VDNs made from white grapes: 1. Are they typically fermented on or off the skins? 2. What can producers do to extract more aromas from the grapes? 3. Is the free run typically blended with press juice or no?

1. Typically fermented off the skins 2. Some producers allow short period of skin contact (6-24 hours) to extract greater aromas from the skins 3. Keeping free run separate or blended is up to the producer, so it varies

Vins Doux Naturels for WSET® Level 4 D5 Fortified Wines

The majority of Vins Doux Naturels come from which region in southern France?

Roussillon

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What is the general climate for all French PDO Vins Doux Naturels?

Mediterranean

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Fill in the blank:

The warmest and driest region of all French regions making Vins Doux Naturels is _____.

Roussillon

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What environmental influence affects Roussillon that leads to its grapes having greater concentration of sugar?

Explain.

Tramontane wind increases transpiration in the grapes during the end of ripening which in turn increases sugar concentration.

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How is the concentration of sugars in Roussillon grapes beneficial to the winemakers (vis-à-vis fortification)?

The grapes are so sugar-rich and concentrated the potential alcohol is high, which means winemakers will not have to add as much spirit to fortify the wine (read: the wine won’t be as diluted, though the yield will be smaller).

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Fill in the blanks:

The two major grapes that go into making French Vins Doux Naturels are _____ and _____.

Muscat
Grenache

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What are the similarities between Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains and Muscat of Alexandria (through the lens of French Vins Doux Naturels)?

Both tolerant to dry weather
Both susceptible to powdery mildew and botrytis bunch rot

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What are the physical and organoleptic differences between Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains and Muscat of Alexandria (through the lens of French Vins Doux Naturels)?

Muscat Blanc

Most widely planted Muscat variety in France;
Smaller grapes than Muscat of Alexandria;
Greater intensity of aroma and flavor;
Trends making dry wines or used as a blending component in dry wines.

Muscat of Alexandria

Plantings are in decline;
Larger grapes than Muscat Blanc;
Produces wines that are less refined than Muscat Blanc.

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Why is Grenache Noir well suited for Mediterranean climates?

Late ripener
Resistant to drought

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Why is Grenache Noir well suited to making fortified wines?

Accumulates sugar quickly

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What natural threats is Grenache Noir susceptible to (all of which can reduce yields)?

Coulure at fruit set
Botrytis bunch rot
Downy mildew
Phomopsis

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For unaged styles of Muscat VDN, what must be done in the vineyard to reduce chances of sunburn and grape shrivelling?

Maintaining a shady, lush canopy so the grapes retain as much freshness as possible.

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Across France’s VDN AOPs, what is the average maximum yield in hL/ha?

30 hL/ha

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Why don’t French winemakers of VDN want late harvest or botrytis-affected grapes for their wines?

Botrytis flavors would change the flavor profile, which is undesirable;

Vignerons aim for balance of acidity + residual sugar so they pick grapes before becoming over-ripe.

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Fill in the blank:

Grapes for VDNs must be picked at a minimum ___% potential alcohol.

14.8% potential alcohol, though some grape growers pick just a little later but before the grapes become over-ripe.

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When are French Vins Doux Naturels fortified – before, during, or after fermentation?

During fermentation to make a sweet, fortified wine.

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In g/L, what is the general range of residual sugar for French Muscat-based Vins Doux Naturels?

100 - 125 g/L

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Fill in the blanks:

For French Grenache-based Vins Doux Naturels the minimum concentration of residual sugar is __ g/L.

In practice though, many Grenache-based VDNs are around __ g/L residual sugar.

minimum 45 g/L
many are around 100 g/L

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What is the fortifying agent used in Vins Doux Naturels?

What is the typical ABV for the fortifying agent?

A neutral spirit that doesn’t compete with the character of the grapes; 95-96% ABV.

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The fortifying spirit in VDNs is added when the fermenting must reaches what ABV?

5-8% ABV

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French Vins Doux Naturels are fortified to what ABV range?

15-18% ABV (which is only ~5-10% of the total volume of the wine, which is why VDNs aren’t so spirity.)

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VDNs made from white grapes:

Are they typically fermented on or off the skins?
What can producers do to extract more aromas from the grapes?
Is the free run typically blended with press juice or no?

Typically fermented off the skins
Some producers allow short period of skin contact (6-24 hours) to extract greater aromas from the skins
Keeping free run separate or blended is up to the producer, so it varies

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Because unaged white VDNs are meant for near-term consumption after release, how do the producers ensure the wines are fresh?

The must is chilled and stored anaerobically for months and then fermented on demand (when there is demand).

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Are red Vins Doux Naturels typically fermented on or off the skins?

On the skins

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When are red Vins Doux Naturels typically fortified? * While the must is fermenting on the skins, or * After the grapes are pressed Why?

