South-West France

Question 1

Viticulture was introduced to Southwest France when and by whom?

Answer 1

Viticulture was introduced by the Romans in the 1st century BC (before even Bordeaux!)

Question 2

In the 13th and 14th centuries how did Bordeaux fight against Southwest France’s wines, which they deemed to be rivals?

Answer 2

Bordeaux controlled the ports needed by the Southwest for export and imposed taxes on the Southwest for usage of the ports.
It was also mandated that no wines from the Southwest could enter the market before all the Bordeaux wine eligible for sale was sold.

Question 3

What are the 4 sub-regions of Southwest France?

Answer 3

• The Bergerac and Dordogne
• The Garonne and Tarn
• The Lot River
• The Pyrénées

Question 4

What are the 3 distinct climate groups of Southwest France?

Answer 4

• Pyrenean Foothills
• Bergerac and Dordogne
• Garonne, Tarn, and Lot

Question 5

Explain the climate of the Bergerac and Dordogne.

Answer 5

Bergerac and Dordogne has Oceanic influences and slightly warmer temperatures than Bordeaux.

Question 6

Explain the climate of Garonne, Tarn, and Lot

Answer 6

Garonne, Tarn, and Lot has a mostly continental climate although can be impacted by both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.

Question 7

Explain the climate of the Pyrenean Foothills.

Answer 7

Pyrenean Foothills has a Maritime climate with Alpine Influences.

Question 8

Name the 6 white grapes of the Dordogne/Bergerac sub-region

Answer 8

Sauvignon Blanc
Sémillon
Muscadelle
Ugni Blanc
Ondenc
Chenin

Question 9

Name the 6 red grapes of the Dordogne/Bergerac sub-region

Answer 9

Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Fer Servadou
Merlot
Malbec (aka Côt)
Mérille (aka Perigord)

Question 10

What other name is Chenin known by in the Garonne/Tarn/Lot River sub-region?

Answer 10

Rouchelein

Question 11

Arrufiac, Baroque, Camaralet, Lauzet, and Raffiat all have 3 things in common, what are those 3 things?

Answer 11

They are all grown in the Pyrénées sub-region, they are all white, and they are all native to SW France.

Question 12

Pinenc, Braucol, and Mansoi are all synonyms for what?

Answer 12

They all are names for Her Servadou.

Question 13

Fer Servadou is native to SW France, true or false?

Answer 13

False

Question 14

What 3 grapes are allowed in Cahors?

Answer 14

Malbec
Tannat
Merlot

Question 15

Which river flows through Bergerac?

Answer 15

Dordogne

Question 16

Gaillac is found…

Answer 16

…in the Garonne and Tarn sub-region

Question 17

Which appellation makes sparkling wines from 100% Mauzac?

Answer 17

Gaillac

Question 18

Which SW France AOC is the native home of Malbec?

Answer 18

Cahors AOC