Southwest France Flashcards
True or False
Bordeaux is part of the Southwest France wine region.
False. Though Bordeaux is in Southwest France and adjacent appellations are included in the Southwest France region, it is considered its own area.
How does the climate in the Southwest France wine region compare to Bordeaux?
It is broadly similar in that it is also affected by the Atlantic Ocean.
Near Madiran in the south, the Atlantic influence extends 100km due to flat terrain while in others it is less impactful due to hilly, mountainous, and forest terrain
Does Southwest France produce low or high volumes of PDO and PGI wines?
High volumes
Is there more or less rainfall in Cahors AOC than in Bordeaux? Why or why not?
There is less rainfall due to the greater distance between Cahors AOC and the Atlantic Coast
What is the Dordogne in relation to wine appellations in Southwest France?
A winemaking region east of Entre-Deux-Mers along the Dordogne River. The varieties grown are the same as in Bordeaux.
What are the two major appellations of the Dordogne?
Bergerac AOC
Monbazillac AOC
What types of wine are produced in Bergerac AOC?
Dry and sweet wines
Red, rosé, and white wines
What percentage of Bergerac AOC wine is white, rosé, and red?
40% white
10% rosé
50% red
How does the climate of Bergerac AOC compare to Bordeaux? What type of soil is found in Bergerac AOC?
It is slightly warmer and drier than Bordeaux
Clay and limestone soils with some gravel
What rules govern the use of varieties in Bergerac AOC red wine?
The wine must include at least two of Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Malbec, and/or Merlot. These varieties must be at least 50% of the final wine.
Local varieties may also be included in the wine.
What are the maximum yields permitted in Bergerac AOC? How does this compare to Bordeaux AOC?
67 hL/ha for white wines
60 hL/ha for red wines
Similar to Bordeaux AOC and producing low aromatic intensity at those levels
How are the wines of Bergerac AOC matured? What effect does this have on the wine?
They are typically aged in stainless steel or old oak casks. This produces an easy-drinking style that can be released earlier and reduce costs.
What is Côtes de Bergerac AOC?
An appellation within Bergerac AOC for higher quality wines produced with a lower maximum yield (50 hL/ha).
These wines can only be made with the Bordeaux varieties (mostly Merlot)
What is the typical quality and pricing of Bergerac AOC and Côtes de Bergerac AOC wines?
Good to very good
Inexpensive to mid-priced
What percentage of Bergerac AOC wine is sold in France? Where are they typically sold?
90% is sold within France.
Supermarkets (50%), direct sales (30%), hospitality (10%), and wine shops (10%) all sell Bergerac AOC wines
What are the major export markets for Bergerac AOC wines?
China (40%)
Belgium
UK
What types of wine are made in Monbazillac AOC?
Sweet white wines only
They may be botrytized or simply late harvest
Where is Monbazillac AOC situated?
On the south of the Dordogne River, between the river itself and its tributary, the Gardonnette River
What conditions in Monbazillac AOC make it suitable for the production of botrytized wine?
The moisture caused by the Dordogne and Gardonnette rivers
The humidity is dissipated by warm late summer and early autumn sunlight
Are grapes in Monbazillac AOC harvested by hand or by machine? Why?
By hand on several passes so as to select appropriately botrytized or unaffected grapes for winemaking.
What varieties may be used in the production of Monbazillac AOC wine?
Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Sémillon, and Muscadelle (minimum 80% of the blend)
What is the maximum yield permitted in Monbazillac AOC?
30 hL/ha
True or False
Fermentation in Monbazillac AOC is commonly carried out in new oak barrels
False. Barrel fermentation in new oak is more commonly seen in Sauternes AOC than in Monbazillac AOC.
What effect does the typical fermentation vessel in Monbazillac AOC have on the price of the wine?
Since new oak is not commonly used in Monbazillac AOC prices for the wines are typically lower than nearby Sauternes AOC wines
What is the typical quality and pricing of Monbazillac AOC wines?
Good to very good
Inexpensive to mid-priced
True or False
Cahors AOC is one of two appellations in France in which Malbec is the principal grape variety
False. Cahors is the only French AOC in which Malbec is the principal variety
When did Cahors AOC see its prime in the wine trade? What led to its downfall?
From the middle ages to the nineteenth century.
Cahors was reliant on trade via the Lot River into the Garonne River and through Bordeaux. The Bordelais withheld Cahors wines until Bordeaux wine was sold and imposed a tax on Cahors wines. Phylloxera, 1956 frost that crushed 90% of vineyard area, and here we are.