* While the must is fermenting on the skins * This helps with extraction of color, flavor, and tannins

What post-fortification technique do some winemakers employ to maximize extraction for their red VDNs?

Continued skin maceration ## Footnote *They also use **pumpovers and punchdowns** during fermentation to help with extraction.*

In what vessels are red and white Vins Doux Naturels typically fermented? Why?

Stainless steel - allows for easy temperature control

White VDNs are fermented around what temperature and what does this do?

* 15C / 59F * Enhances fruity esters

Red VDNs are fermented around what temperature and what does this do?

* 28C / 82F * Promotes extraction but retains fruity flavors

What is the term used on VDNs denoting the wine is unaged, young and fruity? Give the term used in Maury and in Banyuls.

* **Grenat** (for Maury) * **Rimage** (for Banyuls)

For the oxidatively aged red Vins Doux Naturels, are the barrels usually topped up?

No ## Footnote Not topping up encourages oxidation and oxidative aromas and flavors.

What are the two VDN appellations in the Rhône?

1. Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise AOP 2. Vin Doux Naturel Rasteau AOP

Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise AOP vines are planted on \_\_\_\_\_-facing slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail. What do these slopes do for the vines?

**Southeast**-facing slopes They **provide shelter** for the vines from the Mistral, which **helps the grapes ripen**.

Name the three ways in which red VDNs stored in demi-johns are used.

1. **Transferred to barrel** to further mature 2. Used as a **blending component** for another wine 3. **Bottled straight** from the demi-john

_Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise AOP_ 1. What colors of VDN are allowed to be made in this AOP? 2. Production is mostly which color? 3. What grapes are used in the appellation?

1. **White, rosé, and red** 2. Production is **mostly white** 3. Whites made from **Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains** 4. Rosé and reds made from **Muscat à Petits Grains Rouges** (Brown Muscat in Australia)

# Select the correct answer: Muscat de Beaumes de Venise AOP, whether it's white, rosé or red, is always made in an: * Unaged, fresher style * Oxidative style

Unaged, fresher style

Give a brief description of white Muscat de Beaumes de Venise (aromas, body, acidity, alcohol).

Primary aromas and flavors of **blossom, grapes, peach, and honey**; **Medium body, Medium acidity, Low alcohol** for a fortified wine (15% ABV).

What color or colors can Vin Doux Naturel Rasteau be? Most of the production is what color?

White, rosé or red (most of the production is **red**)

VDN Rasteau red must be a minimum \_\_\_% of this grape.

Minimum 75% Grenache Noir

VDN Rasteau can be made in which style or styles? 1. Unaged only 2. Oxidative only 3. Unaged or oxidative

Unaged or oxidative

VDN Rasteau rosé – is it made direct press, saignée, or does it have an extended ferment? What is different about VDN Rasteau rosé fortification from most other VDNs?

* Made **saignée** * **Fortified OFF the skins**

What is the typical ABV% for a VDN Rasteau red?

Low to medium for a fortified wine, **16-18% ABV**

VDN Rasteau red – give a quick profile for an unaged style vs. an oxidative style.

Unaged: ripe cherries and plums, fresher style Oxidative: Dried fruits, nutty

VDN Rasteau vines are on slopes facing which direction?

**South, which maximizes sun exposure**; plus, they get some Mistral protection from those slopes so the grapes get very ripe (jammy flavors).

Ambré on a bottle of VDN from Roussillon means the wine is unaged or oxidative?

Oxidative

Of the four VDN appellations in the Languedoc, which one is the largest?

Muscat de Frontignan

_Muscat de Frontignan_ What are its: 1. Altitude 2. Typical body and aromas

1. **Low altitude** so it's pretty warm 2. Typically **fuller body, tropical fruits**

_Muscat de St.-Jean-de-Minervois_ What are its: 1. Altitude 2. Climate 3. Brief profile

1. **250-300m** elevation; 2. Climate more **continental**; 3. **Lighter body, higher acidity, more stone fruits and florals** compared to Muscat de Frontignan.

# Fill in the blank: VDNs represent \_\_\_% of all Roussillon wine production.

26% ## Footnote Per 2024 reading materials p.68

Grenat or Rimage on a bottle of VDN from Roussillon means it's unaged or oxidative?

Unaged

Tuilé or Traditionnel on a bottle of VDN from Roussillon means the wine is unaged or oxidative?

Oxidative

_Hors d'âge on a bottle of VDN from Roussillon_ 1. Does it mean the wine is unaged or oxidative? 2. What styles is hors d'âge aged longer than? 3. Which color(s) of wine can use this term?

1. **Oxidative** 2. Aged longer oxidatively than **Tuilé or Ambré** 3. Wines can be **red or white**

Rancio on a bottle of VDN from Roussillon means the wine is unaged or oxidative? What color(s) of VDNs can be Rancio?

