Languedoc

Question 1

What is the oldest sparking wine in the world?

Answer 1

Blanquette de Limoux. The sparking phenomenon was discovered by the monks of Saint-Hilaire in 1531.

Question 2

What is the “méthode ancestrale “ of sparkling winemaking?

Answer 2

Inducing a second fermentation by “waking up” a chilled, partially-fermented wine

Question 3

How was the impact of phylloxera different in Languedoc compared to other French regions?

Answer 3

Languedoc was the first region to be replanted on American rootstocks and the first to recover.

Question 4

What grape is used in the Blanquette Méthode Ancestrale AOC?

Answer 4

These wines are 100% Mauzac

Question 5

Rolle is a synonym for what other grape variety?

Answer 5

Vermentino

Question 6

What grape is referred to as the “lip stinger”?

Answer 6

Picpoul Blanc

Question 7

What grape variety is used in the production of all Languedoc VDNs?

Answer 7

Muscat à Petitis Grains Blanc

Question 8

What other grape is related to Lledoner Pelut?

Answer 8

Grenache

Question 9

What is the largest non-regional AOC in Languedoc in terms of geographic size?

Answer 9

Corbières (it is also the fourth largest in France.)

Question 10

What is the “Massif de la Clape”?

Answer 10

A limestone outcrop separating Narbonne from the sea

Question 11

What appellations are located in the Languedoc’s “Atlantic corridor”?

Answer 11

Cabardès, Malepère and the Limoux AOCs

Question 12

What Languedoc appellation grows Chenin Blanc?

Answer 12

Limoux

Question 13

What two Languedoc appellations are known for single-varietal wines?

Answer 13

Clairette du Languedoc AOC and Picpoul de Pinet AOC

Question 14

What appellation is nestled within the Corbières AOC?

Answer 14

Fitou AOC

Question 15

What is the main grape variety of the Corbières AOC?

Answer 15

Carignan

Question 16

What style of wine is produced in the Limoux AOC?

Answer 16

The Limoux AOC is for still reds and whites

Question 17

What is the “Etang de Thau”?

Answer 17

A lake separating the Picpoul de Pinet AOC from the sea

Question 18

Who discovered mutage?

Answer 18

Arnaud de Villeneuve of Montpellier in 1285

Question 19

What Languedoc AOC is evenly split between Atlantic and Mediterranean grape varieties?

Answer 19

Cabardès AOC

Question 20

What Languedoc appellation is based on a minimum 50% Merlot?

Answer 20

Malepère

Question 21

What are the six “cru” appellations of the Languedoc region?

Answer 21

Faugères, La Clape, Corbieres-Boutenac, Saint Chinian Berlou, Saint Chinian Roquebrun and Minervois la Livinière

Question 22

What Languedoc AOC is particularly known for Syrah-based wines?

Answer 22

Minervois AOC

Question 23

Crémant de Limoux is based on what grape variety?

Answer 23

Crémant de Limoux must contain at least 40% Chardonnay

Question 24

What are the four primary red grape varieties of the Languedoc AOC?

Answer 24

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Lladoner Pelut

Question 25

Blanquette Methode Ancestrale AOC style wines

Answer 25

100% Mauzac and naturally sweet

Question 26

Cremant de Limoux AOC style wines

Answer 26

***12 mos ageing sur lie. Rose/white. Primarily Chardonnay and Chenin with Mauzac and/or Pinot Noir comprising the balance

Question 27

Blanquette de Limoux AOC style wines

Answer 27

Oldest sparkling. 9 mos sur lie. Made primarily from Mauzac with Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay as blending partners

Question 28

List the 4 Vins Doux Naturels AOCs and grape used...

Answer 28

``` all made reductively w/Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc: Muscat de Lunel AOC Muscat de Mireval AOC Muscat de Frontignan AOC Muscat de Saint Jean de Minervois AOC ```

Question 29

Which 2 AOCs permit Bordeaux grape varieties?

Answer 29

Cabardes AOC and Malepere AOC

Question 30

What are the 4 French Depts in Languedoc?

Answer 30

Aude, Lozere, Gard, Herault

Question 31

Which of the AOCs/IGPs do L and R share jointly?

Answer 31

IGP Pays d'Oc and Languedoc AOC

Question 32

What grape forms the historic backbone of the Languedoc red blend?

Answer 32

Carignan

Question 33

What are the 3 topographical zones?

Answer 33

The coastal plains Mountains and hillsides Atlantic corridor (Bordeaux varieties planted here)

Question 34

What is the climate of Languedoc?

Answer 34

The region experiences two seasons: mild winters and hot/dry summers bookended by rainy seasons

Question 35

100% red AOCs

Answer 35

Terrasses du Larzac AOC | Fitou AOC