Rhone And Southern France

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soil of the northern rhone

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granite terraces cut into steep hillsides

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soil of the southern rhone

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stony, galets, alluvial

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name 4 major variatals of the northern rhone

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syrah viognier marsanne roussane

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name 7 major varietals of the southern rhone

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granache , syrah, mourvedre, roussanne, marsanne, carignan, cinsault

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cote rotie aoc

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northern rhone reds from syrah small percentage of viognier (up to 20%) allowed
cote brune - more clay and iron cote blonde - more sand and limestone

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cote rotie has over 50 famous vonyards name 3 of the most famous

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la mouline la landonne la turque

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condrieu aoc

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northern rhone perfumed whites from viogner theoretically the best whites of the rhone one of the lowest yields in france

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hermitage aoc

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Left (east) bank of Rhône
80% red, 20% white. A tiny amount of vin de paille is made.
• White: Very ageworthy. Big, rich, hazelnut and dried apricot flavor. Usually full-bodied, and malo is optional.
• Red: May include up to 15% white grapes. When young, reds are deep in color, purple, rich in tannin. When developed, they are rich and full. Lots of finesse, despite full body.
• Vin de Paille: Extraordinary straw-mat dried sweet white wine made in very ripe years by a few producers, most notably Chave and Chapoutier. Delicious and extremely rare. Max yield 15 hl/ha
Soil Type(s): Granite slopes, with decomposed flint and limestone. Masses of dense pebbles which have cemented into a conglomerate.
Practices and Special Issues:
• Steep terraces for good exposure. Heat-retaining granite and southern exposure greatly helps ripening. Hand harvesting is all but mandatory on the steep slopes (though not as steep as Côte-Rôtie). Erosion a problem, and terracing is necessary.
• Hermitage is staked Gobelet.
Varietal(s): Syrah, Marsanne, Roussanne.

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crozes-hermitage aoc

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A relatively large area surrounding Tain l’Hermitage. Largest appellation in the northern Rhône, and covers 11 communes:
Climate: Less exposure on the gentle, sloping hills than Hermitage’s steep terraces.
Soil Type(s): Granite subsoil in some communes, sand in others (good for whites). A lot of areas have rounded pebbles and clay topsoil.
Varietal(s): Syrah, Marsanne,
Roussanne.
Lightest of the Northern Rhône styles.
• White: Best whites are low-temperature fermentation, with no malo and early bottling. Usually best drunk young. Often undistinguished, but some good wines on occasion.
• Red: Syrah, plus up to 15% white grapes (seldom utilized), co-fermented. Best can keep for 5 years or more, but usually best drunk young. Top wines are medium to full-bodied, with smoky, peppery, cassis scents and flavors that can resemble a scaled-down Hermitage.
• Some of the less serious producers use carbonic maceration

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st. Joseph aoc

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northern rhone reds from syrah Up to 10% white grapes (Marsanne/Roussanne) allowed to be added.Small amount of whites large aoc of varying quality Marsanne, Roussanne.

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cornas ac

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South of St.-Joseph, north of St.-Péray. On right (west) bank of Rhône
Red wine from Syrah only. Massive, immensely tannic, almost coarse flavors with a full body and great length. Black fruit, earth, minerals, smoked herbs, chestnuts, truffles, meats. Intense black/ruby color. Best cellared 7-12 years.
Climate: Sheltered from savage winds by amphitheatre of surrounding hills. This protection further exacerbates the heating effect of the summer. Temperatures are much higher in Cornas than Hermitage, despite Hermitage being only 7 miles to the north.
Soil Type(s): Finest terroirs are mostly granite, with some limestone and clay. Soil of granite debris over granite rock is known as ‘gore’.
Practices and Special Issues:
• Long, narrow, region where the valley vineyards are cut very steeply into the hillsides, like Côte Rôtie and Hermitage, and have stone walls forming terraces zigzagging across the slopes.
• No mechanization possible for harvesting.
Varietal(s): Syrah only.

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st peray ac.

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Right (west) bank of Rhône river. South of and contiguous to Cornas. The most southerly important region of the Northern Rhône.
Still and sparkling white wines. 60-80% of production is sparkling.
• Still: Can be flabby, full-bodied, chewy wines with no real vibrancy. Very low in acidity.
• Sparkling: Crisp, and at times refreshing, but in a ‘low-brow’ sense. Often heavy and prone to oxidation. Always brut, and almost always non-vintage
Climate: Climate is a little cooler here than in most of the rest of the Rhône.
Soil Type(s): Granite, with clay, sand, and flint.
Varietal(s): Marsanne and Roussanne. ‘Quality’ producers seem to utilize more Marsanne.

