Southwest France Flashcards
SWFrance climate
Similar to Bordeaux
Atlantic influence that dissipates as we move inland
Bergerac
Slightly drier and warmer than Bordeaux
C, CF, Malb, Mer
Cotes de Bergerac
Restricted to main Bordeaux varieties
Lower max yields
90% sold in France
Monbazillac
Sweet white only
Botrytis or late harvest
Lies between River Dordogne and tributaries
80% SB, SG, Sem, Muscadelle
Mostly sold in France
Cahors
70% Malbec
Some Atlantic influence
Warmer/drier
Tannat and Merlot authorized
Destemming required to reduce tannin
Rich soils on plane leading to river - high vigor low concentration
80% private production 20% co-op
Madiran
Tannat
Some Atlantic influence
High rainfall
Hot dry southern Fohn wind help Tannat ripen
Steep west facing slopes for tannic structure
Flatter clay for less tannic early drinking
Pacherenc du Vic Bilh
Late harvest sweet white from local varieties
Similar to Jurancon
Tannat in Madiran
Vigorous- trellis
Mid ripening- before rain
Prone to bunch rot - sprays
Madiran wine making
Min 50% Tannat w/ CF, CS, Fer Servadou
De stemmed
Reduce tannins- shorter maceration, oak aging, bottle aging, micro oxygenation
80% sold in France
Jurancon grapes
Petit and Gros Manseng
Sweet to dry ratio in Jurancon
70/30
List the styles of Jurancon sweet to dry
Jurancon Vendanges Tardives - sweet
Jurancon - med sweet
Jurancon Sec - dry
Jurancon environment/grape growing
Humid
High rainfall - flowering/fruit set and harvest
Slopes planted for drainage - terracing/maintenance
Frost risk- bud zone trained high
Wind in Jurancon and its effects
Fohn - hot/dry
Spring/Fall
Drys canopy
Raises temperature
Helps produce overripe fruit for sweet wine
Petit Manseng/Gros Manseng
Early budding- frost
Mid to late ripening
Thick skins/ open bunches - resistant to rot suitable for late harvest
High acid
Moderately aromatic
Can reach high alcohol
Gris Manseng higher yielding/less aromatic better for dry styles
