SW France Pt 3 - Grapes, Viticulture and Winemaking. Flashcards

1
Q

Why are there so many varieties of grape found in SW France?

A

The area was well traversed by pilgrims through the ages bringing grapes with them.

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2
Q

How many varieties have been identified in SW France?

A

Over 300 of which 120 are indigenous.

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3
Q

Why were so many crosses created in SW France grape varieties?

A

Following Phylloxera indigenous and inmported varieties were planted side by side creating spontaneous crosses.

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4
Q

Which grapes are the parents of Merlot?

A

Cabernet France from the Basque region and Madeleine Noire des Charentes from the Loire.

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5
Q

Which grapes are the parents of Cot (Malbec)?

A

Prunelard from the region and Madeleine Noire des Charentes.

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6
Q

Which grapes are the parents of Carmenere?

A

Cabernet France and Gros Cabernet.

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7
Q

Which SW France grapes have found success planted in other countries?

A

Cot in Argentina;
Tannat in Uruguay;
Carmenere in Chile;
Merlot worldwide.

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8
Q

Which are the top three planted grapes in SW France?

A

Merlot - 14%;
Colombard - 13%;
Sauvignon Blanc - 9%

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9
Q

Why was the wine industry in SW France still in decline in the 1950’s and 60’s?

A

Many hybrids still planted;
ageing vignerons;
preference for corn crops.

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10
Q

How are the vignerons of SW France rebuilding the wine industry reputation?

A

Focus on native grapes;
organic farming practices;AND/OR
reduction in chemical use in the growing season.

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11
Q

Which are the top three production areas in SW France?

A

Bergerac - 22%;
Cahors - 12%;
Gaillac - 11%

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12
Q

How are most white wines in SW France fermented?

A

Dry

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13
Q

How can sweet wines in SW France be made?

A

Late-harvest or botrytised method/

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14
Q

How can sparkling wines in SW France be made?

A

Traditioneele method or Methode Ancestrale.

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15
Q

How are red wines in SW France fermented?

A

All dry and still. Some are made “vin primeur”.

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16
Q

What is Patrick Ducournau famous for?

A

He invented the use of micro-oxygenation in wine making in 1991 to soften the tannins in Tannat wines.

17
Q

What does micro-oxygenation do for wines that are reductive and over tannic.

A

It softens the tannins and eliminates reductive issues.

18
Q

How is micro-oxygenation used in winemaking (Method 1)?

A

Very small quantities of oxygen are bubbled through a FERMENTING vat to keep the wine helthy and avoid stuck fermentations.

19
Q

How is micro-oxygenation used in winemaking (Method 2)?

A

Very small quantities of oxygen are bubbled through a FERMENTED vat of finished wine to polymerise tannins.