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cotes-du-rhone aoc

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Red (95%), with the remainder white and rosé.
• Red: Wide range of styles. Typically Grenache (sometimes Syrah) dominated blends.
• White: Mostly stainless steel, cool-fermented whites. Best are from Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne. Rapidly improving.
• Rosé: Much better in quality than most Provence rosés.
Soil Type(s): Varied. Alluvial debris on valley floor. Gravel, clay, limestone, sand. Large, quartzite boulders are called gâlets.
Practices and Special Issues:
• Heat-retaining gâlets and southern exposure greatly helps ripening.
• High yields are permitted (max 52 hl/la, plus PLC [60%] is often invoked).
Varietal(s): Fourteen recommended grape varieties, plus a further ten are allowed.
• Minimum 11° alcohol requirement.
• For reds and rosés, Grenache (min 40%), Syrah, and Mourvèdre together must make up a minimum total of 70% of the blend. A maximum total 30% of Carignan, Cinsault, etc. is allowed. Up to 5% total of white wine can be added to reds and 20% to rosés

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cote-du-rhone village aoc

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First set up in 1953 with only 4 communes (Gigondas; Cairanne; Chusclan; Laudun), but now has 18. Clarification: 96 communes are allowed to use the -Villages suffix, but only 18 are allowed to place their own name on the label. Villages can also move up the AC hierarchy to become their own AC (e.g. Gigondas, Vacqueryas). Appellation applied, until 1984, only to red and rosé wines, and was meant to bridge the gap between Châteauneuf-du-Pape and basic Côtes du Rhône. Generally speaking, best wines are from the Vaucluse département
minimum alchohol 12.5%
For red wines, Grenache is a max 65% and Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault are a minimum 25%. ‘Lesser’ varieties can make up a maximum of 10% of the total in the wine.
A Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages is generally far superior to a basic Côtes du Rhône. The soils are better, with better exposure, and generally only the ‘noble’ grapes are used, especially more Syrah.

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chateauneuf-du-pape aoc

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East of Lirac, west of Côtes du Ventoux. 3 villages lie to the west: Laudun, St. Gervais, and Chusclan.
Red to white, 15 to 1. Can vary dramatically, due to soil, aspect, and ençepagement differences.
Red: Two styles
o Traditional: Long-lived, full, dark, and spicy.
o Modern: Easy-drinking, juicy, jammy.
White: Fragrant, crisp character of peaches and nectarines. Highly alcoholic.
Soil Type(s): Alluvial debris on valley floor. Gravel, clay, limestone, sand. Large, quartzite boulders are called gâlets.
Practices and Special Issues:
• Heat-retaining gâlets and southern exposure greatly helps ripening.
• No mechanical harvesting.
Varietal(s):
• Permitted in red wines: Grenache Noir, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Counoise, Vaccarèse, Terret Noir, Muscardin, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Picpoul, Picardin.
• Permitted in white wines: Grenache Blanc, Terret Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Picpoul, Picardin.
• Triage stipulation: Minimum 5% - 20% of grapes must be discarded (the rotten and least ripe). This process of exclusion is known as le rapé. These grapes may be used for vin de table.
• All estate-bottled wines have special bottle with Papal emblem embossed on shoulder
• Minimum 12.5° alcohol (highest of any French table wine), but is often higher

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gigondas aoc

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North of Vacqueyras, northeast of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Surrounded by six villages: Beaumes-de-Venise, Séguret, Cairanne, Roaix, Sablet, and Rasteau.
Red: 95% and Rosé: 5%. Similar to lesser Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with good potential for aging. This is the most prestigious and expensive southern Rhône wine after Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Intense, black-red color with full, plummy flavor.
Soil Type(s): River-rounded stones, pebbles, and clay. Ranges from rich, yellowish clay in highest vineyards, to stony and sandy areas on the lower slopes and flatter ground.
Practices and Special Issues: Max 35 hl/ha.
Largely composed of three different areas:
• Plains: Soil is combination of gravel and clay. Most powerful and robust wines.
• Lower Terraces: Less clay, more sand and gravel.
• Hillside Vineyards: High altitudes, limestone and rock soils, and a cooler microclimate.
Varietal(s): Maximum of 80% Grenache; minimum 15% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre; Cinsault, Carignan max 10%.
• Min 12.5° alcohol

