South West France

Question 1

WSET’s five regions in South West France (excludes Bordeaux)

Answer 1

1. Bergerac (Dordogne)
2. Monbazillac (Dordogne)
3. Cahors
4. Madiran
5. Jurançon

Question 2

How does the climate differ in South West France from Bordeaux?

Answer 2

• Atlantic influence decreases with distance meaning slightly less rain, warmer summers
  
  • Bergerac - Monbazillac - Cahors
• South of Bordeaux is flat, gently undulating so influence extends 100km

Question 3

Percentages of wine by colour in Bergerac

Answer 3

• 50% red
• 40% white
• 10% rosé

Question 4

Grape varieties in Bergerac AOC and Côtes de Bergerac AOC

Answer 4

• Bergerac AOC permitted varieties
  
  • Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec
  • plus local varities
• At least two of named grapes must be included making at least 50% of the blend
• Côtes de Bergerac AOC
  
  • as above, but no local varieties
• Most wines are predominantly merlot

Question 5

Maximum yields in Bergerac AOC and Côtes de Bergerac AOC

Answer 5

• Bergerac AOC 55hL/ha (like Bordeaux AOC, so some dilution)
• Côtes de Bergerac AOC 50hL/ha

Question 6

Why does the Bordeaux blend of grapes (white and black) grow well in Bergerac?

Answer 6

• Similar but slightly warmer, drier than Bordeaux
• Similar clay, limestone, some gravel soil

Question 7

Why are Côtes de Bergerac AOC wines superior to AOC Bergerac?

Answer 7

• Only Bordeaux blend grapes (no local varieties)
• Lower yields (50hL/ha v 55hL/ha) so more concentration
• Better vineyards - soil (not too fertile), aspect, slopes for ripening
• Better viticulture (eg canopy management)
• Better wine-making (more concentrated grapes, longer maceration, some use of oak
• Very good v good; mid-price v inexpensive

Question 8

Wine Business in Bergerac

Answer 8

• 90% AOC sold in France
  
  • 50% supermarket
  • 30% direct sales
  • = 10% hospitality
  • = 10% specialist wine shops
• Exports - China, Belgium, UK

Question 9

Identify and describe the voluntary codes used on bottles of Cahors wines to indicate quality and price

Answer 9

1. Tradition: inexpensive, 70-85% Malbec often grown on lower slopes, rich alluvial, soils, with higher yields and lower fruit concentration
2. Prestige: mid-priced, often grown on mid-slope.
3. Spéciale: usually 100% Malbec, premium priced, often grown on highest plateau

Question 10

What is the name of the late-harvest sweet wine made in Madiran AOC?

Answer 10

Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh AOC

Question 11

Why, when and where was micro-oxygenation invented?

Answer 11

Technique was pioneered in 1991 by Patrick Ducournau, in an attempt to soften the tannins in Madiran’s Tannat