What is the size of Cahors AOC? How much is planted?
About 23,000 total hectares available
About 4,700 hectares planted (4,000 ha is Malbec)
What percentage of Cahors AOC is planted to Malbec?
85%
How does the climate of Cahors compare to Bordeaux? Why?
It is warmer and slightly drier (less than 800mm rainfall per year)
It is farther inland from the Atlantic, though it still receives some influence
Why does Malbec perform well in Cahors?
It suffers from less coulure and mildew there
It also ripens more regularly
What percentage of viticulture in Cahors is organic? Why is this possible?
17% is organic
Cahors is drier and warmer than Bordeaux. This reduces disease pressure and the need to spray
What soil type can be found in Cahors?
There are three distinct zones:
The Valley Floor has rich, alluvial soils
The Mid Slope has poorer soils
The Highest Plateau (about 350m) has low nutrient limestone
Which areas of Cahors AOC tend to produce the most concentrated fruit? Why?
The Mid Slopes due to the poor nutrition found there
The Highest Plateau, also due to the poor nutrition from the limestone soils
What is the most common training system in Cahors AOC?
Single Guyot
Bush vines and cordon trained systems are also used
Is harvest typically conducted by hand or by machine in Cahors AOC? Why?
Machine harvesting is most common
Hand harvesting may take place due to the vineyard’s accessibility, the weather, the market prices of the wines, and the availability of labor
What river runs through the Cahors AOC?
The Lot River
What type of vineyard management techniques are necessary in Cahors AOC? Why?
Canopy and yield management. Malbec is a vigorous and high yielding variety, and with 85% of area planted to Malbec, such activity is necessary.
What is the traditional style of Cahors AOC wines?
Deep ruby color
Medium to medium (+) acid
Medium (+) to high tannins
Medium to pronounced violet, red plum, and black plum
Do Cahors AOC wines usually spend time in oak?
Yes. Very good and outstanding examples may see French oak barriques, which add vanilla and sweet spice notes. This also adds to cost.
Some producers prefer foudres as they allow slow oxidative development without oak aromas.
What is the general quality and pricing of Vahors AOC wines?
Good to outstanding
Mid-priced to premium
What are the varietal requirements for Cahors AOC wine? What is typically used?
70% (min) Malbec, the rest being Merlot and/or Tannat
The top quality wines are increasingly 90-100% Malbec. Tannat generally never exceeds 10% and many producers don’t use it.
True or False
Whole bunch pressing is required by the Cahors AOC rules
False. Destemming is required as stems add additional tannins.
What has been the reason grapes in Cahors didn’t ripen fully? What is the most likely reason today?
Before, the weather may have been to cold.
Today, there may not be enough water.
How long does maceration typically take in Cahors AOC?
7-10 days for early drinking wines
15-25 for wines designed for bottle aging
What percentage of Cahors AOC production comes from cooperatives? What percentage from private growers?
20% from a single cooperative, the Cooperative des Vignerons d’Olt
80% from private growers
What is the name of the only cooperative to produce wine in Cahors AOC? What connection does it have to other cooperatives?
Cooperative des Vignerons d’Olt
It is part of Vinavolie, a collective of four wine producing cooperatives in the Rugby heartlands of southwest France
How has Cahors AOC marketed itself since 2000?
As “The French Malbec” and “The Capitol of Malbec”
True or False
There are quality levels within Cahors AOC
True. These are voluntary labeling options based on the terroir and composition of the wine
> Tradition: inexpensive wines made from 70-85% >Malbec often from alluvial soils with higher yields
Prestige: mid-priced wines often grown mid-slope
Spéciale: premium priced wines typically 100% Malbec that are often from the highest plateau
What percentage of Cahors AOC wine is sold in France? What is exported?
70% domestic sales
30% exported and growing
What is the largest export market for Cahors AOC wine by volume? Is this same market the leader by value?
UK is the largest market by volume
Canada and the USA are largest by value
What was the trend in Cahors AOC export by volume from 1997-2017?
10,000 hL to 40,000 hL
What is the general situation of Madiran AOC?
80km from the Atlantic coast within sight of the Pyrenees mountains. It has no nearby natural water sources.
It comprises four north-south running ridges with steep, west-facing slopes
What types of wine are made in Madiran AOC?
High tannin red wines made from Tannat.
Within the same boundaries is Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh AOC, a sweet white wine appellation made with indigenous varieties.
What is the general climate in Madiran AOC?
Warm, dry summers with the majority of its 1,000mm of rain falling in late winter and spring.
