WINES OF THE WORLD 🇫🇷 France - South of France Flashcards
Type of soils in Languedoc
Mainly on a low-lying alluvial plain. Some growers are reclaiming vineyards on hillside slopes to create high-quality wines.
Hazards in Languedoc
Drought.
Main grape varieties of Languedoc
Carignan, Syrah, Grenache Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsaut.
Main training systems in Languedoc
Historically, bush vines (well adapted to the climate). Today, trellising system.
Key winemaking operations for inexpensive wines in Languedoc
Crushing the grapes and fermenting them on the skins for 5–7 days at mid-range temperatures. Large concrete or stainless-steel tanks, cultured yeasts. Carbonic maceration can be used for Carignan and Syrah.
Key winemaking operations for high-quality wines in Languedoc
Sorting tables, warm temperatures, ambient yeasts. Experimentation with concrete tanks and eggs and large format oak vats.
Blending regulations for wines from Languedoc
2+ varieties (one or more principal) in the Languedoc AOCs, limits for single variety or combinations.
All AOCs require Grenache Noir except Cabardès AOC and Malepère AOC. Most require Syrah and Mourvèdre. Carignan is the main variety in Corbières AOC and Fitou AOC.
Key maturation practices for inexpensive wines in Languedoc
Stainless steel or concrete.
Key maturation practices for high-quality wines in Languedoc
Barriques. Experimentation with concrete tanks and eggs and large format oak vats.
Types of businesses that operate in Languedoc
70% co-operatives (90% in the 1950s). Also private estates (Mas de Daumas Gassac). Investors from other French regions or abroad attracted by old vines and reasonable land prices.
Effects of the Tramontane wind on Languedoc
Low disease pressure, therefore low need for spraying due to low moisture levels and cool, dry Tramontane.
IGP Pays d’Oc
Name for the regional IGP that encompasses the Languedoc-Roussillon area. It’s the biggest IGP in France with 50% red, 25% white and 25% rosé, in a fresh and fruity style. The top four grape varieties grown and mainly used for single-variety wines are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Syrah.
Which Languedoc AOCs don’t require Grenache Noir
Cabardès AOC and Malepère AOC.
Which Languedoc AOCs have Carignan as main variety
Corbières AOC and Fitou AOC.
Style for wines in Languedoc AOC
Medium intensity of simple blackberry and red plum fruit, medium acidity, tannin, alcohol, body.
Corbières AOC
AOC in Languedoc. Hilly (up to 450 m), SW of Narbonne, the fourth largest in France, 90% red wines. 40+% of Carignan, Grenache Noir, Syrah and Mourvèdre, and remainder from other permitted (including Cinsaut max 20%).
Minervois AOC
AOC in Languedoc. Different climatic zones according to altitude and Mediterranean influence, mainly red wines (Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre), also rosé and white. 50+% from Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and Cinsaut, max 80% of each variety.
Corbières-Boutenac AOC
AOC in Languedoc. 70+% from Carignan, Grenache Noir and Mourvèdre.
Minervois La Livinière AOC
AOC in Languedoc. Red wines only, on limestone terrace of gentle slopes at up 400 m (very good drainage, sun exposure, cooling influence). Higher acidity than Minervois. 80+% from 40+% from Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache Noir, + Carignan and Cinsaut.
Saint-Chinian AOC
AOC in Languedoc. Large appellation, N is arid, fast-draining schist soils, low yields and concentrated wines, Saint-Chinian Roquebrun AOC and Saint-Chinian Berlou AOC, while the S has clay and limestone, water-holding capacity, for higher yields and less concentrated wines. Mainly red and rosé of 50+% from Grenache Noir, Syrah and Mourvèdre.
Fitou AOC
First AOC in Languedoc (1948). The coastal is flat, clay and limestone soils, good water retention, less concentrated wines. The inland is more mountainous, less fertile, fast-draining schist soils, concentrated wines. Focus on Carignan. 10-40% Carignan and 20+% Grenache Noir. Mont Tauch co-operative makes 50% of production.
Faugères AOC
AOC in Languedoc. 250-400 m on well-drained and low fertility schistous soils, higher proportion of organic vineyards, one year of ageing, wines sold mainly in France.
Terrasses du Larzac AOC
AOC in Languedoc. New appellation, range of altitudes, high diurnal range (retain acidity). Red wines only, blend of three varieties. Reputation for high quality wines, premium prices (also super-premium, La Peira).
La Clape AOC
AOC in Languedoc. New appellation, coastal area, warm, sunny, arid, windy (suitable for Mourvèdre). 80% red, good quality whites (60+% Grenache Blanc and/or Bourboulenc).
Pic Saint-Loup AOC
AOC in Languedoc. Continental climate, considerable rainfall, ideal climate for Syrah (50+% blend). Only red and rosé.