SW France Pt2 - Viticultural History, Location, climate, Geology, Topography and soils.

Question 1

Who are credited with bringing viticulture to SW France?

Answer 1

The Romans in 1 BCE.

Question 2

Which country ruled Gascony for 300 years in the Middle Ages?

Answer 2

England as part of Aquitaine under Henry and Eleanor.

Question 3

How did English rule benefit the wines of Gascony?

Answer 3

They were transported via Bordeaux to English ships for markets in England and the Atlantic coast.

Question 4

What did Bordeaux wine merchants do to the wines of Gascony?

Answer 4

Bordeaux passed a law which said that the wines of Gascony could only be sold after the wines of Bordeaux had all been sold.

Question 5

What effect did the Bordeaux protectionism have on Gascony

Answer 5

It meant that they could not sell their wines abroad so could only produce for the smaller local market. It became non-viable.

Question 6

What natural phenomena hit the Gascony region in the 1800’s?

Answer 6

Powdery and Downy Mildew and Phylloxera. This destroyed much of the vineyards and provoked economic collapse.

Question 7

Which other challenges of the early 19th century prolonged the economic decline in SW France?

Answer 7

Two world wars.

Question 8

Why have the wines of SW FRance strugled for recognition?

Answer 8

Thye are overshadowed by the Bordeaux fame.

Question 9

How are cooperatives leading the resurence in SW France wines in the 21st Century?

Answer 9

Thye have formed. collective banner to promote the industry and wines. Thye are seeking to encourage recruitment.

Question 10

Which is the most well known co-op in SW France?

Answer 10

Vinovalie an amalgamtion of four co-ops.

Question 11

What is Vinovalie promoting?

Answer 11

It promotes all of the top cuvees under a single banner to build and promote brands.

Question 12

Which “Cave” is now the top rose producer in SW France?

Answer 12

Cave de Fronton.

Question 13

What borders SW France to the Northwest? the South? the East? the West?

Answer 13

NW - Bordeaux vineyards;
South - the Pyrenees;
East - Massif Central;
West - the Atlantic.

Question 14

What is the overall climate of SW France region?

Answer 14

Continental. However some sub-regions have other influences.

Question 15

Which climate influences are there in Bergerac and the Dordogne river sub-region?

Answer 15

There is maritime influence with slightly warmer temperatures and sunshine than Bordeaux.

Question 16

Which climate influences are there in Garonne, Tarn and Lot sub-region?

Answer 16

Both Maritime and Mediterranean influences depending on AOC location.

Question 17

Which climate influences are there in Pyrennean sub-region?

Answer 17

The foothills have some maritime but are impacted by the Mountains and the Foehn wind effect and rainshadow. It also experiences cool air masses.

Question 18

Where are the majority of SW France vineyards located?

Answer 18

In the rolling hills and river terraces of the Aquitaine Basin.

Question 19

Which are the most important rivers crossing the SW France region?

Answer 19

Dordogne, Garonne, Tarn, Lot, Adour and Gers.

Question 20

What are the soil types of SW France region?

Answer 20

Limestone; Marls of sand, limestone and clay;
Ancient alluvial river terraces of pebbles, gravels, quartz and sand;
Wind blown loess;
Flysch (thin beds of shale or marl interspersed with sandstone);
Shale granite and mica schist.