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vacqueyras aoc

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West of Beaumes-de-Venise, south of Gigondas, northeast of Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Red 95%, rosé 4%, white 1%. Similar to Gigondas, but a little more elegant. Herbs, garrigue, red and black fruits, earth, and olives.
• 1990: Promoted from Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages to full AC status
Soil Type(s): Relatively homogenous. Red, sandy soil, as well as gâlets.
Practices and Special Issues: Max 35 hl/ha.
Varietal(s): Grenache min 50% (max 60% for rosé), Syrah and Mourvèdre (min 15% total for rosé), Cinsault, Carignan; Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier.
• Min 12.5° red, min 12° rosé and white

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tavel aoc

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South of Lirac. Southwest of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, western side of the Rhône River in the département of Gard.
Rosé only. Refreshing, but masculine rosé. Strawberries, cherries, and faint scent of herbs
Soil Type(s): Predominantly chalk, mixed with sand in some places.
Practices and Special Issues: Sparse, rocky garrigues need constant attention; land parcels have been laboriously hacked out and flattened.
Varietal(s): Bourboulenc, Calitor, Carignan, Cinsault, Clairette, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Picpoul
• Grenache is a max 60%; Cinsault min 15%; Carignan max 10%.
• Max alcohol is restricted to 13º.
• Most of the wine is produced by stacking up freshly-picked whole grapes in stainless steel tanks, letting their weight do a light crushing, and then permitting the juice to sit with the skins for a day or two. All this is done at cool temperatures to prevent oxidation. Second method, not as common, is saignée.

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lirac aoc

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North of Tavel, northwest of Avignon
Red (75%), rosé (20%), white (5%). Similar to Vacqueyras, but with a more baked, more pronounced gout de terroir. Can be a little harder.
• 1863: Château de Clary in Lirac is said to have been the first detection of phylloxera
Soil Type(s): Similar to Tavel’s (varied, from pure sand to stones and clay), but more gray sand, and densely covered in gâlets near the river.
Varietal(s): Grenache and Cinsault are the main grapes, with Mourvèdre, Syrah, Carignan; Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Picpoul, Roussanne, Viognier, Bourboulenc.
• Min 12° alcohol red, min 11.5° alcohol white and rosé.
• Red: Min 40% Grenache and min 25% total of Syrah & Mourvèdre, plus 10% max Carignan and no limit on Cinsault. Rosé: Same as red, plus up to 20% total Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne. White: Max total 60% Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, plus max 25% total Ugni Blanc, Picpoul, Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier.

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bandol ac

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provence red and rose from mourvedre

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Where does the term "the wine lake" refer too

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the languedoc / roussillon

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why is 1923 important in the rhone

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Baron Le Roy of Chateau Fortia has pioneering work with appellation system in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

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what is Le Mistral

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• Le Mistral: A bitterly cold wind that can reach 90 miles/hour and is capable of ripping leaves, shoots, and fruit off of the vine. As a result, many Mistral-affected vineyards are protected by poplar and cypress trees. The wind, however, can have a beneficial drying effect in humid harvest conditions.

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Château Grillet

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Southeastern France. Right (west) bank of Rhône river. South of Condrieu, north of St.-Joseph.
• Owned by the Neyrat-Gachet family since 1830
Granite subsoil. ‘Arzelle’ soil base: decomposed rock, granite, schist, mica, and some clay. Lighter, more fragmented soil than Condrieu, with more mica. viognier only
• Comes in a unique yellow-brown flute bottle that holds 700 mL.
• Aged in old oak for 18 months
• Complete malolactic.

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Châttilon-en-Diois

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Southeastern France. On River Drôme, in southeast Northern Rhône. Southeast of Die. Vines are scattered in small parcels among 11 communes.
• Red: Light in color and body, thin in fruit, with little discernible character; from Gamay, with up to 25% Syrah and Pinot Noir.
• White: Sold purely as varietal wines, the light, fresh, and gently aromatic Aligoté is as good as the richer, fuller, and rather angular Chardonnay.
• Rosé: Gamay, plus up to 25% Syrah and Pinot Noir.
• 1974: Promoted from VDQS to full AC status.
Soil Type(s): Predominantly limestone and clay on a hard rock base.
Varietal(s): Gamay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Aligoté, Chardonnay.

