LANGUEDOC AOP WINES SALES TRAINING

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1 LANGUEDOC AOP WINES SALES TRAINING 2015

2 LANGUEDOC AOP WINES: KEY POINTS

3 Languedoc AOP Wines: Key Points What should you know about Languedoc Wines? These are wines to discover: Authenticity blend of history, tradition and innovation Diversity all styles and colors Quality/Value great quality to price ratio 3

4 Languedoc AOP Wines: Key Points Where is Languedoc located and what are key influences? Sunshine, Winds, Little Rainfall and Geological Diversity Tramontane Wind Cevennes Mtns Mediterranean Sea Pyrenees Mtns Marin Wind 4

5 Languedoc AOP Wines: Key Points Why should you and your customers choose Languedoc Wines? Features and Benefits Fast growing category, impressive import growth strong interest in the category, consumers are seeking these out as the new discoveries Mediterranean influence Consistency from year to year Example, 2013 was a great year for Languedoc when other areas struggled with the weather Great QPR consumers will find quality in each bottle Innovative, dynamic region exciting, authentic wine choices (discoveries) that integrate tradition and modernity 5

6 Languedoc AOP Wines: Key Points This is a hot category/trend that consumers are looking to get in on 154+% growth , volume and value Double digit growth , year over year 2013: 8% growth by volume and 13% by value from previous year In 2014, imports of AOC Languedoc rouge/rosé wines grew more than any other French AOC red/rosé categories, with the exception of Provence (by volume) 6

7 Languedoc AOP Wines: Key Points growth 154+% growth , volume and value (*estimated total for 2014) LDC AOC Wine Imports to USA 500, , , , , , , , , * 50, * Source: UbiFrance 7

8 Languedoc AOP Wines: Key Points growth In 2014, imports of AOC Languedoc rouge/rosé wines grew more than any other French AOC red/rosé categories, with the exception of Provence % vol growth 2014 LDC AOC Rouge/Rose Loire Rouge/Rose Cotes du Rhone Provence BDX Rouge/Rose Bourgogne Rouge/Rose Beaujolais Rouge/Rose Roussillon Rouge/Rose Source: UbiFrance 8

9 Languedoc AOP Wines: Key Points for Customer Interactions What to focus on if you have: 30 seconds with a customer: Languedoc, South of France produces wines of all styles and colors: reds, whites, rosés, sparkling and sweet wines Proximity to the Mediterranean Sea means vintage consistency, lush flavor profiles, and an abundance of organic production Key grapes from the region are ones you might already know like Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre AOC tier represents top quality, top 10% of production 2 minutes with a customer: Languedoc, South of France produces wines of all styles and colors: reds, whites, rosés, sparkling and sweet wines Majority of production is red blends Languedoc is also largest producer of French rosé, similar in style to rosés from Provence Mediterranean climate allows for greater vintage consistency than other areas of France Example, 2013 was a great year for Languedoc when other areas struggled with the weather Also means an abundance of organic production Key grapes from the region are ones you might already know like Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Plus new grapes like Piquepoul a white wine And some of the first sparkling wines in France AOC tier represents top quality, top 10% of production Wines showcase notes of garrique (blend of wild herbs: rosemary, thyme, sage), which you cook with, making these wines great food partners 9

10 LANGUEDOC AOP WINES: THE BASICS

11 LANGUEDOC AOP WINES: THE BASICS What is Languedoc? Largest wine region in France (Languedoc-Roussillon) By area and volume of wine produced: 650,000 acres = double the vineyard area of Australia and larger than all of California 13.5 m hl produced = million cases of wine South of France Hugs Mediterranean coast, at the foothills of Pyrenees Climate attributes allow for a lot of organic production History of revolution and innovation Area has always done things their own way, history of revolution (ex. Cathars) Langue d Oc = language of Oc (Occitania). i Pre-dates modern French. Oc/Oui = yes! Area of France that remains the most open to innovation in terms of winemaking; many outsiders have bought land here Many wine techniques have been invented in Languedoc ; home to one of the oldest universities iti in Europe 11

