Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Wine Diploma > South West France > Flashcards

South West France Flashcards

(84 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

Describe the climate in South West France

A

Moderate maritime cliamte - roughly the same as Bordeaux

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Describe the general topography of South West France.

A

Largely flat and softly undulating

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Which two appellations experience some Atlantic influence in South West France?

Why?

A

Madiran and Jurançon

The influence can extend far inland (100km) due to flat topography

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

In which three South West France appellations would you expect less rainfall and warmer summers? Why?

A

Bergeran, Monbazillac and Cahors

Further from the Atlantic, with less influence

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Describe the climate in Bergerac

A

Slightly drier, warmer climate than Bordeaux

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Describe the soils in Bergerac.

What grapes are these suited to?

A

Clay and limestone soils with some gravel

Suited to Bordeaux grapes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are the maximum yields in Bergerac?

Côtes de Bergerac AOC?

A

55hl/ha

50hl/ha

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are the principal grapes in red Bergerac AOC?

What stipulations are there on the final blend?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Merlot
Malbec

Must be made with at least two principal varieties

Less internationally recognised local varietals may be included

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Describe the winemaking expected for Bergerac red wines

A

Wines are typically aged in stainless steel or oak cask reducing cost

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are the principal grapes in white Bergerac?

What stipulations are there on the final blend?

A

Semillon
Sauvignon Blanc

Wines can be any combination of the two

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is Bergerac Sec?

A

A forceful dry white made from any combination of Semillon/ Sauvignon Blanc

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What styles of wine are made in Bergerac?

A

50% Red
40% White
10% Rose

Some sweet

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Describe the typical quality and price you would expect for Bergerac wines

A

Good to v.good, inexpensive to mid priced

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

How much Bergerac wine is sold domestically?

What is the main route to market?

A

90%

Mostly in supermarkets

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is the difference between Bergerac AOC and Côtes de Bergerac AOC?

A

Same area as Bergerac AOC

Lower yields
Differences in permitted varietals
Côtes is higher quality

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What are the principal grapes in Cotes de Bergerac AOC?

What stipulations are there on the final blend?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Merlot
Malbec

No local varieties are permitted

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is usually the dominant grape in Côtes de Bergerac AOC?

What winemaking techniques would you expect?

A

Most wines are predominantly Merlot

Oak ageing is used by some producers

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What styles of wine are permitted in Côtes de Bergerac AOC?

A

Red wines only

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Describe the climatic conditions in Monbazillac AOC.

Why are these ideal?

A

Humid.

In the warm late summer and early autumn, humidty is burnt off by the sun creating good conditions for noble rot.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Describe what causes high levels of humidity in Monbazillac

A

The region lies between the Dordogne river and one of its tributaries

This location plus the funnelling of mists and dew along the rivers helps create high levels of humididty

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Describe how harvest would typically take place in Monbazillac AOC.

A

Grapes must be hand picked in several passes through the vineyard

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is the maximum yield in Monbazillac AOC?

A

30hl/ha

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What are the principal varieties for Monbazillac AOC?

What stipulations are there on the final blend?

A

Sauvignon Blanc
Semillon
Sauvignon Gris
Muscadelle

  • min. 80%
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

How might sweet wines from Monbazillac differ to Sauternes?

