FWS Roussillon Flashcards
(25 cards)
Where is Roussillon located?
Within the Pyrénées-Orientales
- bordered by Languedoc to N and NE
- by Spain to the S.
- Open to the Med in the E.
Perpignan is the capital.
What are the local economic hardships facing Roussillon’s wine producers?
- overshadowed by Languedoc
- torn between Catalan & Occitan culture
- rugged terrain with wild boar problems
- need for expensive agrochemicals to combat mildew.
What is the historical significance of Roussillon’s wine industry?
*Part of the Aragon empire
* Spanish grapes and style wines (oxidative /rancio) until the 1990s
Now trying to transition from VDN to dry wine production.
What percentage of France’s VDNs does Roussillon produce?
80% of France’s VDNs.
What types of wines does Roussillon currently bottle?
High-quality complex reds and textured, aromatic whites.
(Still large proportion of VDNs)
What is the topographical feature of Roussillon that influences its climate?
Rimmed by mountains on 3 sides, creating an amphitheatre effect.
What is the prevailing wind in Roussillon and its effect?
The Tramontane
* desiccates berries, increases sugar
* decreases yields, dries the soil
* mitigates humidity
What are the three rivers of Roussillon (N-S)?
The Agly, the Têt, and the Tech.
What types of soil are found in Roussillon?
- diverse soils
- includes red, iron-rich, sandy clay
Alluvial for white grapes
Stonier for red grapes
What are the 6 key grapes of Roussillon?
- Grenache Noir
- Syrah
- Carignan
- Grenache Blanc
- Grenache Gris.
Why are grapes hand harvested in Roussillon?
- Grown in gobelet (to protect from Tramontane)
- 80% of vineyards are on slopes.
Define ‘mutage’ in the context of Vin Doux Naturel production.
The process of adding a 96% neutral grape spirit to the must during fermentation.
What is the largest Roussillon AOC by volume?
Côtes du Roussillon AOC.
What is the grape composition for reds in Côtes du Roussillon AOC?
At least 2 grapes:
* Grenache
* Syrah
* Mourvèdre
* Carignan.
What characterises the Côtes du Roussillon Villages AOC?
- Higher quality red wines
- 5 DGCs
- Grenache-based wines
- at least two varieties in blend
What types of wines are produced in Collioure AOC?
Dry white, rosé, and red wines.
Same delineated area as Banyuls
What is unique about the Maury AOC?
- extreme wind and sunshine
Red wines are Grenache-based
What grape varieties are used in Muscat de Rivesaltes AOC?
Muscat à Petits Grains Blanc and Muscat d’Alexandrie.
What types of VDNs are produced in Rivesaltes AOC?
- White, red, and rosé VDNs
- mostly oxidative ‘Tuilé’ or ‘Ambré’.
What characterises Banyuls AOC?
- White, red, and rosé VDNs
- steeply terraced schist slopes
- old vines
Mostly red, Grenache-based oxidative styles
What is a ‘Grenat’ in relation to VDNs?
- Red VDNs that have aged reductively
- produced in Rivesaltes and Maury
What does ‘Tuilé’ refer to in winemaking?
Slightly oxidised red wines with a clay-tile colour.
What is the meaning of ‘Hors d’Age’ in the context of VDNs?
VDNs that have aged for a long time under controlled oxidation.
Minimum 5 years in Rivesaltes
What defines ‘Rancio’ wines?
- Fully oxidised red and white VDNs and dry wines
- Brown in colour with walnut and orange peel flavours
