South West France copied to WSET D3 - Quiz

Question 1

South West France key facts

Answer 1

1. Significant Bordeaux influence on varieties and wine styles. Proximity to Bordeaux limits trade
2. Production of Bordeaux style reds, dry and sweet wines with good price to quality ratio
3. Major advances in wine technology and enthusiasm of growers
4. Large range of wines grown, many local varieties as well as international varieties
5. 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

Question 2

Where is Bergerac AC?

Answer 2

In South West France

East of Entre-deux-mers, Bordeaux

Question 3

What is the climate in Entre-Deux-Mers?

Answer 3

Moderate.

Similar climate to Bordeaux with less maritime influence

Question 4

What wines are grown in Bergerac AC?

Answer 4

Red and white wines from the same varieties grown in Bordeaux

Question 5

Where will you find great botrytised sweet wines in South West France?

Answer 5

Monbazillac AC and its villages of Saussignac AC and Haut-Montravel AC

Question 6

Three key facts about Guzet AC?

Answer 6

1. Located high up in the Garonne Valley, South West France
2. Predominantly red
3. Local co-op cellar the most important producer

Question 7

Four key facts about Gaillac AC?

Answer 7

1. Historically important wine region in South West France with a diverse range of styles
2. Crisp dry white blends from Sauvignon and Sémillon as well as local grapes Mauzac and Len de l’el
3. Sweet wines can be produced from Ondenc as well as Mauzac and Len de l’el
4. Spicy, structured reds from Durad and Braucol

Question 8

What is the most important grape in Cahors AC?

Answer 8

Auxerrois (Malbec) which must account for 70% of the vineyard area

Question 9

What percentage of Auxerrois (Malbec) must account for the vineyard area in Cahors AC?

Answer 9

Must be at least 70% of the vineyard area in Cahors AC

Question 10

What three grapes are grown in Cahors AC?

Answer 10

1. Auxerrois (Malbec) 70% of vineyard area
2. Merlot
3. Tannat

Question 11

7 Key facts about Cahors AC?

Answer 11

1. Upper valley of the Lot in South West France
2. Tannic and long lasting wines
3. Broad range of styles depending on soil type
4. Most important grape is Auxerrois (Malbec) which must account for 70% of vineyard area
5. Merlot and Tannat also grown
6. Aged in oak, deep colour, dark berry fruits
7. When mature develop cedar and earth

Question 12

Where is Madiran AC?

Answer 12

South West France

South of Armagnac

Question 13

What is the main grape in Madiran AC?

Answer 13

Tannat which produces full bodied bramble red wines

Also aromatic whites from Armagnac varieties

Question 14

Which two Vin de Pays are incorporated in Madiran AC?

Answer 14

Vin de Pays Côtes des Gascogne

Vin de Pays du Gers

Question 15

Four key facts re Madiran AC?

Answer 15

1. Located South of Armagnac in South West France
2. Tannat grape produces full bodied brambly red wines
3. Incorporates two Vin de Pays, Vin de Pays Côtes des Gascogne and Vin de Pays du Gers
4. Producer aromatic, crisp white wines from Armagnac varieties

Question 16

What grapes are used in Jurançon AC?

Answer 16

Sweet wines from Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng

Question 17

What is produced in Jurançon Sec AC?

Answer 17

Dry wines from Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng

Question 18

What style of wine is made in Jurançon AC?

Answer 18

Sweet wines from Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng

Question 19

Where is Fronton AC?

Answer 19

North of Toulouse in South West France

Question 20

What is the main grape in Fronton AC?

Answer 20

A local red grape called Négrette, this must make 50-70% of the appellations red wine

Question 21

What local grape must make up 50-70% of Fronton AC’s red wine?

Answer 21

Négrette

Question 22

Which South West France appellation specifies that 50-70% of its red wine must be made from the local grape Négrette?

Answer 22

Fronton AC

Question 23

Which South West France AC specifies that at least 70% of the vineyard area must be planted with Auxerrois (Malbec)?

Answer 23

Cahors AC

Question 24

Three key facts about Fronton AC?

Answer 24

1. Located north of Toulouse, in South West France
2. Predominately red wine from the local grape Négrette, this must make up 50-70% of the appellation’s red
3. Small amount of white made from Mauzac

Question 25

Which regional Vin de Pays covers the whole of South West France?

Answer 25

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

Question 26

What type of wines do the regional Vin de Pays from South West France produce?

Answer 26

Mainly, crisp, fresh easy drinking wines from Colombard, Gros Manseng, Ugni Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay

Question 27

What killed off all but 1% of the vines in Cahors in February 1956?

Answer 27

The great frost

Sustainable double digit negative temperatures can lead to vine damage and even death