Languedoc Pt 5 - Languedoc, Picpoul, Clairette, Pic Saint-Loup and Terasses AOCs

Question 1

What is the regional AOC of Languedoc?

Answer 1

Languedoc AOC which covers the whole of Languedoc-Roussillon. Not many Roussillon producers use this AOC.

Question 2

When was Languedoc AOC awarded? Wine Styles?

Answer 2

Awarded in 1985 as Coteaux de Languedoc then 2007 as Languedoc AOC.
Dry white, rose and red wines.

Question 3

What are the primary white grapes of Languedoc AOC?

Answer 3

Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Piquepol Blanc, Roussanne, Turbat, Vermentino.

Question 4

What are the primary rose grapes of Languedoc AOC?

Answer 4

None

Question 5

What are the primary red grapes of Languedoc AOC?

Answer 5

Grnache, Lledoner Pelut, Mourvedre, Syrah.

Question 6

What are the blend rules for red Languedoc AOC wines?

Answer 6

Must contain at least two grapes. Reds and roses are based on GSM and LLedoner Pelut.

Question 7

What are the blend rules for white Languedoc AOC wines?

Answer 7

They can be a blend of a wide variety of grapes.

Question 8

How many DGC in Languedoc AOC?

Answer 8

As of 2020 there are 11 which can add their name to the label.

Question 9

What must a DGC of Languedoc source its fruit?

Answer 9

From within its named zone of production only.

Question 10

What styles of wine can Languedoc AOC DGC produce?

Answer 10

All red except for Corbieres which can also produce Rose.

Question 11

Whch AOCs in Languedoc produce varietal white wines only?

Answer 11

Picpoul de Pinet and Clairette de Languedoc AOCs.

Question 12

When was Clairette du Languedoc AOC awarded? Styles? Grapes?

Answer 12

Awarded 1948 for dry white, sweet white and fortified white (both latter are rare).
Clairette only.

Question 13

In which topographical zone is Clairette du Languedoc AOC located?

Answer 13

It is inland at elevation on the hillsides near the Cevennes Mountains.

Question 14

How is the Mediterranean climate of Clairette mitigated?

Answer 14

The heat is mitigated by elevation (up to 950 feet/300mtrs) and continental influences of the Cevennes Mountains.

Question 15

What is the soil of Clairette du Languedoc AOC?

Answer 15

Limestone

Question 16

What is the character of wines that are made in Clairette?

Answer 16

Fresh vibrant whites form the limestone soils.

Question 17

When was Picpoul de Pinet AOC awarded? Styles? Grapes?

Answer 17

Awarded 2013 for dry white from Piquepoul only. (Note: “PICPOUL” is the Occitan spelling of the grape)

Question 18

In which topographical zone is Picpoul de Pinet located? What are the soils?

Answer 18

It is on the coastal plains descending down to Etang du Thau saltwater lake. Soils will be sedimentary or alluvium, sand, clay marl, iron-rich gravel, silt.

Question 19

How is the mediterranean climate of Picpoul mitigated?

Answer 19

It is mitigated by year round sea breezes which moderate temperatures.

Question 20

How are grapes harvested in Picpoul?

Answer 20

Despite a narrow diurnal swing, most of the grapes are harvested by machine at night to bring slightly cooler fruit to the winery.

Question 21

How much of production in Picpoul is form Co-ops?

Answer 21

Over 80%.

Question 22

How are wines crafted in Picpoul?

Answer 22

Fermented in stainless steel and bottled young to capitalise on the delicate citrus aromas. Some barrel aged styles are also produced.

Question 23

What is white wine production in Picpoul?

Answer 23

It is the largest AOC white wine producer in the Languedoc.

Question 24

Which former DGCs of Languedoc AOC have recently gained AOC status?

Answer 24

Pic Saint-Loup and Terrasss du Larzac.

Question 25

Where are Pic Saint-Loup and Terrasses du Larzac located?

Answer 25

In the hills close to the Cevennes Mountains

Question 26

When was Pic Saint-Loup AOC awarded? Styles? Grapes?

Answer 26

Awarded in 2017 for red and rose.
Red: (P) Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre

Question 27

Which geological features are in Pic Saint-Loup?

Answer 27

Two limestone outcroppings -
the tilted block of Pic Saint-Loup and the Falaise (Cliff) de l’Hortus

Question 28

What feature of Pic Saint-Loup influences the aromas in its wines?

Answer 28

The expanse of garrique whose resinous character often manifests in the wine aromas.

Question 29

Although Pic Saint-Loup is only 18.5 miles from the sea what differentiates its climate?

Answer 29

It has more continental influence from the nearby mountains. It has cold winters, warm summers and ample rain, up to 1000mm. Most of this falls outside the growing season.

Question 30

What are the blend rules for Pic Saint-Loup wines?

Answer 30

Wines must be a blend of at least two grapes with Syrah mandatory

Question 31

When was Terrasses du Larzac AOC awarded? Styles? Grapes?

Answer 31

Awarded in 2014 for red only.
Red: (P) Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre Carignan.

Question 32

In which topographical area is Terrsses du Larzac located?

Answer 32

It is in the mountains area at the foot of the Larzac Plateau.

Question 33

How does the location affect the climate of Terrasses du Larzac?

Answer 33

It is more continental. It has one of the highest diurnal differntial swings in France (up to 25C) due to cold air masses descending from the plateau. Rainfall can be up to 800mm.

Question 34

What are the soils of Terrasses du Larzac?

Answer 34

A mix of clays and limestone.

Question 35

How are high quality wines produced in Terrasses du Larzac?

Answer 35

Grapes are harvested at lower yields than the maximum allowed.

Question 36

What are the blend rules in Terrasses du Larzac?

Answer 36

Must be three varieties typically GSM.

Question 37

What % of vineyards in Terrasses du Larzac are organic?

Answer 37

50%