *traditional method*s
60
Name the red grape varieties of **Garonne, Tarn & Lot**.
* **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
61
Name the appellations of **Garonne, Tarn & Lot**.
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)
62
Which **South-West** appellations flank the *Garonne River*?
* Cotes du Marmandais AOC
* Buzet AOC
* Brulhois AOC
* Saint-Sardos AOC
63
What soil types are found in Cotes du Marmandais AOC?
* *Right Bank* (extension of **Entre-deux-Mers**): *clay* & *limestone*
* *Left Bank* (extension of **Graves**): *gravelly alluvium*
64
What styles of wine is produced in Cotes du Marmandais AOC?
* *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
Which grape varieties are permitted in Cotes du Marmandais AOC?
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
What soil types are found in Buzet AOC?
**3** soil types:
* *Gravelly clays*
* *Limestone clays*
* *Sandy clays* (*boulbenes*)
67
What styles of wine are produced in Buzet AOC?
* *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
Which grape varieties are permitted in Buzet AOC?
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
What soil types are found in Bulhois AOC?
**3** soil types:
* *Gravelly clays*
* *Limestone clays*
* *Sandy clays* (*boulbenes*)
Same as neighboring Buzet AOC.
70
What styles of wine are produced in Bulhois AOC?
* *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
Which grape varieties are permitted in Bulhois AOC?
Red:
* [P] **Merlot**, **Cabernet Franc**, **Tannat**
* [S] **Cabernet Sauvignon**, **Cot**, **Fer Servadou**, **Abouriou**
72
What soil types are found in Saint-Sardos AOC?
River *alluvium* consisting of *limestone* *pebbles* and/or *silt*.
This area experiences more Mediterranean influences being further south & east along the *Garonne*.
73
What styles of wine are produced in Saint-Sardos AOC?
* *Rose*
* *Red*
Wines are **Syrah**-dominant, but uniquely blended with **Tannat** to create tannic reds & hardy roses.
Secondary varieties include: **Cabernet Franc** & **Merlot**
74
Which **South-West** appellations flank the *Tarn River*?
* **Fronton AOC**
* **Gaillac AOC**
* Gaillac Premieres Cotes AOC
* Cotes de Millau AOC
75
Where is the **Fronton AOC** located?
Between the *Garonne River* and its tributary, the *Tarn*, just north of *Toulouse*.
76
Which appellation is known as the home of **Negrette**?
**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
What soil types are found in **Fronton AOC**?
*Sandy clays* (*boulbenes*)
78
What styles of wine are produced in **Fronton AOC**?
* *Rose*
* *Red*
Wines must contain min. **40% Negrette**, but can be up to **100%**.
Production is largely red.
79
Which grape varieties are permitted in **Fronton AOC**?
Red:
* [P] **Negrette**
* [S] **Cabernet Sauvignon**, **Cabernet Franc**, **Cot**, **Fer Servadou**, **Cinsaut**, **Gamay**, **Syrah**, **Merille**
80
Which appellation makes the widest range of wine styles in all of **South-West**?
**Gaillac AOC**
81
What soil types are found in **Gaillac AOC**?
* *Clay*
* *Limestone*
* *Sand*
* *Flint*
* *Gravelly alluviums*
82
What styles of wine are produced in **Gaillac AOC**?
* *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
What soil types are found in **Gaillac AOC**?
* *Clay*
* *Limestone*
* *Sand*
* *Flint*
* *Gravelly alluviums*
84
What are the **3** styles of sparkling wine made in **Gaillac AOC**?
* **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
Which grape varieties are permitted in **Gaillac AOC**?
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
What style of wine is produced in Gaillac Premieres Cotes AOC?
* *Dry White*
These wines were formerly made in a sweet or semi-sweet style but are dry today. Production is dwindling.
87
Which grape varieties are permitted in Gaillac Premieres Cotes AOC?
White:
* [P] **Len de l'El**, **Mauzac Blanc**, **Muscadelle**
* [S] **Sauvignon Blanc**, **Ondenc**
Rose/Gris:
* [P] **Mauzac Rose**
88
Which appellation shares the land with the sheep that produce the famous Roquefort cheese?
