Southwest France + Intro France Flashcards
Main French industry body? Recent contribution?
INAO - Institut National des Appellations d’Origine
Founded 1935
2009 - allowed varietal name to appear on label
Import/Export in France?
50% more export than Italy, 3x Spain
Large importer of inexpensive wine
Organic viticulture in France?
4x increase from 2007-2017
10% of all vineyard area
Describe Bergerac?
Warmer, drier than Bordeaux
Merlot is dominant - must include 50% Bordeaux red varietals for red wines
60hL/ha
50% reds, 40% white, 10% rose
Primarily domestic consumption
Describe Monbazillac?
Sweet whites only
Botrytis or late harvest
Moist/humid
Min 80% SB, Sauvignon Gris, Semillon, Muscadelle
30hL/ha
Mostly domestic
New oak rare
Describe Cahors:
Warmer, drier
Primarily Malbec (85%); 70% Malbec required in blend
Tannat - max. 10%; Merlot also allowed
Destemming required
Three tiers: Tradition, Prestige, Speciale
30% Export
Describe Madiran:
Madiran AOC - 60-80% Tannat + Cab Sauv/Cab Franc/Fer
Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh AOC - late harvest white
High rainfall
Steep West-facing slopes with high draining soils
20% export
Describe Tannat:
Vigorous - needs trellis
Mid-ripening
Prone to Botrytis
Patrick Ducournau - pioneered micro-oxygenation in 1991 to soften tannins
Describe Tannat profile:
Deep ruby
Pronounced intensity
Blackberry, black currant, oak notes
High tannins
High acid
Full body
Med+/High alcohol
Describe Jurancon?
Jurancon Vendanges Tardives, Jurancon (medium-sweet), Jurancon Sec
Min. 50% Petit Manseng, Gros Manseng
High rainfall, humid
Describe Jurancon VT:
Lemon, mango
Pronounced intensity
High acid
Med+/High alc
Full body
Describe Petit Manseng:
Early budding
Mid/late ripening
Thick skins (botrytis resistant)
High acidity, high alcohol
Moderately aromatic
Describe Gros Manseng:
Higher yields
Less aromas/flavor intensity
More use in dry wines
Describe IGP wines in Southwest France?
14 total IGPs
IGP Cotes de Gascogne is largest
Fruity, easy to drink
Colombard, Sauv Blanc, Chard
