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Wine Diploma > South West France > Flashcards

South West France Flashcards

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1
Q

Describe the climate in South West France

A

Moderate maritime cliamte - roughly the same as Bordeaux

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2
Q

Describe the general topography of South West France.

A

Largely flat and softly undulating

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3
Q

Which two appellations experience some Atlantic influence in South West France?

Why?

A

Madiran and Jurançon

The influence can extend far inland (100km) due to flat topography

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4
Q

In which three South West France appellations would you expect less rainfall and warmer summers? Why?

A

Bergeran, Monbazillac and Cahors

Further from the Atlantic, with less influence

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5
Q

Describe the climate in Bergerac

A

Slightly drier, warmer climate than Bordeaux

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6
Q

Describe the soils in Bergerac.

What grapes are these suited to?

A

Clay and limestone soils with some gravel

Suited to Bordeaux grapes

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7
Q

What are the maximum yields in Bergerac?

Côtes de Bergerac AOC?

A

55hl/ha

50hl/ha

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8
Q

What are the principal grapes in red Bergerac AOC?

What stipulations are there on the final blend?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Merlot
Malbec

Must be made with at least two principal varieties

Less internationally recognised local varietals may be included

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9
Q

Describe the winemaking expected for Bergerac red wines

A

Wines are typically aged in stainless steel or oak cask reducing cost

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10
Q

What are the principal grapes in white Bergerac?

What stipulations are there on the final blend?

A

Semillon
Sauvignon Blanc

Wines can be any combination of the two

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11
Q

What is Bergerac Sec?

A

A forceful dry white made from any combination of Semillon/ Sauvignon Blanc

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12
Q

What styles of wine are made in Bergerac?

A

50% Red
40% White
10% Rose

Some sweet

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13
Q

Describe the typical quality and price you would expect for Bergerac wines

A

Good to v.good, inexpensive to mid priced

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14
Q

How much Bergerac wine is sold domestically?

What is the main route to market?

A

90%

Mostly in supermarkets

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15
Q

What is the difference between Bergerac AOC and Côtes de Bergerac AOC?

A

Same area as Bergerac AOC

Lower yields
Differences in permitted varietals
Côtes is higher quality

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16
Q

What are the principal grapes in Cotes de Bergerac AOC?

What stipulations are there on the final blend?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Merlot
Malbec

No local varieties are permitted

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17
Q

What is usually the dominant grape in Côtes de Bergerac AOC?

What winemaking techniques would you expect?

A

Most wines are predominantly Merlot

Oak ageing is used by some producers

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18
Q

What styles of wine are permitted in Côtes de Bergerac AOC?

A

Red wines only

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19
Q

Describe the climatic conditions in Monbazillac AOC.

Why are these ideal?

A

Humid.

In the warm late summer and early autumn, humidty is burnt off by the sun creating good conditions for noble rot.

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20
Q

Describe what causes high levels of humidity in Monbazillac

A

The region lies between the Dordogne river and one of its tributaries

This location plus the funnelling of mists and dew along the rivers helps create high levels of humididty

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21
Q

Describe how harvest would typically take place in Monbazillac AOC.

A

Grapes must be hand picked in several passes through the vineyard

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22
Q

What is the maximum yield in Monbazillac AOC?

A

30hl/ha

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23
Q

What are the principal varieties for Monbazillac AOC?

What stipulations are there on the final blend?

A

Sauvignon Blanc
Semillon
Sauvignon Gris
Muscadelle

  • min. 80%
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24
Q

How might sweet wines from Monbazillac differ to Sauternes?

A

Fermentation in barrel is much less common than in Sauternes

The best young Monbazillacs are more spritely and exuberant than the best young Sauternes, while mature Monbazillac takes on an amber nuttiness which is decidedly uncharacteristic of Sauternes

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25
Q

Are all Monbazillac wines botrytised?

A

No - some late harvest wines

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26
Q

Describe the climate in Cahors AOC and any cooling influences.

A

Climate is warmer and drier than Bordeaux

Despite being 250km inland, Cahors receives some influence from the Atlantic

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27
Q

Is rainfall in Cahors AOC higher or lower than in Bordeaux?

A

Lower - spraying is less necessary

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28
Q

What are the climatic threats to ripening grapes in Cahors?

A

In the past, cool seasons could often result in underripe grapes

Now it is more likely that water stress will prevent full ripeness

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29
Q

In which three areas are vineyards typically planted in Cahors?

How does this affect quality?

A

Near the river

On the midslope

On the plateau at 300m

Results in different quality levels

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30
Q

Describe the soils of the vineyards planted near rivers in Cahors.

What types of wines are produced?

A

Rich, alluvial soils

High yields of wines with low concentration

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31
Q

Describe the soils of the vineyards planted on the midslopes in Cahors.

What types of wines are produced?

A

Poorer soils

Low yields of wines with higher concentration than riverside vineyards

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32
Q

Describe the soils of the vineyards planted on the plateau at 300m in Cahors.