Cotes de Millau AOC
89
Where are the vineyards of Cotes de Millau AOC located?
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
What styles of wine are produced in Cotes de Millau AOC?
* *Dry White*: min. **50%** **Chenin Blanc**
* *Rose*: **Gamay** is primary
* *Red*: min. **30%** **Gamay** & min. **30%** **Syrah**
Red wines dominate production.
91
Which grape varieties are permitted in Cotes de Millau AOC?
White:
* [P] **Chenin Blanc**
* [S] **Mauzac**
Red:
* [P] **Gamay**, **Syrah**
* [S] **Fer Servadou**, **Cabernet Sauvignon**, **Duras**
92
Which **South-West** appellations flank the *Lot River*?
* **Cahors AOC**
* Coteaux du Quercy AOC
* Entraygues-Le-Fel AOC
* Estaing AOC
* Marcillac AOC
93
What is the climate like in **Cahors AOC**?
Dry, despite being equidistant from both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
The grapes achieve full phenolic ripeness.
94
What soil types are found in **Cahors AOC**?
Vines are planted on:
* The *limestone* plateaus of the *Causses* or
* On *gravelly* slopes & river terraces
95
What is the name for the Cot variety in **Cahors AOC**?
**Auxerrois**
96
What style of wine is produced in **Cahors AOC**?
*Red*: min. **70%** **Cot**
Secondary varieties:
* **Merlot**
* **Tannat**
97
What are the characteristics of wines from **Cahors AOC**?
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
Coteaux du Quercy AOC has the same climatic influences and terroirs as which **South-West** appellation?
**Cahors AOC**
99
What styles of wine are produced in Coteaux du Quercy AOC?
* *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
What is the climate in Entraygues-Le-Fel AOC?
Some Mediterranean influences despite the east-west orientation of the river valleys.
101
Where are vines in Entraygues-Le-Fel AOC planted?
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
What soil types are found in Entraygues-Le-Fel AOC?
Vineyards are terraced on soils of *shale* & *granite*.
103
What styles of wine are produced in Entraygues-Le-Fel AOC?
* *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
How high are the vineyards of Estaing AOC planted?
1,000-1,600ft/300-500m
105
What soil types are found in Estaing AOC?
*Limestone* & *mica schist*
106
What styles of wine are produced in Estaing AOC?
* *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
Which grape varieties are permitted in Estaing AOC?
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
Where are the vineyards of Marcillac AOC planted?
On terraced vineyards positioned on the slopes of the *Valley of Marcillac*, between 985-1,970ft/300-600m in elevation.
109
What soil types are found in Marcillac AOC?
*Iron-rich clay-limestone* soils known as *rougiers*.
110
What styles of wine are produced in Marcillac AOC?
* *Rose*
* *Red*
Wines must be **80-100%** **Fer Servadou**.
111
Where are the vineyards of Marcillac AOC planted?
On terraced vineyards positioned on the slopes of the *Valley of Marcillac*, between 985-1,970ft/300-600m in elevation.
112
Where are the vineyards of Marcillac AOC planted?
On terraced vineyards positioned on the slopes of the *Valley of Marcillac*, between 985-1,970ft/300-600m in elevation.
113
What winds do the appellations of the **Pyrnees** benefit from?
The warm, dry foehn winds that crest the mountain range, chase away humidy and bring clear skies.
114
Name the rivers of the **Pyrnees**.
* *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
Name the white grape varieties of the **Pyrnees**.
* **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
Name the red grape varieties of **Pyrnees**.
* **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
Name the appellations of the **Pyrnees**.
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
Where is **Madiran AOC** located?
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
What is the weather like in **Madiran AOC**?
* 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
What soil types are found in **Madiran AOC**?
*Pebble*-studded *limestone*-rich *clays* & *silts*; many contain *iron*.
121
What style of wine is produced in **Madiran AOC**?
*Red*: must contain more than **50% Tannat**; **Cabernet Franc**/**Sauvignon** & **Fer Servadou** can complete the blend
122
What is Fer Servadou called in **Madiran AOC**?
**Pinenc**
123
What is Cabernet Franc called in **Madiran AOC**?
