What is the overall climate of Languedoc?
Mediterranean
Characteristics: Hot dry summers; Mild winters; ~2,530 sunshine hours; rain in violent storms
What is an Épisode Cévenol?
A severe autumn weather event where warm Mediterranean air collides with cold air over the Cévennes, causing extreme rainfall and flooding.
What language gave the Languedoc region its name?
:
Occitan (Langue d’Oc), where “oc” means yes.
Which winds reduce disease pressure in Languedoc?
Tramontane and other northerly winds
They:
Bring cool air
Reduce humidity
Lower disease risk
Q: What are the three topographic zones of Languedoc?
- Coastal plains
- Hillsides & mountains
- Atlantic corridor
What is the Languedoc bordered by?
- Northeast Rhône Valley and its deltas
- South - Roussillon
- Northwest Cévennes Mountains
- Southwest - Pyrenees
How many seasons does Languedoc essentially experience?
Two
* Mild winter
* Hot dry summer
Q: What weather pattern brings violent autumn rainstorms to Languedoc?
Épisode Cévenol
Which mountain range causes the heavy rainfall of the Épisode Cévenol?
Cévennes Mountains
Which Languedoc zone experiences both Atlantic and Mediterranean influence?
Atlantic corridor
Which grape varieties are commonly grown in the Atlantic corridor?
Bordeaux varieties:
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Merlot
* Cabernet Franc
Name three AOCs located in the Atlantic corridor of Languedoc.
- Limoux
- Cabardès
- Malepère
Q: Which Roman road became the main trade axis for Languedoc wine?
Via Domitia
Connected Italy to Spain via France. Vineyards were planted on both sides
Which Roman port became a major wine trading hub in Languedoc?
Narbonne (Narbo)
Located on:
Via Domitia
Aude River
Mediterranean Sea
What winemaking technique was invented in Montpellier and led to the creation of VDN wines?
Mutage
Adding spirit to fermenting must to stop fermentation and retain sugar. Credited to Arnaud de Villeneuve
What important sparkling wine innovation occurred in Limoux in 1531?
Monks of Saint-Hilaire discovered sparkling wine while making Blanquette de Limoux.
Q: What infrastructure project connected the Mediterranean to Bordeaux and boosted wine trade?
Canal du Midi (1681)
Why did Languedoc wines struggle to reach markets via Bordeaux in the past?
Bordelais wine merchants, who were in control of the port of Bordeaux, were able to inact laws preventing the sale of Languedoc wines to other French and European markets.
What transportation innovation caused Languedoc wine production to quadruple in the 19th century?
The railway system
Between Paris, Lyon and Marseille in 1855
What is the purpose of a DGC in Languedoc?
To recognize sub-regions with stricter production rules and distinctive terroir.
How many DGCs exist within Languedoc AOC?
11
What makes Cabrières distinctive among Languedoc DGCs?
It’s the only DGC that makes red and rosé wines
Schist soils
Grenache-based blends
Schist soils
Grenache-based blends
What style is Cabrières especially known for?
Rosé wines.