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Die

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On River Drôme, in southeast Northern Rhône.
Clairette de Die: Sparkling only.
• Brut: 100% Clairette. Cellared min 9 months. Crisp, clean, and neutral.
• Tradition Dioise Ancestrale: Min 75% Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains; remainder Clairette. Tradition Method. Always made demi-sec or even sweeter.
Coteaux de Die: Still white from 100% Clairette. Created in 1993 to use up Clairette grapes that could no longer be used for sparkling.
Crémant de Die: Sparkling from min 55% Clairette, min 10% Aligoté, and 5-10% Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains. Max 15 g/l R.S.
Soil Type(s): Predominantly limestone and clay on a hard rock base.
Varietal(s): Clairette, Muscat à Petits Grains; (Gamay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Aligoté, Chardonnay in Chatillon
: Cooperative produces 75% of the Clairette de Die production

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Rasteau

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North of Gigondas.
A rich, sweet, coarse grapey-flavored concoction with plenty of grip, a rather awkward spirity aroma, and a pithy, apricot-skin aftertaste. Vin doux naturel, and can be either ambré (white) or tuilé (red). The tuilé is a little drier than the ambré.
Varietal(s): Grenache Noir, Blanc, and Gris; some Syrah, Cinsault, and Carignan.
• Min alcohol 15º.
• Minimum 90% Grenache, plus up to max 10% Syrah, Cinsault, and Carignan, etc.
• Can be deliberately aged and oxidized, becoming a style termed rancio. These wines are similar to regular Rasteau, except they must be stored in oak casks exposed to sunlight for a minimum of two years.
This is one of the 18 villages that form Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages. Most of its production is red table wine

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Beaumes-de-Venise

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Vaucluse département. Covers 4 communes.
Compared to other Rhône wines, Beaumes stands out for its leathery, sinewed texture and often requires 2-3 years’ aging.
• 2005: Promoted to full AOC status, the 14th of the Côtes du Rhône.

Varietal(s): Minimum 50% Grenache and 25% Syrah.
Max 38 hl/a.
Most of its production is red table wine (see Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages

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Vinsobres

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Drôme département.
• 2005: Promoted to full AOC status, the 15th of the Côtes du Rhône.
Varietal(s): Minimum 50% Grenache and 25% Syrah and/or Mourvèdre.
Max 38 hl/a.
Most of its production is red table wine (see Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages

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Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise

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East of Vacqueyras, south of Gigondas, northeast of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
White vin doux naturel. Considered the best French vin doux naturel, or fortified sweet wine. More about dried flowers than fruit. Low acid, but not cloying, and one of the few successful pairings with ice cream.
Soil Type(s): Varied, from pure sand in the south to stones in the east and clay in the north.
Practices and Special Issues:
• Max 30 hl/ha.
• Muscat grapes have a delicate skin, rendering it susceptible to rot.
• Grapes are harvested late (mid-October).
• Faces south, and sheltered from Le Mistral.
Varietal(s): Muscat à Petit Grains. This has two sub-varieties, Grain Blanc and Grain Noir. Differences between the two are slight, but the Grain Noir is more prolific. However, the Grain Noir produces a wine with a little too much color, so producers blend the two
• Minimum alcohol 15°. Minimum 110 g/l residual sugar.
• Residual sugar is retained by arresting fermentation with the addition of alcohol (mutage).
• Slow vinification.
• Wood is never used.
• Only 10% of wine is sold as vintage – 90% is sold NV.

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Taille en archet is what

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teepee style stake stakes for vine system in Côte-Rôtie

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what type of vine training in southern rhone

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Mostly gobelet – some single guyot
Very little mechanical harvesting

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what does arzelle refer too?

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Specific top soil of flint,chalk and mica in best vineyards in Condrieu AOC

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What are some Hermitage Lieux-Dits we should know:

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Les Bessards
Le Méal
Chante Alouette
Les Rocoules
Péléate
Les Beaumes
Les Gréffieux
L’Hermite

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“It comes in two types. Dull still wines and dull sparkling wines” – Robert Parker
what does this refer too

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St.-Péray
White and sparkling wine AOC
80% Marsanne with some Roussanne

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What does galets roulés refer too?

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Pudding Stones
Famous for the large stones in the vineyards in Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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Coteaux du Tricastin

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• Southern Rhône. Entirely created since 1950. Originally excluded from Côtes du Rhône in 1937, as there was nothing worthwhile here at the time.
• Winemakers often of Algerian origin, who settled here in the early 1960s. Established as VDQS in 1964, and given AC in 1973.
• Red, white, and rosé, from Syrah primarily. All wines can be very good. Generally soft and easy to drink. Red: Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Syrah, with max 20% Carignan. White: Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Picpoul, Bourboulenc, max 30% Roussanne, Marsanne, and Viognier.
• Soil is very similar to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with parts completely covered in gâlets. Best wines from here are Syrah-based reds.
• There are 7 villages just to the south: Rochegude, St. Pentalcon, Valreas, Vinsobres, Rosset les Vignes, St. Maurice, and Visan.

