Vins Doux Naturels Appellations and Styles Flashcards
What are Vins Doux Naturels?
A category of sweet wines where fortifying spirit is added to a wine during fermentation
Are there a small or large number of PDOs for Vins Doux Naturels? Where are they primarily located?
There are many PDOs for such wines, with the majority (80%) in Rousillon buy many others in Languedoc and the Southern Rhône
How many VDN appellations are there in the Rhône Valley? What are they?
Two. Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise and Vin Doux Naturel Rasteau
Where are the vines used for Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise planted? Why is this beneficial for VDN viticulture?
South-east facing terraced slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The grapes are protected from the cooling Mistral winds
What grape comprises 95% of production in Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise?
Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains
What grape is approved for use in the production of red and rosé Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise?
Muscat à Petit Grains Rouge, a dark skinned mutation of Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains
Is Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise a youthful or oxidative style of fortified wine?
Youthful
What is the typical character of white Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise?
Medium bodied
Medium acid
Low ABV (15%)
Aromas of blossom, grape, peach, and honey
Is VDN Rasteau a red, rose, or white wine?
It can be any of them, though a tiny proportion is white
How is VDN Rasteau rosé produced?
Saignée with fortification occurring off of the skins
Is VDN Rasteau a youthful or oxidative style of fortified wine?
It can be either
What varieties are VDN Rasteau red wines produced with? What is the minimum percentage of the varieties required?
Grenache Noir must comprise 75% of the blend. Grenache Gris and Grenache Blanc may also be used.
Where are the vines used for VDN Rasteau planted? Why is this beneficial for VDN viticulture?
South facing slopes that provide some protection from the Mistral but also expose the grapes to sunlight for maximum ripening. The grapes develop jammy flavors and high sugar levels
What is the typical character of youthful VDN Rasteau?
Aromas of cherry and plum
Low to medium alcohol (16-18%)
What is the typical character of oxidative VDN Rasteau?
Aromas of dried fruits and nuts
Low to medium alcohol (16-18%)
How many VDN appellations are there in the Languedoc? What are the two most important?
Four. Muscat de Frontignan and Muscat de Saint-Jean-de-Minervois are the most important
What grapes are permitted in the Languedoc’s VDN appellations?
Only Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains
What is the general style of Languedoc VDN wines?
Youthful
What is the largest VDN appellation in Laguedoc?
Muscat de Frontignan