A

Fermentation in barrel is much less common than in Sauternes

The best young Monbazillacs are more spritely and exuberant than the best young Sauternes, while mature Monbazillac takes on an amber nuttiness which is decidedly uncharacteristic of Sauternes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Are all Monbazillac wines botrytised?
No - some late harvest wines
26
Describe the climate in Cahors AOC and any cooling influences.
Climate is warmer and drier than Bordeaux Despite being 250km inland, Cahors receives some influence from the Atlantic
27
Is rainfall in Cahors AOC higher or lower than in Bordeaux?
Lower - spraying is less necessary
28
What are the climatic threats to ripening grapes in Cahors?
In the past, cool seasons could often result in underripe grapes Now it is more likely that water stress will prevent full ripeness
29
In which three areas are vineyards typically planted in Cahors? How does this affect quality?
Near the river On the midslope On the plateau at 300m Results in different quality levels
30
Describe the soils of the vineyards planted near rivers in Cahors. What types of wines are produced?
Rich, alluvial soils | High yields of wines with low concentration
31
Describe the soils of the vineyards planted on the midslopes in Cahors. What types of wines are produced?
Poorer soils Low yields of wines with higher concentration than riverside vineyards
32
Describe the soils of the vineyards planted on the plateau at 300m in Cahors. What types of wines are produced?
Low nutrient limestone soils Low yields and high concentration
33
Why might organic viticulture be more commonly practiced in Cahors?
Warm and dry conditions
34
What type of harvesting is common in Cahors?
On flatter land, grapes are machine harvested to reduce costs On steeper sites, and where selection in the vineyard is desired, grapes are handpicked.
35
What types of pruning and training techniques are typical in Cahors? (3)
Bush vines Cordon trained Replacement cane VSP
36
What are the three principal varieties in Cahors AOC? What stipulations are there on the final blend?
Malbec Tannat Merlot - Min 70% Malbec with Tannat/ Merlot to fill - Top wines are increasingly 100% Malbec
37
Describe typical winemaking options for Cahors Malbec.
- Destemming is necessary to eliminate unripe stems that could add aggressive tannins - Early drinking wines may use Merlot in the blend to soften the wine. Also shorter post fermentation maceration (7 to ten days) to limit tannin extraction - Wines intended to bottle age may spend 15 to 25 days on skin for extraction of tannin post fermentation - Higher quality wines are often aged in barriques, adding vanilla notes
38
Describe the typical quality and price point you would expect from Cahors Malbecs
Good to outstanding, mid to premium price
39
A voluntary code has been introduced by growers to indicate three levels of quality and price in Cahors. What type of wines are in the TRADITION category?
- Inexpensive - 70 to 85% Malbec - From rich alluvial soils - High yields
40
A voluntary code has been introduced by growers to indicate three levels of quality and price in Cahors. What type of wines are in the PRESTIGE category?
- Mid-priced - Often from midslope sites - Low yields
41
A voluntary code has been introduced by growers to indicate three levels of quality and price in Cahors. What type of wines are in the SPÉCIAL category?
- Premium - Mainly 100% Malbec - Grown high on the plateau - Low yield
42
How much Cahors wine is sold in France?
70% sold in France: supermarket and direct sales are the two main channels
43
How much of Cahors wine is produced by private companies?
80%
44
How much of Cahors wine is produced by the co-op Vinovalie?
20%
45
How is Cahors seeking to exploit some of Argentina's success?
By marketing itself as the original Malbec
46
Which three factors lead to the dramatic of reduction of land under vine in Cahors by the 1950s?
Bordeaux imposed taxes on the exports of Cahors Phylloxera Devastating frosts in 1956
47
How much Cahors wine is exported? Where are the main markets
30% and growing USA Canada UK
48
Pacherenc du Vic Bilh AOC is a sweet wine appellation covering the same area as where?
Madiran AOC
49
Describe the climate and rainfall in Madiran AOC.
Some Atlantic influence Relatively high rainfall (1,000mm) falling mainly in late winter and spring Warm sunny summers and dry autumns with warm days and cool nights
50
Is rainfall high or low in Madiran? What natural feature helps moderate this?
Relatively high (1,000mm) The hot, dry, southern Föhn wind: blows one out three days in spring and autumn, drying the air and ventilating the canopy
51
What aspect do most Madiran slopes have?
Steep west facing slopes. Maximises exposure to the afternoon sun for ripening
52
Which two training systems are commonly used for Tannat grapes in Madiran?
Cordon de Royat Replacement cane system
53
How do soils on slopes or flatter land in Madiran differ?
SLOPES Mostly clay and limestone Good drainage Concentrated, tannic wines suitable for ageing FLATTER LAND Clay and loam soils Resulting wines are less tannic and earlier drinking.
54
What are the stipulations on the blend in Madiran?
60 to 80% Tannat Blended with Cab Franc, Cab Sauv and / or Fer Servedou
55
Describe typical winemaking options for Madiran wines.
- Grapes are destemmed to reduce extraction of further tannin - Winemakers have sought to soften tannins in Madiran by oak ageing and through bottle ageing, which adds to cost - 1991: Patrick Ducourau pioneered microoxygenation when seeking to soften Tannat's tannins - Recent trends are trying to make Madiran accessible earlier by picking earlier, pressing softly and using microxyenation
