The Dordogne and South West France Flashcards
Wines of the region
Describe where the Dordogne is located, the climate, and the major appelations.
East of Entre-Deux-Meres, similary climate to Bordeaxu but with less moderating maritime influence.
The major appellation is Bergerac, for white and red wines of same variety as Bordeaux, and Monbazillac, for sweet botrytised wines made from Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc.
Describe generally the wines made in South West France.
Varieties often never seen in Bordeaux, such as Malbec, Tannat, Merlot, Ugni Blanc, and Petit Manseng.
Name the grape and style of wines from Cotes de Gascogne.
Ugni Blanc, dry light-bodied white wines with aromas and flavours of green apple. IGP wines produced, most important is Cotes de Gascogne.
Describe the wines and location of Cahors.
Cohors is situated to the east of Bordeaux in South West France on either side of the River Lot, historically with wines described as “black” wines, very tannic and long-lived.
Now broad range of wine styles, depending on whether the vineyards are in the fertile valley bottom or the poorer soils of the slopes or on the plateau above.
Most important grape is Malbec, but other varieties include Merlot and Tannat. Best wines are aged in oak, deeply coloured, high in tannin, with intense, dark berry fruits. Mature slowly to reveal notes of cedar and earth.
Name the grape and style of wines from Madiran, as well as the general location.
Close to the Pyrenees in the South, red wines produced from blends led by the deeply coloured, high tannin variety of Tannat. Traditionally needed a longer period of bottle ageing to soften their tannins. Today, riper grapes and modern winemaking means best wines have concentrated black fruit and high levels of softer riper tannins.
Name the grape and style of wines made in Jurancon, as well a the geographical location.
Foothills of Pyrenees, where both dry and sweet white wines are made. The most important are the complex sweet wines made from the high acid Petit Manseng, which are botrytis free and undergo passerillage. Wines have pronounced apricot and grapefruit aromas, sometimes accompanied by spicy notes from new oak.
