Languedoc

Question 1

What Languedoc appellation claims to have first produced sparkling wine?

Answer 1

Limoux. The sparking phenomenon was discovered by the monks of Saint-Hilaire in 1531.

Question 2

How was the impact of phylloxera different in Languedoc compared to other French regions?

Answer 2

Languedoc was the first region to be replanted on American rootstocks and the first to recover their wine industry.

Question 3

What two Languedoc appellations are known for single-varietal wines?

Answer 3

Clairette du Languedoc AOC and Picpoul de Pinet AOC

Question 4

What grape variety is used in the production of Blanquette Méthode Ancestrale

Answer 4

Mauzac, 100%

Question 5

What is an Épisode Cévenol?

Answer 5

An autumnal weather phenomenon; trapped hot and cold air masses result in heavy rains that can last for days

Question 6

T or F: Languedoc has equal amounts of rainfall year round.

Answer 6

FALSE. The rainy season is before and after the summer months and can arrive in the form of violent storms.

Question 7

What are the three topographical zones of the Languedoc region?

Answer 7

Coastal plains,
hillsides and mountains,
and the Atlantic corridor

Question 8

T or F: The VDN appellations of the Languedoc can be made reductively and/or oxidatively.

Answer 8

FALSE. They must be made reductively.

Question 9

T or F: The soils of Languedoc are fairly homogenous.

Answer 9

FALSE. There are a wide range of soils found in Languedoc.

Question 10

The western extremity of Languedoc is known as…

Answer 10

The Atlantic Corridor; here, Atlantic and Mediterranean weather patterns meet

Question 11

T or F: Most Languedoc red wines at the AOC level are single varietal.

Answer 11

FALSE. Most are blends including such grapes as Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Mourvèdre.

Question 12

What effect did the Bordelais have on the Languedoc wine trade?

Answer 12

They prevented Languedoc wines from being sold through the Bordeaux port system, in order to protect the Bordeaux wine trade.

Question 13

What grape often undergoes Carbonic Maceration in Languedoc?

Answer 13

Carignan… to tame its tannins

Question 14

What single variety is used in all Languedoc VDNs?

Answer 14

Muscat à Petits Grains Blanc

Question 15

Define “garrigue”

Answer 15

Limestone soil, the scrub vegetation that grows upon it, and the aroma of those herbs when crushed underfoot or found in a glass of wine

Question 16

In what year was France’s first wine co-op founded?

Answer 16

1905 in Maraussan, near Béziers

Question 17

What are the names of the two sections of the Fitou AOC?

Answer 17

Fitou Maritime, close to the coast, and Haut Fitou, further inland.

Question 18

In what year were Languedoc and Roussillon joined administratively?

Answer 18

1972

Question 19

What ancient road trasvered through the Languedoc, connecting Spain and Italy?

Answer 19

Via Domitia

Question 20

What percentage of France’s organic vineyards are found in Languedoc?

Answer 20

38%

Question 21

Who discovered mutage?

Answer 21

Arnaud de Villeneuve of Montpellier in 1285

Question 22

What is the largest non-regional AOC in Languedoc in terms of geographic size?

Answer 22

Corbières

Question 23

What are the two DGCs of the Saint-Chinian AOC?

Answer 23

Berlou and Roquebrun

Question 24

What is the most westerly appellation in Languedoc?

Answer 24

Malepère

Question 25

Languedoc is currently experimenting with which two Greek varieties?

Answer 25

Agiorgitiko and Assyrtiko

Question 26

Which Languedoc appellation has planted an equal split of Atlantic and Mediterranean grape varieties?

Answer 26

Cabardès AOC