Vins Doux Naturels Grapes and Growing Environment

Question 1

Is there one Climactic type that can be found in the Vins Doux Naturels PDOs of France?

Answer 1

Yes. The VDN PDOs are all Mediterranean

Question 2

Of the primary VDN regions of France, which is the driest? Why? What effect does this have on the grapes.

Answer 2

Rousillon is both the warmest and driest VDN region due to the Tramontane, a wind that causes greater transpiration in the vines and leads to more concentrated sugars in grapes toward the end of ripening

Question 3

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having ripe grapes when producing VDN wines?

Answer 3

The grapes provide enough sugar to carry the alcohol from fermentation to higher levels while retaining sweetness, therefore less fortifying spirit is needed. However, less juice is obtained from riper grapes.

Question 4

From what varieties are the majority of VDN produced?

Answer 4

Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains

Muscat of Alexandria

Grenache Noir

Question 5

Which Muscat variety is the most widely planted throughout France?

Answer 5

Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains

Question 6

Compare and contrast the characteristics of Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains with Muscat of Alexandria.

Answer 6

Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains has smaller berries and greater intensity of aroma and flavor.

Muscat of Alexandria has larger berries and higher sugar levels.

Both tolerate dry weather and are susceptible to powdery mildew and botrytis.

Question 7

What makes Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains suitable for growth in VDN regions?

Answer 7

It is tolerant to dry weather. The VDN regions in southern France are dry, Mediterranean climates

Question 8

What is Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains susceptible to?

Answer 8

Powdery mildew

Botrytis

Mites

Question 9

Are plantings of Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains increasing or decreasing? Why?

Answer 9

Increasing due to its popularity in dry, unfortified wines both as a single varietal and as a blending component

Question 10

What makes Muscat of Alexandria suitable for growth in VDN regions?

Answer 10

It is tolerant to dry weather. The VDN regions in southern France are dry, Mediterranean climates

Question 11

What is Muscat of Alexandria susceptible to?

Answer 11

Powdery mildew

Botrytis

Question 12

Are plantings of Muscat of Alexandria increasing or decreasing? Why?

Answer 12

Decreasing due to the feeling it gives wines that are less refined than Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains

Question 13

What makes Grenache Noir suitable for growth in VDN regions?

Answer 13

It is a late ripening variety with good drought resistance

Question 14

Is Grenache Noir low yielding or high yielding?

Answer 14

It is high yielding, but the wines are pale if yields are not controlled

Question 15

What makes Grenache Noir suitable for the production of fortified wines?

Answer 15

It develops sugars quickly

Question 16

What is Grenache Noir susceptible to?

Answer 16

Coulure

Downy Mildew

Phomopsis

Botrytis

Question 17

What other grapes might be used as blending components in VDN wines?

Answer 17

Grenache Blanc

Macabeu

Grenache Gris

Question 18

What type of vine training is required for grapes used in VDN wines? Why?

Answer 18

Any system that takes advantage of the canopy to protect the grapes. The climates are hot and dry, so the grapes must be protected against sunburn and excessive shrivelling.

Question 19

What is usually the maximum yield of a VDN PDO?

Answer 19

30 hl/ha

Question 20

What is the minimum potential alcohol for grapes used in VDN wines? Are the grapes ever picked at higher potential alcohols?

Answer 20

14.8%. Porducers will try to stay as close as they can to retain as much acidity as possible in the grapes.

Question 21

Are the grapes for VDN wines hand harvested or machine harvested?

Answer 21

Generally hand harvested and multiple passes are often required

Question 22

Are late harvest and/or botrytized characters desirable in VDN wines?

Answer 22

No.