Languedoc Pt 1 - General & viticultural History Flashcards
What was the original language spoken in Languedoc in the Middle Ages?
Occitan - the language of yes.
What was the original name of Languedoc and most of S.France?
Occitania.
How might the language of “yes” be interpreted nowadays and reflected in its approach to viticulture?
It may be seen as a land of opportunity where new things can happen.
Give examples of how Languedoc is a land of change/opportunity?
Exploiting the railroads for new markets;
Replanting post-phylloxera;
First French cooperative;
trialling new hybrids;
Embracing Vins de Pays category.
Where are the best Languedoc wines made?
In the hills where yields are naturally curtailed.
Why is it difficult for top-end wines form Languedoc to command fine wine prices?
The consumer stilll regards Languedoc as the IGP wine producer. This will take time to change.
What did the Romans build to facilitate trade in Languedoc?
The Via Domitia which connected Spain to Italy through S.France. It became the main axis for the wine trade. Vineyards were planted on both sides of this roadway.
Which port city in Langeudoc did the Romans colonise between 125 and 118 BCE?
Narbo (Narbonne)
How did the colonisation of Narbo stimulate the wine trade of Languedoc?
Narbo is on the intersection of the Via Domitia, the Aude River and the Mediterranean. It enabled cargo to pass from sea to river to land and became an important link to Carcassone and the interior.
Who took over viticulture and wine production in Languedoc after the fall of Rome?
The monks and the main consumers were the Catholic Church.
What role did the Aragon Empire have on winemaking in Languedoc?
From 1204 to 1349 Montpellier was considered part of the Aragon Empire. Winemakers started to experiment with adding spirit to fermenting must to stabilise sweet wine.
Who is credited with the technique of adding spirit to must?
Arnand de Villeneuve, an alchemist/physician living in Montpellier. It is known as “mutage”.
What was the impact of Mutage in Languedoc?
A huge trade in Vin Doux Naturel ensued some 400 years before the creation of port wines. There is still a thriving industry today.
Who is said to have discovered sparkling wine in Languedoc?
The monks of Saint-Hilaire in 1531 while crafting Blanquette de Limoux - 150 years before Dom Perignon in Champagne.
Which canal connected the Mediterranean to the Atlantic (almost), bypassing Spain and providing a shorter route?
150 miles long, Canal du Midi built 1667 to 1681. It ran from Sete to meet the Garonne in Toulouse which flowed on to the Gironde Estuary and the Atlantic. UNESCO site 1996.
