D3 France: South Of France Flashcards
(148 cards)
Which area has more area under vine? Languedoc or Roussillon?
Languedoc
It has 220,000 of the 240,000 ha
Why do the regions of south of France have low yield requirements for AOC wines?
Because of the low rainfall and warm, Windy climate, causing high rates of evapotranspiration.
How does the Languedoc-Roussillon rank in terms of yields for all French wine regions? In comparison with champagne or Alsace?
It has the lowest Yields of all French regions, roughly half that of champagne or Alsace
What is the topography in the Languedoc?
Mainly located on a low lying alluvial plain
Although recently some more ambitious growers are reclaiming Vineyards on the hillside slopes with the intention of creating higher quality ones
What is the climate in Languedoc?
Mediterranean
With high levels of sunshine
Rain fall below 600 mm a year
Very warm summers
Under what category is a large volume of wines produced in Languedoc? What styles of wines are they?
IGP level
Made from and labeled as single varieties
What played a major role in the development of the wine industry in Languedoc, especially of the export market?
The building of the canal du midi which connected to Bordeaux in the late 17th century
Building of the railways in the middle of the 19th century which enabled wines to be efficiently transported to export markets and to Paris
How important our co-ops in the Languedoc?
They account for 70% of the areas production.
In the 1950s they were especially important, accounting for 90% of total production.
When and why did the Languedoc become the largest source of every day one in France?
Post 1973, once France no longer sourced wine from Algeria
What led to the removal of many vineyards in Languedoc?
Overproduction in relation to demand
What is the name of the wind in the Languedoc and Roussillon? What does it mean for grape growing?
Tramontane
North west wind that blows for about 200 days a year
It means that there is low disease pressure from fungal disease is
This reduces the need for spraying and the consequent cost
Has enabled the growth of certified organic one production
What percentage of Francis certified organic one production comes from the Languedoc and Roussillon?
1/3
What is the main climatic threat in the Languedoc?
Low rainfall, which can reduce production level considerably where irrigation is not installed
What are the most growing grape varieties in the Languedoc?
Carignan Syrah Grenache Noir Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Cinsaut
Why is Carignan suited to the climate of Languedoc?
ripens late therefore needs to be grown in a warm climate with a long ripening season
…also buds late there by avoiding spring frost and
What characteristic of Carignan made it popular in the past?
It can produce high yields, 200 hL/ha and more
Why is Carignan not particularly suited to machine harvesting?
Because the bunches are firmly attached to the vine
What is important in order for Carignan to produce quality wines with high concentration? How does this happen naturally?
Yields have to be sharply reduced
This happens naturally when the vines become old, for example 50 years and more
What disease and pest is Carignan most susceptible to?
Powdery mildew
Grape moths
Why has the amount of Carignan planted in Languedoc decreased?
Because of the EU vine pull scheme
It is being replaced with other varieties
What do winemakers due to manage the High acid in my tannins of Carignan?
Use carbonic maceration
Or blending with other varieties
What styles of wines are generally produced from Carignan in Languedoc?
Typically unoaked Medium Ruby Simple black berry fruit High acidity High tannins
Describe a very good or outstanding example of Languedoc wine.
Made from old vines
Intense black fruit
Spice
Earthy notes
What was the traditional vine training in Languedoc? Why?
Bush vines
Well adapted to the climate, providing some shade to the bunches