12 LANGUEDOC AOP WINES: THE BASICS What is Languedoc? Languedoc is one part of the administrative region: Languedoc- Roussillon Languedoc accounts for 90% of this region (Roussillon = 10%) Quite distinct from Roussillon in terms of culture and other administrative details Has its own organizations for winemaker and AOC concerns (CIVL vs CIVR) Key Grapes Reds: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan Whites: Piquepoul, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Mauzac 5 Main Zones: Elemental Languedoc Many microclimates and wine profiles to be found in such a large region, but they can be thought of in 5 main groups: Mountain more continental climates, in the north of the region. Resembles nearby Rhone Coastal strong Mediterranean influence, abundant sunshine, more lush wines South closest to Roussillon AOCs, larger amounts of Carignan Center heart of the region, 4 recognized Cru AOCs West mix of continental and Atlantic influences, sparkling wines found here 12

13 Languedoc s 5 Zones Mountain Center Coastal West South 13

14 LANGUEDOC AOP WINES: THE BASICS What is Languedoc? Wine Styles: All colors, sweet and sparkling Production is predominantly red (80%) - rich but balanced style that appeals to US wine drinkers. Not austere, like some French wines. The New World of the Old World Rosé production is growing, rosé from the other South of France Picpoul de Pinet is hot category (white) Vins du Naturels (Muscats) Sparkling production predates Champagne Authentic: History and tradition, but also innovation History of winemaking dates back to Roman times Many small family holdings dating back generations Experimentation: Blend of old and new techniques in viticulture and winemaking New frontier for wine in France: Many new faces, last affordable vineyard land New World of the Old World 14

15 LANGUEDOC AOP WINES: THE DETAILS

16 Languedoc AOP Wines: The Details What are some defining characteristics of Languedoc AOP Wines? Wine lake no longer Previously known for producing large quantities of wine Quality is now the focus Affordable price range Majority of Languedoc AOP wines are priced in the $15-$20 $20 range Garrigue Mix of herbs that grow wild in the region: rosemary, thyme, sage, lavender, juniper Aromas are often evidenced in the wines Organic production 30% of France s organic wine comes from Languedoc 16

of IGP) # of AOCs Languedoc has over 30 AOC areas identified The CIVL (Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Languedoc) represents the AOC sector and IGP but NOT IGP Pays d Oc

17 Languedoc AOP Wines: The Details What s on the label? Designations AOC = Appellation d Origine Controlé (also AOP), about 10% of region s total production IGP Indication Geographique Protegée VdP Vins de Pays (being phased out in favor of IGP) # of AOCs Languedoc has over 30 AOC areas identified The CIVL (Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Languedoc) represents the AOC sector and IGP but NOT IGP Pays d Oc Segmentation Languedoc AOC wines now bear 3 different segmentations: AOC Languedoc introduced in 2007, 30% of production. Regional appellation Grands Vins du Languedoc 60% of production, most AOCs fall in this terroir driven category Crus du Languedoc 10% of production, only a few AOCs qualify for this top tier 17

18 LANGUEDOC WINES: KEY AOCs

19 Languedoc Wines: Key AOCs What are some of the AOCs most commonly seen in the US market? AOC Languedoc (long-dock) AOC Corbières (cor-bee-air) and Corbières Boutenac (Cru) AOC Faugères (fowj-air) AOC Fitou (fee-too) AOC La Clape (la clap) AOC Limoux (lee-moo) AOC Minervois (min-er-vwah) and Minervois la Livinière (Cru) AOC Muscat de Saint Jean de Minervois AOC Picpoul (peek-pool) p AOC Pic St Loup (peek-san-loo) AOC Saint Chinian (san shin-ee-an), Roquebrun and Berlou (Crus) AOC Terrasses du Larzac (tear-ahs doo lar-zak) 19