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Côtes du Ventoux

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• AC granted in 1974, but little justification based on quality of production.
• Red, rosé, and white. Like Coteaux du Tricastin, usually made for early sale. Light wine styles, primarily due to limestone.
• Large area (3 times the size of the northern Rhône). Covers 52 communes. Southern Rhône east of Avignon. Lower valley areas are for table grapes.
● Red: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvèdre, plus up to 30% Carignan. White: Clairette, Bourboulenc plus up to 30% Grenache Blanc, Roussanne. Rosé: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre, plus up to 30% Carignan.

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Côtes du Lubéron

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• Full AC status in 1988. Covers 30 communes. Southern Rhône, Southeast of Avignon.
• 85% red and rosé, with some whites; reds and rosés can be very good, and are similar to those of Ventoux. Whites are increasingly high quality. While ‘officially’ made from Clairette, Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Vermentino, and a max 50% Ugni Blanc, with more and more Chardonnay is being planted to great effect (for vin de pays). In reds, min 60% Grenache & Syrah (min 10%), max 40% Mourvèdre. Rosé same as red.

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Coteaux de Pierrevert

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• In the Southern Rhône. Elevated from VDQS to full AC in 1997/98. Red, white, and rosé; most of the wine is rosé. Over 42 communes.
• Red and Rosé: Carignan, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Syrah. White: Clairette, Marsanne, Picpoul, Roussanne, Ugni Blanc.

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Côtes du Vivarais

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• Promoted from VDQS to full AOC in 1999. 14 communes.
• Red, white and rosé – similar to Ventoux or Lubéron. Must contain minimum of 90% total of Syrah & Grenache.

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Brézème Côtes du Rhône

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• Not one of the 18 Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages, but is allowed to put its name before or after the basic Côtes du Rhône appellation.
• Given AC status in 1943, with only 25 acres under vine. Historically, wines almost rivaled those of Hermitage.
• Some very old Syrah vines here. All standard Rhône grapes are allowed, but only Syrah, Roussanne, and Marsanne are cultivated

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Provence

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Situated in the southeast of France, between the Rhône delta and the Italian border. Corsica lies 68 miles southeast.
Climate: Relatively low rainfall, lots of sunshine, hot summers. Mistral helps dry vines of excess humidity. Proximity of the Mediterranean means sometimes sharp fluctuations in the weather.
Soil Type(s): Complex soils. Sandstone & granite are prominent with outcroppings of limestone in better appellations (e.g. Bandol).
Practices and Special Issues: All vines used to be gobelet, most are now trained on wires. Much of the rosé has been improved by modern cool-vinification techniques, though most remain tired and flabby.
Varietal(s): Grenache and Carignan form the backbone of most rosés and reds. Mourvèdre and Syrah important in some ACs. Cabernet Sauvignon is tending to replace Carignan; some say this is the way of the future, some say it’s a mistake. Marselan (a recent Cabernet/Grenache cross) is seeing more plantings. Sémillon, Rolle, Clairette and Ugni Blanc for whites. The current vogue is to re-establish Provencal identity by relying exclusively (where possible) on local varieties.

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Bandol AOC

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Provence
Reds, whites, and rosés. Reds are ageworthy, Mourvèdre-based, “a true vin de garde”. Max 40 hl/ha. Reds are a blend of at least two of the following: Mourvèdre (min 50%), Grenache, and Cinsault. Also no more than 15% total Syrah and Carignan. Whites are a blend of Clairette (min 20%), Bourboulenc and/or Ugni Blanc (min 40%). Rosés same as red, but no min Mourvèdre content.

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Bellet AOC

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Provence
Tiny AC. Cooled by Alpine winds and produces exceptionally fragrant wines for such a southerly location. Reds and rosés from Braquet (Brachetto), Folle Noir (Fuella), Grenache, and Cinsault. Whites from Rolle, Ugni Blanc, plus max 40% Clairette, Bourboulenc, Chardonnay, Pignerol, and Muscat à Petits Grains. Max 40 hl/ha.

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Cassis AOC

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Provence
Reds, whites and rosés. A few miles east of Marselle. More limestone in soils. Mostly known for white wines made mostly from Ugni Blanc, Clairette, Marsanne, and some Sauvignon Blanc. White Cassis is said to be the ultimate match with bouillabaisse. Red and rosé from Grenache, Carignan, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault.

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Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence AOC

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Provence
A large appellation. Rosés, whites, and very good reds. Grenache, plus a max 40% total Cinsault, Counoise, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Carignan, and Cabernet Sauvignon (increasingly playing a larger role). Whites from max 70% each Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Vermentino; max 40% Ugni Blanc; max 30% each Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.