**Bouchy**
124
What are the characteristics of wines from **Madiran AOC**?
Deeply tannic, well structured. Typically require time in the cellar to soften and mellow.
125
Where is **Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh AOC** located?
This appellation covers the same geographical area as **Madiran AOC**s, but is for white wines only.
126
What styles of wine are produced in **Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh AOC**?
* *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
Which grape varieties are permitted in **Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh AOC**?
White:
* [P] **Gros Manseng**, **Petit Manseng**, **Courbu**, **Petit Courbu**
* [S] **Arrufiac**, **Sauvignon Blanc**
128
What soil types are found in Saint-Mont AOC?
* Western: *sandy* soils
* Eastern: more *limestone*-rich *clays*
129
Which **Pyrenees** appellation lays claim to a significant legacy of old vines?
Saint-Mont AOC
The average vine age ranges between **30-50** years. Some are over **150** years old.
130
What styles of wine are produced in Saint-Mont AOC?
* *Dry White*: min. **60% Gros Manseng**
* *Rose*: mandatory blends; min. **70%** primary red varieties
* *Red*: min. **60% Tannat**
131
Which grape varieties are permitted in Saint-Mont AOC?
White:
* [P] **Gros Manseng**
* [S] **Arrufiac**, **Courbu**, **Petit Courbu**, **Petit Manseng**
Red:
* [P] **Tannat**, **Cabernet Sauvignon**, **Fer Servadou**
* [S] **Cabernet Franc**, **Merlot**
132
What is the weather like in Tursan AOC?
* More pronounced maritime influences
* Higher rainfall than Madiran & Saint-Mont
133
What is the weather like in Tursan AOC?
* More pronounced maritime influences
* Higher rainfall than Madiran & Saint-Mont
134
What is the weather like in Tursan AOC?
* More pronounced maritime influences
* Higher rainfall than Madiran & Saint-Mont
135
What soil types are found in Tursan AOC?
* *Sandstone*
* *Silt*
* *Gravel*
* *Limestone-rich clays*
136
What styles of wine are produced in Tursan AOC?
* *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
Which grape varieties are permitted in Tursan AOC?
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
What is the climate in **Jurancon AOC** influenced by?
* Altitude
* Atlantic precipitation
* Warm, dry foehn winds coming over the *Pyrenees*
* Mediterranean sun
139
What soil types are found in **Jurancon AOC**?
*Sandy-clays* studded with *galets* (locally known as *poudingues*) washed down from the *Pyrenees*, on a steep terrain.
140
What styles of wine are produced in **Jurancon AOC**?
* *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
Which grape varieties are permitted in **Jurancon AOC**?
White:
* [P] **Gros Manseng**, **Petit Manseng**
* [S] **Camaralet**, **Lauzet**, **Petit Courbu**
142
Where is Bearn AOC located?
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
What is the climate in Bearn AOC?
**Maritime**
Humidiy & rainfall are offset by foehn winds arching over the *Pyrenees*.
144
What soil types are found in Bearn AOC?
*Sandy-clay*
145
What styles of wine are produced in Bearn AOC?
* *Dry White*: min. **50% Raffiat de Moncade**
* *Rose*: min. **70%** primary varieties with min. **25% Tannat**
* *Red*: min. **50% Tannat**
146
Which grape varieties are permitted in Bearn AOC?
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
Which **South-West** wine region is the southernmost?
**Irouleguy AOC**
And the only one within French Basque country.
148
Where are the vineyards of **Irouleguy AOC** planted?
Steep or terraced slopes sheltered from the north & west winds.
149
What soil types are found in **Irouleguy AOC**?
**3** distinct types:
* *Sandstone*
* *Limestone*
* *Clay*
150
What styles of wine are produced in **Irouleguy AOC**?
* *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
What is the largest and most significant **IGP** in **South-West**?
**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
What area does the **Cotes de Gascogne IGP** cover?
The same zone of production as Armagnac.
Nearly 30,000ac/12,000ha.
153
What styles of wine are produced in **Cotes de Gascogne IGP**?
* *Dry White* (75% of production)
* *Rose* (8%)
* *Red* (7%)
* *Semi-Sweet White*
* *Sweet White* (10%)