* **Oxidative** * Wines can be **red or white**

What are the six VDN AOPs of Roussillon?

1. **G**rand Roussillon AOP 2. **B**anyuls AOP 3. **B**anyuls Grand Cru AOP 4. **M**aury AOP 5. **M**uscat de Rivesaltes AOP 6. **R**ivesaltes AOP

If any one of the five major AOPs in Roussillon producing VDN wants to declassify their wine, what AOP does the wine take?

Grand Roussillon AOP

What are the geographic borders of Banyuls AOP?

* **Spain** to the south * **Pyrenées** to the west * **Mediterranean Sea** to the east

Red Banyuls AOC must be made with a minimum \_\_\_% of Grenache Noir. Is there any white Banyuls AOC made?

**50% -** Some white Banyuls AOC VDN is made, but it's a really, **really tiny amount.**

What is the soil in Banyuls AOP? Are vines planted on flat land or on steep, terraced slopes?

**Schist** on **steep, terraced slopes**

Banyuls AOP vs. Banyuls Grand Cru AOP – what are the differences in permissible color(s) and grape minimums?

* Banyuls AOP = can be **red or white**; reds are minimum **50%** Grenache Noir * Banyuls Grand Cru AOP = **red only**; minimum **75%** Grenache Noir

What is the minimum maturation for Banyuls Grand Cru AOP?

Minimum 30 months

What is the soil of Maury AOP? How does this soil affect the grapes?

Dark **schist**, absorbing heat during the day and releasing it slowly at night, which **aids in ripening**

What two terms can be used on a Banyuls Grand Cru AOP if the wine has been aged longer than the minimum 30 months?

**Hors d'âge** or **Rancio**

# Select the correct answer: What style(s) of wine is/are allowed to be made in **Maury AOP**? 1. VDN only 2. VDN and still, dry, unfortified wines 3. Still wines only

1. VDN only ## Footnote Still, dry unfortified wines must be labeled Maury Sec AOC

# Fill in the blank: Still, dry, unfortified wines made in the Maury appellation are labeled as \_\_\_\_\_ AOC.

Maury Sec AOC

What is the elevation of Maury AOP?

100-400m

# Fill in the blank: In terms of production, the largest VDN appellation in Roussillon is \_\_\_\_\_\_.

Muscat de Rivesaltes AOP

# Select the correct answer: Muscat de Rivesaltes AOP is always made in what style? * Unaged * Oxidative

Unaged

What color(s) of VDNs does Rivesaltes AOP make?

Red and white

What are the permissible grapes in Muscat de Rivesaltes AOP?

* Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains * Muscat of Alexandria ## Footnote Usually blended together

# Select the correct answer: Rivesaltes AOP makes: * Only one style of VDN * A range of VDN styles

A range of VDN styles

Which two AOPs for unaged Languedoc VDNs do I need to know for the exam?

1. Muscat de Frontignan AOP 2. Muscat de St.-Jean-de-Minervois AOP

Red and white Rivesaltes AOP VDNs can be made Grenat, Tuilé, Ambré, Hors d'âge, and Rancio. The whites can be made with a maximum percent of this grape. What are the other grapes allowed in the balance?

Maximum **20%** Muscat - balance must be Grenache Gris, Grenache Blanc, Macabeu and Malvoisie.

What are four ways to encourage oxidation in red VDNs?

1. Storing the wine in old oak barrels or demi-johns (bonbonnes) 2. Not filling or topping them up 3. Not using a stopper 4. Leaving them outside in the sun to speed up the aging process

# Fill in the blank: The main red grape in red Rivesaltes AOP is \_\_\_\_\_.

Grenache Noir

What are 5 AOPs in Roussillon that can make unaged VDNs?

1. **G**rand Roussillon AOP 2. **B**anyuls AOP 3. **M**aury AOP 4. **M**uscat de Rivesaltes AOP 5. **R**ivesaltes AOP

# Fill in the blanks: Tuilé is a term used in \_\_\_\_ AOP and \_\_\_\_ AOP; Traditionnel is a term used in \_\_\_\_ AOP.

**Tuilé** is used in **Maury and Rivesaltes**; **Traditionnel** used in **Banyuls**.

VDN Maury can be what colors? Most of it is which color?

VDN Maury red and white (mostly **red**)

Between Muscat de Rivesaltes AOP and Rivesaltes AOP, which one is always made in an unaged style, and which one can be made in a range of styles (from Grenat to Rancio)?

Unaged = Muscat de Rivesaltes AOP Range = Rivesaltes AOP

Vins Doux Naturels Flashcards

Learn why various VDNs taste the way they do by examining the different growing environments, soils, climate, grape varieties, production, and maturation methods for key appellations making this style of fortified wine. Key styles of VDN are covered in this deck. (78 cards)