South West France Flashcards
South West France key facts
- Significant Bordeaux influence on varieties and wine styles. Proximity to Bordeaux limits trade
- Production of Bordeaux style reds, dry and sweet wines with good price to quality ratio
- Major advances in wine technology and enthusiasm of growers
- Large range of wines grown, many local varieties as well as international varieties
- Two parts of South West France, those bordering Bordeaux which focus more on varietals ‘Bordeaux clones’ and those that make individual wines from varieties that are often never seen in Bordeaux (Mauzac, Len de l’el) known as South West Wines
Where is Bergerac AC?
In South West France
East of Entre-deux-mers, Bordeaux
What is the climate in Entre-Deux-Mers?
Moderate.
Similar climate to Bordeaux with less maritime influence
What wines are grown in Bergerac AC?
Red and white wines from the same varieties grown in Bordeaux
Where will you find great botrytised sweet wines in South West France?
Monbazillac AC and its villages of Saussignac AC and Haut-Montravel AC
Three key facts about Guzet AC?
- Located high up in the Garonne Valley, South West France
- Predominantly red
- Local co-op cellar the most important producer
Four key facts about Gaillac AC?
- Historically important wine region in South West France with a diverse range of styles
- Crisp dry white blends from Sauvignon and Sémillon as well as local grapes Mauzac and Len de l’el
- Sweet wines can be produced from Ondenc as well as Mauzac and Len de l’el
- Spicy, structured reds from Durad and Braucol
What is the most important grape in Cahors AC?
Auxerrois (Malbec) which must account for 70% of the vineyard area
What percentage of Auxerrois (Malbec) must account for the vineyard area in Cahors AC?
Must be at least 70% of the vineyard area in Cahors AC
What three grapes are grown in Cahors AC?
- Auxerrois (Malbec) 70% of vineyard area
- Merlot
- Tannat
7 Key facts about Cahors AC?
- Upper valley of the Lot in South West France
- Tannic and long lasting wines
- Broad range of styles depending on soil type
- Most important grape is Auxerrois (Malbec) which must account for 70% of vineyard area
- Merlot and Tannat also grown
- Aged in oak, deep colour, dark berry fruits
- When mature develop cedar and earth
Where is Madiran AC?
South West France
South of Armagnac
What is the main grape in Madiran AC?
Tannat which produces full bodied bramble red wines
Also aromatic whites from Armagnac varieties
Which two Vin de Pays are incorporated in Madiran AC?
Vin de Pays Côtes des Gascogne
Vin de Pays du Gers
Four key facts re Madiran AC?
- Located South of Armagnac in South West France
- Tannat grape produces full bodied brambly red wines
- Incorporates two Vin de Pays, Vin de Pays Côtes des Gascogne and Vin de Pays du Gers
- Producer aromatic, crisp white wines from Armagnac varieties
What grapes are used in Jurançon AC?
Sweet wines from Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng
What is produced in Jurançon Sec AC?
Dry wines from Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng
What style of wine is made in Jurançon AC?
Sweet wines from Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng
Where is Fronton AC?
North of Toulouse in South West France
What is the main grape in Fronton AC?
A local red grape called Négrette, this must make 50-70% of the appellations red wine
What local grape must make up 50-70% of Fronton AC’s red wine?
Négrette
Which South West France appellation specifies that 50-70% of its red wine must be made from the local grape Négrette?
Fronton AC
Which South West France AC specifies that at least 70% of the vineyard area must be planted with Auxerrois (Malbec)?
Cahors AC
Three key facts about Fronton AC?
- Located north of Toulouse, in South West France
- Predominately red wine from the local grape Négrette, this must make up 50-70% of the appellation’s red
- Small amount of white made from Mauzac
Which regional Vin de Pays covers the whole of South West France?
Vin de Pays Comté Tolosan
More commonly seen are the departmental Vin de Pays du Gers and Vin de Pays de Gascogne (which serves the Armagnac region). Both are in Madiran AC
What type of wines do the regional Vin de Pays from South West France produce?
Mainly, crisp, fresh easy drinking wines from Colombard, Gros Manseng, Ugni Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
What killed off all but 1% of the vines in Cahors in February 1956?
The great frost
Sustainable double digit negative temperatures can lead to vine damage and even death