Summer and autumn is dry, sunny, and warm with cool nights a warm southerly Föhn wind that further dries the region
Why is Tannat able to ripen in Madiran AOC?
It is a variety that requires a lot of heat. Madiran AOC experiences hot, dry summer days, cool nights, and a Föhn wind that brings additional warmth from the south
What is the terroir in Madiran AOC?
Clay and limestone with good drainage on the slopes
Clay and loam soils on the flatter land
What is the general difference in wine style between grapes grown on the slopes in Madiran AOC and grapes grown on the flatter areas?
The slopes produce grapes with high tannins suitable for bottle aging
The flatter areas produce less tannic wines suitable for early drinking
What are the varietal requirements for Cahors AOC wine? What do the top wines usually possess?
70% (min) Malbec with the rest including Merlot and/or Tannat
The best wines are typically 90-100% Malbec
True or False
Cahors AOC wines are produced with whole bunches
False. Destemming is required to ensure underripe stems do not add aggressive tannins to the wine
What is the reason that grapes may not ripen in Cahors AOC?
Historically it could have been due to cool vintages, but now it is more likely due to a lack of water
What are the differences in production between early drinking and ageable Cahors AOC wine?
Early drinking wines typically see 7-10 days of maceration and a hefty proportion of Merlot
Age worthy wines see 15-25 days of maceration
The additional maceration time improves extraction of aromatics and tannins
What percentage of production in Cahors AOC is made by cooperatives? What percentage by private producers?
20% by a single cooperative (Vinovalie)
80% privately
How many cooperatives operate in Cahors AOC? Do they have any connections to other wine regions?
One cooperative, Vinovalie, operates in Cahors.
It is part of a large group of cooperatives that operate in Southwest France, termed the “Rugby Heartland” of France
How has Cahors AOC marketed itself since 2000?
As “Cahors: The French Malbec” and “Cahors: The Capitol of Malbec”
True or False
There are quality levels within the Cahors AOC
True. They are Tradition, Prestige, and Speciale and are voluntary to use
Describe the quality levels of Cahors AOC.
Tradition: 70-85% Malbec often grown on alluvial soils with higher yields and lower concentration
Prestige: mid-priced and typically grown mid-slope
Speciale: often 100% Malbec from the highest plateau and premium priced
They are a voluntary labeling system
What percentage of Cahors AOC wine is sold in France? What are the primary export markets and what has the trend been?
70% consumed in France, 30% exported
Exports rose from 10,000 to 40,000 hL between 1997 and 2017. Primary markets are UK, Canada, and USA
What is the general location of Madiran AOC?
Near the Pyrenees mountain range that separates France from Spain.
Pacherenc du Vic Bilh AOC, a sweet wine appellation, is within its boundaries.
What is the typical style of wine made in Madiran AOC?
Dry, tannic red wine made from the Tannat grape.
How much rainfall does Madiran AOC receive in a year? Why?
Around 1,000mm due to influence from the Atlantic Ocean, though it falls primarily in the late Winter and Spring.
Describe the growing season in Madiran AOC.
The spring can be wet though summer has a lot of sun and autumn is dry.
Growing days are warm and nights are cool, though a hot, drying Föhn wind from the Pyrenees helps Tannat ripen
Describe the general topography of Madiran AOC.
Four large, roughly parallel ridges running north to south with steep slopes facing west
What soil is found in Madiran AOC? What effect does this have on the wine?
Clay and limestone on the slopes, producing good drainage and wines that require aging.
Clay and Clay-Loam with less drainage, producing less concentrated, earlier drinking wines.
What four varieties are the most planted in Madiran AOC?
Tannat (over 70%)
Cab Franc (~20%)
Cab Sauv (~10%)
For Savadou (~2%)
What are the varietal requirements for Madiran AOC wine?
60-80% Tannat
The remainder a blend of Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, or Fer (aka Fer Servadou)
How are vines trained in Madiran AOC?
Cordon de Royat or any cane replacement system
Are grapes for Madiran AOC bunch pressed or destemmed?
Destemmed (by law) to avoid the addition of tannins from the stems
What is the maximum yield permitted in Madiran AOC?
55 hl/ha
What techniques are used to soften the tannins of Tannat in Madiran AOC? Why is it necessary to do so?
Barrel aging and bottle aging, which adds cost
Micro-oxygenation, invented in 1991 by Patrick Ducournau
Tannat is an excessively tannic grape
What is the trend in winemaking in Madiran AOC? Why?