20 Languedoc Wines: Key AOCs AOC Languedoc AOC Languedoc (2007) The Base What geographical area does this cover: Encompasses all AOC areas within Languedoc-Roussillon What other name might you see on the label: AOC Coteaux du Languedoc What grapes can be included: Must be a blend of at least 2 approved varieties Reds/Rosés: Grenache Noir,(Lledoner Pelut), Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Carignan Whites: Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, Vermentino, Clairette, Piquepoul Other requirements: All grapes must be grown in AOC delimited areas Can only include approved varieties (this list is smaller than that for IGP wines) 20

21 Languedoc Wines: Key AOCs PicSt Loup AOC Pic St Loup (1994) Closest to Rhone Zone: Mountain Only approved for Red (90%) and Rosé (10%) wines. Whites can be AOC Languedoc Rainfall is higher here than other areas, garrigue very noticeable and prevalent Dominated by limestone soils and two particularly large escarpments Key grapes: Reds/Rosés: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre (no more than 80% of any one variety) Notable producers: Chateau de Lascaux Chateau La Roque Chateau de Lancyre Ermitage du Pic St Loup Mas Foulaquier Mas Bruguière 21

22 Languedoc Wines: Key AOCs Terrasses du Larzac AOC Terrasses du Larzac (2005) High quality up and comer Zone: Mountain Only approved for Red wines. Whites and Rosés can be AOC Languedoc Marked by larger diurnal range, more continental climate Varied soils. Producers regularly harvest at yields lower than permitted maximum = high quality, much critical acclaim. Key ygrapes: Reds: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre (min 60%), Carignan, Cinsault (max 30%) Notable producers: La Peira Domaine du Pas de l Escalette Mas Julien Mas de l Écriture 22

23 Languedoc Wines: Key AOCs Picpoul de Pinet AOC Picpoul de Pinet (1985) Picpoul, pick moules (mussels)! Zone: Coastal, Dominated by influence of nearby water, Bassin de Thau and Mediterranean Only approved for White wines. Reds and Rosés can be AOC Languedoc, often IGP Perfect partners for all seafood Alluvial soils, warm temperate climate Key ygrapes: Whites: Piquepoul Notable producers: Les Costières de Pomerols Domaine Félines Jourdan Cave l Ormarine Chateau Saint Martin de la Garrigue 23

24 Languedoc Wines: Key AOCs La Clape AOC La Clape (1998) Lush reds, unique whites Zone: Coastal Only approved for Red and White wines. Rosés can be AOC Languedoc. *Home to the most planting of Bourboulenc anywhere One of the hottest and driest parts of France. Limestone and sand soils Key grapes: Reds: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre (min 70%), Carignan and Cinsault Whites: Bourboulenc*(min 40%), Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Piquepoul, Rolle Notable producers: Gerard Bertrand Mas du Soleilla Chateau des Karantes 24

25 Languedoc Wines: Key AOCs Corbières AOC Corbières (1985) Heartland of Carignan Zone: South, Cru located within is Boutenac Approved for Reds (95%), Whites and Rosés Largest appellation in Languedoc in terms of area and volume of wine produced (4th largest in France) Windy, hot. Emphasis on Carignan in reds Key ygrapes: Reds/Rosés: Carignan (max 50%), Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Lledoner Pelut, Cinsault (max 20% for reds, max 70% for rosés) Whites: Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Vermentino, Clairette, Terret, Muscat (max 10%) Notable producers: Ollieux Romanis Domaine de Fontsainte 25

26 Languedoc Wines: Key AOCs Fitou AOC Fitou (1948) Big, hearty reds from the South Zone: South One of the oldest appellations in Languedoc, only approved for Red wines, others can be AOC Languedoc or IGP Divided into 2 subzones: Maritime - Soils are clay/limestone near the water, Haut - limestone/sandstone more inland All Fitou must undergo a minimum aging period. Cannot be released until May following vintage and if oak aged, spend a minimum of 12 months in wood Key grapes: Reds: Carignan, Grenache (min 60%), Syrah, Mourvèdre Notable producers: Mont Tauch 26