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Coteaux Varois AOC

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Provence
Reds, whites and rosés. Elevated from VDQS in 1993. Minimum 80% total of Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Syrah. Red: Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, plus optional Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, and Tibouren. White: Min 30% Vermentino, plus Clairette, Grenache Blanc; max 30% Sémillon; max 25% Ugni Blanc. Rosé from same ençepagement as reds, plus max 10% of permitted white varieties. Cabernet is doing well here.

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Côtes de Provence AOC

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Provence
The largest AC in the area. Has the only Cru Classé system outside of Bordeaux; 23 estates were recognized by the INAO in 1955. Famous for rosés, which account for 80% of total production. Tremendous potential with red wines. Some surprising whites. Some Cabernet Sauvignon being used to give structure to the reds. Red: Min 70% Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Tibouren; optional Barbaroux Rosé, Cabernet Sauvignon, Calitor, Carignan; max 10% Clairette, Sémillon, Ugni Blanc, and Vermentino.

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Les Baux de Provence AOC

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Provence
Excellent reds & rosés. Until 1995, was sold under Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence Les Baux AOC. Reds: Min 60% Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah, plus max 30% total Carignan, Counoise, Cinsault, plus max 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.

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Palette AOC

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Provence
One of the best AOCs in Provence, it can be considered the equivalent of a grand cru of Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, standing out by virtue of its calcareous soils. ¾ of this AC is occupied by Chateau Simone. Reds, whites, rosés. Max 40 hl/ha. Extremely long list of permissible grape varieties. Reds and rosés are Grenache/Mourvèdre/Cinsault-based. Whites are Clairette-dominated.

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Corsica

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Lies 68 miles southeast of Provence.
Climate: Sunnier and drier than anywhere in mainland France.
Soil Type(s): South end is mostly granite, while north is schistous. Limestone outcrops and deposits of sandy and alluvial soils in between.
Practices and Special Issues: All vines used to be trained gobelet, but now most are trained on wires. Only 15% of vineyard area is AC. Lots of good quality vin de pays.
Varietal(s): Nielluccio (Sangiovese) and Sciacarello are local red varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are planted- not permitted for AC wines. Vermentino, Ugni Blanc, and Russula Bianco for whites.
Industry Notes: The great majority of all wine produced on the island is also consumed there. The most commonly exported wine is basic Vin de Pays. An increasing proportion of Corsican wine, however, is serious stuff that has rediscovered its birthright in the hardy traditional grape varieties and the rocky hills where they grow best.

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Ajaccio AOC

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Corsica
Corsica’s oldest wine region, on the west coast of the island. Predominately red wines, from min 60% total Barbarossa, Nielluccio, Vermentino, and Sciacarello, plus max 40% total Grenache, Cinsault, and Carignan. Also white (Ugni Blanc) and rosé (same ençepagement as red).

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Muscat du Cap Corse AOC

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Corsica
Made from Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains. Reputed to be one of the best Muscat-based dessert wines in the world.

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Patrimonio AOC

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Corsica
Nielluccio (aka Sangiovese) is the principal grape variety. Northern Corsica, considered to be one of the finest reds in the area. Also whites and rosés. Reds and rosés from Nielluccio (min 90%), plus Grenache, Sciacarello, and Vermentino. Whites from Vermentino.

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Vin de Corse AOC

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Corsica
Generic AOC for red, white, and rosé covering the entire island. Reds and rosés primarily from Grenache, Nielluccio, and Sciacarello. Whites from Vermentino (min 75%), plus Ugni Blanc.

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Vin de Corse (+ Village) AOC (i.e. Subappellations)

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Corsica
Certain villages can add their name: Calvi, Coteaux du Cap Corse, Figari, Porto Vecchio, Sartene.

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how important is vin de pays to corsica

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Vin de Pays de Ile de Beauté
Accounts for most of Corsican production, as only 15% is AOC. Roughly 60% of this VdP is red, 25% white, 15% rosé.

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Languedoc-Roussillon

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A crescent of vineyards situated in southern France between the Rhône to the east and the Pyrenees to the southwest
Climate: Mediterranean-influenced, generally good for grape-growing, but subject to occasional stormy weather. Two winds dominate: the cold and parching Mistral, which blows down from the heights of the Alpine glaciers, and the wet and warm Marin, which comes in from the sea and can cause rot at harvest time.
Soil Type(s): In general terms, the plains and valleys have rich alluvial soils, while the hillsides are schist or limestone. The garrigues, or former moorlands, are comprised of stony, carbonaceous soils over fissured limestone. However, specific situations vary enormously.
Varietal(s): For reds, Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot. Marselan (a recent Cabernet/Grenache cross) is seeing more plantings. For white, Marsanne, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Rolle, Bourboulenc, Picpoul, Clairette, Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc.

