SW France Pt 4 - AOCs Dordogne -Bergerac(Important ones) Flashcards
What is the regional AOC for SW France or its sub-regions?
There is no overall SW France AOC nor any sub-regional AOCs. There are only specific communal or village-sized appellations.
What are the three sub-regions of SW France?
Dordogne-Bergerac;
Garonne, Tarn and Lot;
Pyrenees.
Where is Dordogne-Bergerac located?
It is inland, east of Bordeaux vineyards, flanks the Dordogne River and is in the uplands of the Massif Central.
How is Dordogne-Bergerac similar to Bordeaux?
Grape varieties and proximity.
How is Dordogne-Bergerac dissimilar to Bordeaux?
It has a slightly warmer climate with longer hang times. This often leads to dusty, slightly rustic tannins in the finished wines.
How is wine fermented and aged in Dordogne-Bergerac?
Uisng barriques and large oak foudres.
What is the character of Bergerac red wines?
Red blends focus on early ripening Merlot to offset the astringent tannins of the two cabernets.
What are the main white grapes used in Dordogne-Bergerac?
Sauvignon Blanc for Dry whites;
Semillon for sweet whites especially in Monbazillac.
Which Gris grapes are used in Dordogne-Bergerac?
Suavignon Gris , vinified as white wine can be used in a blend of the dry or sweet wines.
What are the main red grapes used in Dordogne-Bergerac?
Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Merlot and Cot.
What is the overall climate of Dordogne-Bergerac?
Overall it has a continental climate. Montravel in the west has some oceanic influence. Average temperatures are warm, summers are hot and winters are short.
What are the soils of Dordogne-Bergerac?
Dominated by clay and limestone. Pecharmant has red clay, flint and gravel.
Which zones within Dordogne-Bergerac have the largest area under vine?
Bergerac, Cotes de Bergerac, Cotes d Duras and Pecharmant. They also produce the majority of wine in the sub-region.Most wien are dry and still here.
When was Bergerac AOC awarded? Styles? Grapes?
Awarded in 1936 for Dry white, rose and red.
White:(P) Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle;
Gris:(P) Sauvignon Gris;
Red:(P) Cab. Sauv.,Cab Franc, Merlot, Cot.
What are the blend rules for White, Rose and Red wines in Bergerac AOC?
Must all be a blend of at least two varieties, with at least 50% of the primary varieties.
What are the additional blend rules for Rose wines in Bergerac AOC?
May contain up to 20% of the primary white varieties with a maximum of 10% Musacdelle and/or Sauvignon Blanc and Gris combined.
When was Cotes de Bergerac AOC awarded? Styles? Grapes?
Awarded in 1936 for Dry Red, Semi-sweet to sweet white.
White:(P) Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle;
Gris:(P) Sauvignon Gris;
Red:(P) Cab. Sauv.,Cab Franc, Merlot, Cot.
What is the RS level of sweet wines in Cotes de Bergerac AOC?
4g/l (0.4%/l)
How does wine of Cotes de Bergerac AOC differ from Bergerac AOC wine?
Thye must have a higher minimum ABV level.
What are the white wine rules in Cotes de Bergerac AOC?
They must not be dry. They can be made in a range of sweetness levels. Must be a blend of the three primary varieties.
What are the red wine rules in Cotes de Bergerac AOC?
Must be blend of at least two varieties. Generally reds are aged in oak barrels.
Which three AOCs of Dordogne-Bergerac produce sweet wines only?
Monbazillac, Rosette and Saussignac. Thye flank the Dordogne on both sides - Monbazillac and Saussignac on the left Bank. Rosette on the right.
Which AOC of Dordogne-Bergerac is the largest dessert wine producer in France?
Monbazillac AOC. By volume and size.
Wiens are generally sweeter than Sauternes.
When was Monbazillac AOC awarded? Styles?Grapes?
Awarded in 1936 for Sweet white and SGN.
White:(P) Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion, Muscadelle;
Gris:(P) Sauvignon Gris.
What are the harvest method for the sweet wines of Monbazillac AOC?
Hand harvest. Can be late-harvest and/or botrytised. SGN must be Botrtyised.
What are the blend rules for Mobazillac AOC wines?
Must contain at least 80% of the primary varieties and must be at least 12% ABV.
What is the RS level for Monbazillac wines?
Sweet White - 4.5%(45 g/l);
SGN - 8.5% (85g/l)
Which other AOCs form the Dordogne-Bergerac sub-region?
Cotes de Duras; Pecharmant; Montravel; Haut-Montravel; Cotes de Montravel; Correze.
Which AOC of Dordogne-Bergerac can make Vin de Paille? Which grapes can be used?
Correze AOC.
White: Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc;
Red: Cab. Sauv, Cab Franc, Merlot.