27 Languedoc Wines: Key AOCs Minervois AOC Minervois (1985 Reds (94%), Whites, Rosés) Marvelous Minervois Zone: Center, Cru located within is Minervois la Livinière Varied soils, though predominantly clay/limestone. All vineyards are south facing More emphasis on Syrah compared to neighbor Corbières Key grapes: Reds/Rosés: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre (min 60%), Carignan, Cinsault, Terret, Aspiran, Piquepoul (max 40%) Whites: Marsanne, Roussanne, Macabeu, Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Vermentino, Muscat à Petits Grains Notable producers: Chateau d Oupia Chateau Maris Chateau Sainte Eulalie L Ostal Blanc 27

28 Languedoc Wines: Key AOCs Saint Chinian AOC Saint Chinian (1982 Reds/Rosés, 2005 Whites) Naturally intense Zone: Center, Crus located within are Saint Chinian Roquebrun, Saint Chinian Berlou Schist soil in the north, clay/limestone to the south. Mediterranean climate Carignan features less than in either Corbières or Minervois Key grapes: Reds/Rosés: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Lledoner Pelut (min 70%), Carignan, Cinsault Whites: Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Vermentino (90%) Notable producers: Caves de Roquebrun Domaine Rimbert Chateau Bousquette Chateau Viranel Laurent Miquel 28

29 Languedoc Wines: Key AOCs Faugères AOC Faugères (1982 Reds/Rosés, 2005 Whites) Mineral Reds Zone: Center Schist soils dominate the area, altitude is noticeable compared to nearby areas Combination of wind and soils temper the warm climate s influence on wines; lots of minerality Key grapes: Reds/Rosés: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cinsault Whites: Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, Vermentino Notable producers: Leon Barral Abbaye Sylva Plana Chateau la Liquière 29

30 Languedoc Wines: Key AOCs Limoux AOC Limoux (1938 Blanquette, 1990 Crémant, 1993 White, 2004 Red) The original sparklers Zone: West More continental climate (cool), soils are limestone with sandstone, quartz and clay Sparkling wines are made in the traditional method, evidence dating to 1531 (predates Champagne!) Key grapes: Blanquette: at least 90% Mauzac, up to 10% Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay Crémant: min 40% Chardonnay, balance of Chenin Blanc, Mauzac and/or Pinot Noir Notable producers: Saint Hilaire J. Laurens Antech Gerard Bertrand Domaine Martinolles 30

31 Languedoc Wines: Key AOCs Muscats AOC Muscats (1936, 1943, 1949, 1959) Sweet indulgences Zone: Central (Muscat Saint Jean de Minervois) and Coastal (others) 4 separate AOCs for production, one single grape permitted: Muscat à petits grains Vins Doux Naturel, must is fortified with grape spirit Finished wines: 11% residual sugar, 15-18% alcohol by volume All grapes must be harvested by hand, no irrigation is allowed AOCs: Muscat de Saint Jean de Minervois (smallest) Muscat de Frontignan (largest and oldest) Muscat de Lunel Muscat de Mireval Notable producers: Les Vignerons de la Mediterreanée 31

32 Languedoc AOP Wines: Summary In summary, Languedoc AOP Wines are prime for discovery: Authenticity blend of history, tradition and innovation Diversity all styles and colors Quality/Value great quality to price ratio 32

33 LANGUEDOC AOP WINES: TODAY S WINES

34 Languedoc AOP Wines: Today s Wines What wines are we tasting today? Wine 1 Wine 2 34

35 Languedoc AOP Wines: Today s Wines Wine Name with vintage AOC Zone Grapes/Blend SRP Vinification/ Viticulture details Notes on Producer Tasting Notes 35

36 Thank You! For more information on Languedoc AOP Wines, please visit Friend us: Facebook.com/LanguedocWines Follow us: Twitter.com/LanguedocWines

ALL ABOUT LANGUEDOC AOP WINES Society of Wine Educators Conference. New Orleans August 14, 2015

ALL ABOUT LANGUEDOC AOP WINES Society of Wine Educators Conference New Orleans August 14, 2015 Languedoc AOP Wines: Key Points Wines to discover: Authenticity blend of history, tradition and innovation