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Languedoc-Roussillon VDN? rancio?

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• Vin Doux Naturel: A vin doux naturel (VDN) is made from very ripe grapes that are fortified with pure grape spirit after fermentation has reached 5-6%. It retains the natural sweetness of the grape.
• To be labeled “Rancio” a VDN must be stored in oak casks “according to local custom,” which often means exposing the barrels to direct sunlight for a minimum of two years. This imparts the distinctive rancio flavor that is so prized in Roussillon. The style of the wine produced varies: it can be red, white, rosé, or tawny. Results depend on the color of the original wine, the wine technique used, and how long it has been aged.

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Coteaux du Languedoc AOC

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Consists of a collection of areas strung out across three départements, which gives rise to variation in style, but the quality is remarkably consistent. Reds are up to 50% Grenache; Syrah and Mourvèdre must make up min 10% of the blend. Also whites and rosés of good quality.
Any worthwhile site of the coastal zone that isn’t yet an AOC on its own has been gathered together under the umbrella of Coteaux du Languedoc. Lesser sites, or those with no historical viticultural tradition, are classified as Vin de Pays. Vin de Pays may be Regional (Languedoc), Departmental (Herault), or Zonal (Côte de Thongue).

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Coteaux du Languedoc (+Village Name) AOC

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Roughly 14 villages (or in some cases groups of smaller villages) meet the requirements for Coteaux du Languedoc and may add their names to the end (e.g. Coteaux du Languedoc La Clape AC). There are several important villages in the Languedoc: Cabrieres, La Clape, La Mejanelle, Picpoul de Pinet, Pic St. Loup, St. Christol, St. George d’Orques. These are also the ACs of the Coteaux du Languedoc.

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Corbières AOC

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Languedoc
The giant of the Languedoc, this is the 4th largest AC in France. Received AC status in 1985. The AC is clearly too large; this has led to the unofficial formation of 11 internal zones (Boutenac; Durban; Fontfroide; Lagrasse; Lézignan; Montagne d’Alaric; Quéribus; St.-Victor; Serviès’ Sigean; Termenès). Produces mostly red wines from Carignan, although whites and rosés are allowed. Variation in styles. The top estates use mostly carbonic maceration followed by 12 months in oak for good results. Elsewhere, traditional methods are used.

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Corbières-Boutenac AOC

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Languedoc
Elevated to separate AC status in 2005. Red only. Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre.

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Costières du Nîmes AOC

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Languedoc
Largely unexciting reds, whites, and rosés. Red: Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah. White: Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Ugni Blanc, Macabéo, Marsanne, Roussanne, and Vermentino. Rosé: Both red and white permitted varieties.

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Limoux AOC

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Languedoc
AC for the still-wine version of Blanquette de Limoux. Mauzac was the only grape allowed until 1993, when it was lowered to minimum 15%. Now Chardonnay often makes up the majority of the blend, though Chenin Blanc may also be used. Red Limoux was introduced in 2004, and must be at least 50% Merlot, plus Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Grenache, Malbec, and Syrah.

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Blanquette de Limoux AOC

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Languedoc
Sparkling wines, traditional method, min 90% Mauzac, max 10% total Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. The best have moved toward a more refined, rather than rustic, style.

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Blanquette Méthode Ancestrale AOC

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Languedoc
Formerly called Vin de Blanquette. A pure-Mauzac version made by single fermentation, terminated in sealed bottles. The wine is not disgorged before being sold, resulting in a sweet, cloudy, relatively low alcohol, “soft mouthful of wine foam”.

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Crémant de Limoux AOC

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Languedoc
The region’s third sparkling AC, for traditional method wines made with a max 90% total Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc, including a min 20% Chenin Blanc plus a max 20% total Mauzac and Pinot Noir (max 10%).

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Cabardès AOC

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Languedoc
AC in 1999. Grenache, Syrah, Cab Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cinsault, Côt, Fer.

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Côte de la Malepère VDQS

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Languedoc
Between the Razès coopérative and Domaines Virginie (Des Bruyère), this is becoming one of the fastest-rising, value-for-money, superb quality appellations in Languedoc-Roussillon. Should be made an AC. Red and rosé is produced.