While long-lived wines are still being made, early drinking wines are more popular. These are produced with the ripest grapes, a gentle extraction, and micro-oxygenation.
When can Madiran AOC wines be released to consumers? Why?
The November in the year following harvest to allow for some maturation before release.
What percentage of Madiran AOC wines is sold in France?
80%, with 50% in supermarkets and 20% directly
What are the largest export markets for Madiran AOC wines?
Belgium
Germany
Canada
How is production split among private and cooperative winemakers in Madiran AOC?
50/50
Where is Jurançon located?
At the foot of the Pyrenees in southwest France, about 300m above sea level
What types of wine are made in Jurançon AOC?
Dry, medium sweet, and sweet white wines made from Petit Manseng, Gros Manseng, and other local varieties.
What percentage of Jurançon AOC wines are sweet? What percentage is dry?
70% sweet, 30% dry
Describe Jurançon Vendanges Tardives.
An AOC for sweet white wines made with Petit Manseng, Gros Manseng, and other local varietes.
These wines typically have high acid, medium (+) to high alcohol, and medium body with intense lemon and mango aromas.
Describe Jurançon AOC.
An appellation for medium sweet white wines made with Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng, as well as other local varieties
What is the quality and pricing of Jurançon AOC wines?
Good to very good
Inexpensive to mid priced
What is the quality and pricing of Jurançon Vendanges Tardives AOC wine?
Very good to outstanding
Mid priced to premium
Describe the climate in Jurançon.
Warm and humid with 1,200mm of rainfall per year distributed throughout the year.
How much rainfall does Jurançon AOC receive each year? When does it fall? How does this affect viticulture?
1,200mm per year. It falls throughout the year, which can affect flowering, fruit set, and harvest
Are there any natural influences on the climate in Jurançon AOC?
A Föhn wind created by the Pyrenees acts as a warming and drying influence on the region, blowing primarily in the spring and autumn at a rate of 1-3 days.
The altitude (300m asl) induces spring frosts
How are vines trained in Jurançon AOC? Why?
Typically high above the ground to mitigate the risk of spring frosts
How are grapes in Jurançon harvested? Why?
They are harvested by hand through multiple passes to ensure grapes are picked at optimal ripeness. The first pass is in October for dry and early-drinking sweet wines, with successive passes in November and December for sweet wines. Passerillage is key to the second and third harvests
What soils are found in Jurançon?
Limestone, sand, clay, and stones
What is Passerillage?
Leaving grapes on the vine to shrivel on the vine due to excessive hang time, autumn sunshine, and wind
What factors required for Jurançon AOC wines affect their cost?
Hand harvesting for berry selection in the vineyard
Low yields per AOC law
Aging on higher quality wines
What grapes are significant in the production of Jurançon wines?
Petit Mansemg
Gros Manseng
What are the categories for Jurançon AOC wines? What are their requirements?
Jurançon Sec - dry, 60 hl/ha max yields
Jurançon - min 40 g/l RS, 40 hl/ha max yields
Jurançon Vendanges Tardives - min 55 g/l RS, 40 hl/ha max yields, no enrichment, Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng only
When is the harvest date for Jurançon Vendanges Tardives?
Grapes may not be picked before Nov. 2
What is the typical winemaking process for high quality sweet wines made with Petit Manseng?
Fermentation in barriques with 12-18 months barrel aging
Top quality wines use new oak
Is malolactic conversion permitted in Jurançon sweet wines?
No. The malic acid is typically preserved to ensure fresh fruit notes are prominent
What percentage of Jurançon AOC sales are direct sales? Hospitality? Supermarket? How much is exported?
A roughly equal amount of Jurançon AOC production is sold directly, in supermarkets, and in hospitality.
A small percentage is exported.
What is the largest cooperative in Jurançon AOC? What amount of production are they responsible for?
Cave de Gan, producing 50% of the appellation’s wine
How many IGPs are there in Southwest France? Which is the largest?
14
IGP Côtes de Gascogne
What successes in the export market for southwestern French wines led to an increase in production there? Over what time frame and what increase was seen?
Increased purchasing from UK and Northern Europe between 1990-2000 led to a 300% increase in production
80% of these wines were exported
What wines are typically produced in the IGPs of Southwest France? What is their style?
White wines made from Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay
They are fruity, early drinking wines
What percentage of wine production from Southwest France is exported?
80%
Do the wines of Southwest France find success in export markets in the 21st century?
Yes, though they are finding increased competition from non-EU wines
What is the quality and pricing of wines from Southwest France?
Acceptable to good
Inexpensive to mid-priced