56
Give a tasting note for a Madiran wine produced to age in bottle
``` Deep ruby Pronounced blueberry and blackberry fruit, oak and spice High acidity High tannin Full body Medium to high alcohol ``` Good to outstanding
57
When can Madiran wines be released to market?
From 1st November year after harvest, allowing for some maturation before release
58
What percentage of Madiran wine is sold domestically? What are the main routes to market?
80% 50% through supermarkets 20% direct to consumer
59
What are the top export markets for Madiran?
Belgium, Canada and Germany
60
What are the main types of wine businesses producing Madiran?
Prodction is split between private growers (50%) and co-ops (50%)
61
Describe the climate and rainfall in Jurançon.
Mild, humid climate Relatively high rainfall; 1,200mm per annum distributed throughout the year
62
Describe the effect of the Fohn wind in Jurançon.
The hot, dry, southern Föhn wind: blows one out three days in spring and autumn, drying the air and ventilating the canopy, as well as boosting the temperature The heat and wind help to produce berries that are over-mature and suitable for sweet wine production
63
What climatic threats are there to grape growing in Jurançon?
Rains can affect flowering, fruit set and harvest Due to altitude, spring frost can be an issue, but planting on the slopes can help
64
Where and at what elevations are Jurançon's vinyeyards?
Based in the foothills of the Pyrenees at 300m elevations
65
Why do most Jurançon producers plant their vines on slopes?
For better drainage | Can help offset windy conditions
66
What aspects are preferred for Jurançon vineyards and why?
Best sites are south and south west facing for maximum sunlight interception, aiding ripening.
67
Some slopes in Jurançon are steep enough to require ____, increasing ____ _____ and _____ ____.
Terracing Increasing initial investment and maintenance costs
68
Which mountain range strongly influences Jurançon and how?
The region is strongly influenced by the Pyrenees giving rise to the hot, dry, southern Föhn wind.
69
Is noble rot a featurein Jurançon?
no
70
What factors in the vineyard might increase the final cost of a Jurançon wine?
Grapes are picked by hand in a series of passes through the vineyard; Terracing Low yields
71
How could Jurançon producers train vines to mitigate frost issues?
Train the budding zone high above the ground
72
Describe how the process of harvest is carried out in Jurançon.
Grapes are picked by hand in a series of passes through the vineyard; selective picking raises the cost. First selection is typically in October, mainly for dry wines, but also some earlier drinking sweet wines. Second or third selections in November/ December are for progressively sweeter wines. These last two selections are carried out after over-ripe grapes have been dried on the vine (passerillage); this is the effect of extensive time on the vine, autumn sunshine and drying winds.
73
Describe the soils in Jurançon.
Soils are a mixture of limestone, sand, clay and sand.
74
What are the maximum yields for the following: Jurançon Sec Jurançon Jurançon Venganges Tradives
JURANÇON SEC: 60hl/ha JURANÇON: 40hl/ha JURANÇON VENDANGES TARDIVES: 40hl/ha
75
Which grape variety is commonly used for Jurançon Sec wines? Why?
Gros Manseng Gros Manseng has higher yields, and so is more suited to dry wine production
76
Which grape variety is commonly used for Jurançon sweet wines? Why?
Petit Manseng Smaller berries and thicker skinned; more suitable for leaving to shrivel on the vine until November
77
Describe typical winemaking options for high quality Jurançon sweet wines.
- Made with Petit Manseng - Typically fermented in barriques and aged in them for 12 to 18 months - Top quality wines will use new oak - For all sweet wines, MLF is avoided to retain acidity and primary fruit flavours
78
What percentage of Jurançon's wines are sweet or medium sweet? Dry?
70% 30% dry
79
How do Jurançon and Jurançon Vendages Tardives wines differ?
JURANÇON: Medium sweet Min. 40g/l sugar JURANÇON VENDANGES TARDIVES Richer, sweeter wines made from even more shrivelled grapes Picked in at least 2 passages through the vineyard, picked after 2nd November. Min. 55g/l sugar but typically higher.
80
Give a tasting note for a Jurançon Vendages Tardives wine
``` Pronounced intensity Lemon and mango High acidity Medium to high alcohol Full body Sweet Min. 55g/l sugar but typically higher ``` V.good to outstanding, mid to premium priced
81
Which co-op in Jurançon accounts for nearly half of all production?
Cave de Gan
82
What are the 3 most planted grapes in IGP Côtes de Gascoigne? What styles of wine are produced and at what quality level?
Colombard Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay Fruity, easy drinking white wines, usually varietally labelled Acceptable to good
83
Where has marketing of IGP Côtes de Gascoigne wines been successful? How did this affect production from 1990 to 2000?
UK and northern Europe, led by Tariquet and Plaimont. This resulted in a three-fold rise in production from 1990 to 2000, 80% of which was exported
84
What is the main threat to IGP Côtes de Gascoigne wines on the market?
Competition in the inexpensive segment of the market from non eu countries

Wine Diploma (62 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions