South West France - Pt 1 - General Flashcards
In which administrative departments does the SW France wine region lie?
Much of Nouvelle-Aquitaine and half of Occitanie.
What is the derivation of the word Gascon?
It comes form the Basque word “Vascones”.
What is Gascony?
It is the name of a former province of France and a cultural entity in SW France.
Which important catholic pilgrimage site is located in SW France?
Lourdes. It is also a thoroughfare for pilgrims of the Santiago Di Compestello pilgrimage.
What culinary items are famous in SW France?
Truffles, Foie Gras, duck, goose, Armagnac, chestnuts and wine.
How is the wine region of SW France described in geograpical terms?
Apellations are very widespread across the region. There is little in common in terms of topography, geology and grape varieties. It lacks cohesion and homogeneity.
Which two grapes and wines in SW France are gaining traction worldwide?
Cot (Malbec)of Cahors and Tannat of Madiran.
How many AOCs and IGP in SW France?
Close to 30 AOCs and 13 IGP.
What is the planted area of SW France? What is production in bottles annually?
70,000 ac/28,300 ha.
270 million bottles p.a.
How many indigenous grapes in SW France?
120
What challenges face SW France winemakers?
AOCs are small and remote;
Competes with popular corn crops;
Reduction in Dessert wine demands.
What is pressure does sweet winemaking AOCs face at present?
Decline in fois gras and matching of dessert wine means they are being challenged to “go dry”.eg Jurancon and Pacherene du Vic-Bilh.
What three factors offer an opportunity for SW winemakers in the future?
Climate, terroir and grape varieties which ripen late with good acidity. They could make wines with aromatic complexity and personality.
