Southwest France

Question 0

8 lesser appellations of SW France

Answer 0

Irouleguy, Bearn, Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh,

Marcillac, Buzet, Cotes de Duras, Cotes du Marmandais, Fronton

Question 1

Name the 4 most important appellations of Southwest France:

Answer 1

Cahors, Gaillac, Madiran, Jurancon

Less important appellations include Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh, Irouleguy, Bearn

Question 2

What are the main black grapes of Southwest France?

Answer 2

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Cot, Merlot, Tannat, Negrette, Fer, Syrah, Gamay

Question 3

What are the main white grape varietals of SW France?

Answer 3

Sauvignon Blanc—Gris, Semillon, Muscadelle, Mauzac, Ondenc, Chenin Blanc,
Arrufiac, Petit and Gros Manseng, Ugni Blanc, Columbard,

Courbu (L’en de l’el)

Question 4

What is the main grape varietal and encepagement for Cahors?

Answer 4

Min. 70% Cot (Malbec), plus Merlot and Tannat

11.5% min. alc

Question 5

What is main grape of Madiran and what is encepagement for wine?

Answer 5

60-80%Tannat, plus Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, and Fer

11.5% min alc

Max 3% RS (4% if alc over 14%–same in Cahors)

Question 6

Which of the 4 most important SW France appellations are red wine only appellations? White wine only appellation?

Answer 6

Cahors, Madiran are red wine only appellations;

Jurancon and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh are white wine only–

Question 7

What are the grape varietals of Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh and what region is this linked to?

Answer 7

Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh is the white wine only appellation located in Madiran–the wines are semi-sweet to sweet–

Main grape varietals: Petit Manseng, Arrufiac, and Petit Courbu

DRY Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh is labeled SEC

Question 8

What are the main grape varietals of Jurancon and what kind of wines are produced? Of the 2 main varietals, which one is more suited for sweet wine, and which one for dry wine?

Answer 8

White wine only appellation that specializes in dry and sweet wines…

Min. 50% combined Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng–

The Petit Manseng is better suited to sweet wines; Gros Manseng for dry wines!

Lauzet, Courbu, Petit Courbu, Camaralet de Lasseube

Question 9

Gaillac produces red, whites, roses, and sparkling. What are the red grape varieties?

Answer 9

Duras, Fer, Syrah, Gamay are the red grapes.

Whites: Mauzac, Muscadelle, Len de l’El

Question 10

What is the predominant varietal in The unique Marcillac?

Answer 10

Produces varietal Fer Reds; Minimum 90% Fer plus Prunelard, Cab Sauv, Merlot

Question 11

Buzet, Cotes de Duras, and Cotes de Marmandais produce what style of wines? How does Marmandais differ?

Answer 11

Bordeaux Style blends. Cotes de Marmandais does the same but adds Syrah…

Question 12

Fronton produces reds and roses with a minimum of what red grape?

Answer 12

Negrette

Question 13

What are the white wines of Gaillac?

Answer 13

Mauzac, Muscadelle, Len de l’el

Len de l’el has a natural fleshy, soft character that complements the tarter acidity of Mauzac.

Question 14

What are the dry white appellations of the Dordogne? 4

Answer 14

Bergerac
Cotes de Bergerac–req higher min alc level
Pecharment
Montravel

Question 15

What are the sweet whites of the Dordogne? 5

Answer 15

Monbazillac
Saussignac 
Rosette
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