The Dordogne and South West France

Question 1

Many of the grapes used in the Dordogne are the same ones you’d see in which other French wine region?

Answer 1

Bordeaux

Question 2

In what direction is the Dordogne region in relation to Entre-Deux-Mers?

Answer 2

East (further inland)

Question 3

What is the climate of the Dordogne?

Answer 3

Similar to Bordeaux (moderate maritime) though it has less maritime influence.

Question 4

What are the two major appellations of the Dordogne?

Answer 4

1. Bergerac
2. Monbazillac

Question 5

What styles of wine does Bergerac make?

Answer 5

Dry, still red + white wines

• same grapes as Bordeaux

Question 6

What style of wine is made in Monbazillac?

Answer 6

Sweet, botrytis-affected wines made from Sauvignon Blanc + Sémillon

Monbazillac is a good alternate to Sauternes

Question 7

What river runs through the Bergerac AOP?

Answer 7

The Dordogne River

Question 8

In what direction is Cahors in relation to Bordeaux?

Answer 8

East (further inland)

Question 9

Which river runs through the Cahors AOP?

Answer 9

The Lot River

Question 10

What is the most important grape in Cahors?

What are the other two grapes planted in Cahors?

Answer 10

Most important: Malbec

Other two: Merlot, Tannat

Question 11

What appellation in the Southwest of France was historically known for its “black wines”?

Answer 11

Cahors AOP

Made with at least 70% Malbec

Question 12

What is the general profile of a wine from Cahors?

Answer 12

• Deep color
• High tannins
• Concentrated dark berry fruits
• Notes of cedar, oak, earth
• Ageable

Question 13

What is the most important IGP of South West France?

Answer 13

Côtes de Gascogne IGP

Question 14

What is the principal grape in Côtes de Gascogne IGP?

What is it like?

Answer 14

Ugni Blanc

Light body, dry, green apple-y

Question 15

What is the principal grape in Madiran AOP?

What is it like?

Answer 15

Tannat

• Deep color
• High tannin

Question 16

What French AOP is in the foothills of the Pyrenées?

Answer 16

Jurançon AOP

Question 17

What styles of wine are made in Jurançon AOP?

Answer 17

Dry and sweet white wines

Question 18

What is the principal grape of Jurançon AOP?

Answer 18

Petit Manseng (high acid grape)

Question 19

How are the sweet wines of Jurançon made?:

• botrytis
• passerillage
• fortified while fermenting

Answer 19

Passerillage (dehydrating grapes on the vine)