Wine Academy
 

Wine Encyclopedia

 
La Clape [lah KLAHP]

The vineyards surrounding this village are part of the Coteaux du Languedoc AC but have cru status, which indicates that the wines are of better quality and allows the name “La Clape” to be added to the label. This area is located along France’s Mediterranean coast near Narbonne. The white wines, made from Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache blanc, and Terret Noir, are considered quite good because of the chalky soil, which contributes a unique flavor composition. The soil, which is unique … (view more)
La Côte [lah KOHT]

This is one of the three main growing areas in the Swiss canton of Vaud. It’s located between Geneva and Lausanne on the sloping northern shore of Lake Geneva. La Côte is chiefly a white-wine area, and Chasselas (locally known as Dorin) is the dominant grape. The best wines come from the areas around Féchy, Luins, Perroy, Montsur-Rolle, and Vinzel.
La Grand Rue AC [lah GRAHN roo]

One of the six grand cru vineyards located in the village of vosne romanée in the Côte de Nuits. It was recently promoted from premier cru status to grand cru status based on its excellent site, which lies between two other famous grand cru vineyards—Romanée-Conti and La Tâche. La Grand Rue consists of slightly over 4 acres planted with Pinot Noir. Although the wines from this vineyard are some of the world’s most expensive, they’re overshadowed by those from the neighboring and more famous grand cru vineyards of Romanée—Conti, Richebourg, and La Tâche.
La Mancha DO [lah MAHN-chah]

Spain’s and Europe’s largest designated quality-wine area, with around 420,000 acres of designated vineyard land (vineyards in La Mancha but not designated as part of the DO more than double the acreage). Ninety percent of it is planted with Airén. La Mancha DO was once known for producing dull, yellowish, high-alcohol, somewhat oxidized wines. Now, however, thanks to earlier harvesting and new modern equipment and winemaking techniques, La Mancha is producing light, crisp, fruity, and … (view more)