What types of wines are produced?

A

Low nutrient limestone soils

Low yields and high concentration

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33
Q

Why might organic viticulture be more commonly practiced in Cahors?

A

Warm and dry conditions

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34
Q

What type of harvesting is common in Cahors?

A

On flatter land, grapes are machine harvested to reduce costs

On steeper sites, and where selection in the vineyard is desired, grapes are handpicked.

35
Q

What types of pruning and training techniques are typical in Cahors? (3)

A

Bush vines

Cordon trained

Replacement cane VSP

36
Q

What are the three principal varieties in Cahors AOC?

What stipulations are there on the final blend?

A

Malbec
Tannat
Merlot

  • Min 70% Malbec with Tannat/ Merlot to fill
  • Top wines are increasingly 100% Malbec
37
Q

Describe typical winemaking options for Cahors Malbec.

A
  • Destemming is necessary to eliminate unripe stems that could add aggressive tannins
  • Early drinking wines may use Merlot in the blend to soften the wine. Also shorter post fermentation maceration (7 to ten days) to limit tannin extraction
  • Wines intended to bottle age may spend 15 to 25 days on skin for extraction of tannin post fermentation
  • Higher quality wines are often aged in barriques, adding vanilla notes
38
Q

Describe the typical quality and price point you would expect from Cahors Malbecs

A

Good to outstanding, mid to premium price

39
Q

A voluntary code has been introduced by growers to indicate three levels of quality and price in Cahors.

What type of wines are in the TRADITION category?

A
  • Inexpensive
  • 70 to 85% Malbec
  • From rich alluvial soils
  • High yields
40
Q

A voluntary code has been introduced by growers to indicate three levels of quality and price in Cahors.

What type of wines are in the PRESTIGE category?

A
  • Mid-priced
  • Often from midslope sites
  • Low yields
41
Q

A voluntary code has been introduced by growers to indicate three levels of quality and price in Cahors.

What type of wines are in the SPÉCIAL category?

A
  • Premium
  • Mainly 100% Malbec
  • Grown high on the plateau
  • Low yield
42
Q

How much Cahors wine is sold in France?

A

70% sold in France: supermarket and direct sales are the two main channels

43
Q

How much of Cahors wine is produced by private companies?

A

80%

44
Q

How much of Cahors wine is produced by the co-op Vinovalie?

A

20%

45
Q

How is Cahors seeking to exploit some of Argentina’s success?

A

By marketing itself as the original Malbec

46
Q

Which three factors lead to the dramatic of reduction of land under vine in Cahors by the 1950s?

A

Bordeaux imposed taxes on the exports of Cahors

Phylloxera

Devastating frosts in 1956

47
Q

How much Cahors wine is exported?

Where are the main markets

A

30% and growing

USA
Canada
UK

48
Q

Pacherenc du Vic Bilh AOC is a sweet wine appellation covering the same area as where?

A

Madiran AOC

49
Q

Describe the climate and rainfall in Madiran AOC.

A

Some Atlantic influence

Relatively high rainfall (1,000mm) falling mainly in late winter and spring

Warm sunny summers and dry autumns with warm days and cool nights

50
Q

Is rainfall high or low in Madiran?

What natural feature helps moderate this?

A

Relatively high (1,000mm)

The hot, dry, southern Föhn wind: blows one out three days in spring and autumn, drying the air and ventilating the canopy

51
Q

What aspect do most Madiran slopes have?

A

Steep west facing slopes.

Maximises exposure to the afternoon sun for ripening

52
Q

Which two training systems are commonly used for Tannat grapes in Madiran?

A

Cordon de Royat

Replacement cane system

53
Q

How do soils on slopes or flatter land in Madiran differ?

A

SLOPES

Mostly clay and limestone
Good drainage
Concentrated, tannic wines suitable for ageing

FLATTER LAND

Clay and loam soils
Resulting wines are less tannic and earlier drinking.

54
Q

What are the stipulations on the blend in Madiran?

A

60 to 80% Tannat

Blended with Cab Franc, Cab Sauv and / or Fer Servedou

55
Q

Describe typical winemaking options for Madiran wines.

A
  • Grapes are destemmed to reduce extraction of further tannin
  • Winemakers have sought to soften tannins in Madiran by oak ageing and through bottle ageing, which adds to cost
  • 1991: Patrick Ducourau pioneered microoxygenation when seeking to soften Tannat’s tannins
  • Recent trends are trying to make Madiran accessible earlier by picking earlier, pressing softly and using microxyenation
56
Q

Give a tasting note for a Madiran wine produced to age in bottle

A 
Deep ruby
Pronounced blueberry and blackberry fruit, oak and spice
High acidity
High tannin
Full body
Medium to high alcohol

Good to outstanding

57
Q

When can Madiran wines be released to market?

A

From 1st November year after harvest, allowing for some maturation before release

58
Q

What percentage of Madiran wine is sold domestically?

What are the main routes to market?