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Faugères AOC

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Languedoc
An obscure and overlooked AC. Despite the similar schistous hillside vineyards and grape varieties here and in neighboring St.-Chinian, the two appellations make distinctly different wines. Red and rosé. Reds are rustic with deep color and the spicy, warm flavors of Cinsault and Carignan. In the Herault département.

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Fitou AOC

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Languedoc
Made an AOC in 1948, AC for reds only. Two sections: Coastal: Fitou Maritime, and Inland: Fitou Montagneux. The latter typically yields the best, most full-bodied red wines. Min 30% Carignan, min total 30% Grenache and Lladoner Pelut, plus Mourvèdre and Syrah.

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Minervois AOC

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Languedoc
Third largest AC in Languedoc. Variable growing sites. Unofficially divided into (6) subsuzones (L’Argent Double, La Clamoux, La Clause, Les Côtes Noires, Le Petit Causse, Les Serres). May one day join La Liviniere AC, which was formerly one of these zones and promoted to cru status in 1999. Mostly rustic red wines (from Grenache) of variable quality, but can be excellent. Also white and rosé.

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Minervois-La Livinière AOC

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Languedoc
Located in central-northern Minervois. In 1999, the first cru in this appellation to be recognized in its own right. Red wines only. Where there is sufficient finesse to match the structure of these wines, they represent some of the Minervois’s best vins de garde.

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Pézenas AC

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Languedoc
As of 2006, a new denomination of the Coteaux de Languedoc AC. The appellation will also be extended to cover Collioure, Côtes du Roussillon, Corbières, Cabardès, Limoux, and Minervois, as a first step in the creation of a regional Languedoc AOC.

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St.-Chinian AOC

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Languedoc
Excellent value whites, reds, and decent rosés. In the Herault département.
• Berlou AC: Moved up in 2005.
• Roquebrun AC: Languedoc. AC in 2005. Reds only. Carignan, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah

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There are 4 Muscat-based VDNs from the Languedoc:

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• Muscat de Frontignan AOC: Historically the most famous, and leading a revival in recent years of the others. May be either a VDN or a VDL. Made exclusively from Muscat Doré de Frontignan.
• Muscat de Lunel AOC: White and rosé VDN. Lighter than Frontignan, but very high quality. Near Montpelier.
• Muscat de Miravel AOC: Not seen very often.
• Muscat de Saint-Jean-de-Minervois AOC: Tiny subappellation.

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Rivesaltes AOC

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Roussillon
Roussillon. Represents half the VDN produced in France. Red, white, rosé. If using 100% Muscat, it takes the AC Muscat de Rivesaltes. Min 75% Grenache. Spread over 3 other ACs: Collioure, Côtes du Roussillon, and Maury.
• Muscat de Rivesaltes AOC: Consistent, high quality white VDN.
Banyuls & Maury are the red VDNs from Roussillon.

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Banyuls AOC

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Roussillon
The most southerly appellation in France, literally a stone’s throw from vineyards in Spain. Mostly red VDN produced here (can be red, rosé, white, or tawny). Rich, sweet, red Banyuls (without too much barrel-age) has a chocolaty, bottled-fruitiness, which is the nearest France gets to the great wines of the Douro. May be bottled young or aged for several years in cask. Min 50% Grenache. Max 10% Carignan, Cinsault, Syrah. Max 50% Grenache Gris, Macabéo, Tourbat, Muscadet.

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Banyuls Grand Cru AOC

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Roussillon
Same requirements as Banyuls AOC, but a min 75% Grenache, and must be aged for a minimum 30 months in oak cask. Grapes must be destemmed and macerated for min 5 days.

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Collioure AOC

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Roussillon
Obscure but exciting AC for unfortified wines from normally-harvested grapes grown in Banyuls, the eponymous wine of which is made from only the ripest, late-picked (but not botrytized) grapes. Dark, powerful reds, mainly Grenache and Mourvèdre. Some white & rosé as well. At least 60% total of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, although no more than 90% of any single variety. Also Cinsault and Carignan.

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Côtes du Roussillon AOC

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Roussillon
South of Corbières. While this appellation is overshadowed by the Languedoc most of the time, it still offers richly-flavored, quality wines of great value. Red, rosé, and some white. The two most important villages are Caramany and Latour-de-France.

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Côtes du Roussillon Villages AOC

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Roussillon
Exclusively red wines from 25 villages along the Agly River and its hinterland in the best area of the Côtes du Roussillon.

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Maury AOC

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Roussillon
Near Corbières, Grenache-based (min 75%). Mostly red, some rosé, white, and tawny style VDN, lighter in style than Banyuls, no “rancio”.