A

80%

50% through supermarkets

20% direct to consumer

59
Q

What are the top export markets for Madiran?

A

Belgium, Canada and Germany

60
Q

What are the main types of wine businesses producing Madiran?

A

Prodction is split between private growers (50%) and co-ops (50%)

61
Q

Describe the climate and rainfall in Jurançon.

A

Mild, humid climate

Relatively high rainfall; 1,200mm per annum distributed throughout the year

62
Q

Describe the effect of the Fohn wind in Jurançon.

A

The hot, dry, southern Föhn wind: blows one out three days in spring and autumn, drying the air and ventilating the canopy, as well as boosting the temperature

The heat and wind help to produce berries that are over-mature and suitable for sweet wine production

63
Q

What climatic threats are there to grape growing in Jurançon?

A

Rains can affect flowering, fruit set and harvest

Due to altitude, spring frost can be an issue, but planting on the slopes can help

64
Q

Where and at what elevations are Jurançon’s vinyeyards?

A

Based in the foothills of the Pyrenees at 300m elevations

65
Q

Why do most Jurançon producers plant their vines on slopes?

A

For better drainage

Can help offset windy conditions

66
Q

What aspects are preferred for Jurançon vineyards and why?

A

Best sites are south and south west facing for maximum sunlight interception, aiding ripening.

67
Q

Some slopes in Jurançon are steep enough to require ____, increasing ____ _____ and _____ ____.

A

Terracing

Increasing initial investment and maintenance costs

68
Q

Which mountain range strongly influences Jurançon and how?

A

The region is strongly influenced by the Pyrenees giving rise to the hot, dry, southern Föhn wind.

69
Q

Is noble rot a featurein Jurançon?

A

no

70
Q

What factors in the vineyard might increase the final cost of a Jurançon wine?

A

Grapes are picked by hand in a series of passes through the vineyard;

Terracing

Low yields

71
Q

How could Jurançon producers train vines to mitigate frost issues?

A

Train the budding zone high above the ground

72
Q

Describe how the process of harvest is carried out in Jurançon.

A

Grapes are picked by hand in a series of passes through the vineyard; selective picking raises the cost.

First selection is typically in October, mainly for dry wines, but also some earlier drinking sweet wines.

Second or third selections in November/ December are for progressively sweeter wines.

These last two selections are carried out after over-ripe grapes have been dried on the vine (passerillage); this is the effect of extensive time on the vine, autumn sunshine and drying winds.

73
Q

Describe the soils in Jurançon.

A

Soils are a mixture of limestone, sand, clay and sand.

74
Q

What are the maximum yields for the following:

Jurançon Sec

Jurançon

Jurançon Venganges Tradives

A

JURANÇON SEC:
60hl/ha

JURANÇON:
40hl/ha

JURANÇON VENDANGES TARDIVES:
40hl/ha

75
Q

Which grape variety is commonly used for Jurançon Sec wines?

Why?

A

Gros Manseng

Gros Manseng has higher yields, and so is more suited to dry wine production

76
Q

Which grape variety is commonly used for Jurançon sweet wines?

Why?

A

Petit Manseng

Smaller berries and thicker skinned; more suitable for leaving to shrivel on the vine until November

77
Q

Describe typical winemaking options for high quality Jurançon sweet wines.

A
  • Made with Petit Manseng
  • Typically fermented in barriques and aged in them for 12 to 18 months
  • Top quality wines will use new oak
  • For all sweet wines, MLF is avoided to retain acidity and primary fruit flavours
78
Q

What percentage of Jurançon’s wines are sweet or medium sweet?

Dry?

A

70%

30% dry

79
Q

How do Jurançon and Jurançon Vendages Tardives wines differ?

A

JURANÇON:
Medium sweet
Min. 40g/l sugar

JURANÇON VENDANGES TARDIVES
Richer, sweeter wines made from even more shrivelled grapes
Picked in at least 2 passages through the vineyard, picked after 2nd November.
Min. 55g/l sugar but typically higher.

80
Q

Give a tasting note for a Jurançon Vendages Tardives wine

A 
Pronounced intensity
Lemon and mango
High acidity
Medium to high alcohol
Full body
Sweet
Min. 55g/l sugar but typically higher

V.good to outstanding, mid to premium priced

81
Q

Which co-op in Jurançon accounts for nearly half of all production?

A

Cave de Gan

82
Q

What are the 3 most planted grapes in IGP Côtes de Gascoigne?

What styles of wine are produced and at what quality level?

A

Colombard
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay

Fruity, easy drinking white wines, usually varietally labelled

Acceptable to good

83
Q

Where has marketing of IGP Côtes de Gascoigne wines been successful?

How did this affect production from 1990 to 2000?

A

UK and northern Europe, led by Tariquet and Plaimont.

This resulted in a three-fold rise in production from 1990 to 2000, 80% of which was exported

84
Q

What is the main threat to IGP Côtes de Gascoigne wines on the market?

A

Competition in the inexpensive segment of the market from non eu countries

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