21 - Southern France Flashcards
What is the climate and grape growing conditions of Southern France?
climate: warm Mediterranean, mild winters, low rainfall, especially during growing season (ideal conditions for grape growing)
vineyards planted in foothills of mountains are cooler than coastal plains. less fertile, well-drained soils here that make better grapes.
mistral is also factor - cools eastern and western ends.
what climate factor is the greatest grape growing challenge in Southern France? which climate factor is less of a threat here?
drought is biggest challenge (due to warm dry climate in souther france)
fungal diseases are less of a challenge.
Important black varieties of Southern France and what are their characteristics?
most important: Grenache, Syrah
Grenache does well in warm, dry climate
Syrah does well in cooler
also grown: Carignan (high in tannin, acid, color but can lack finesse and fruit). carignan used to be very widely planted bc it produces enormous yields however plantings have been reduced
Cinsault (rose production or add red fruit to red blends)
MOurvedre (needs warmest sites to ripen, adds complexity and color)
Merlot and Cabernet are also grown and used in IGP wines
True/False: white varieties are the majority of grapes grown in Southern France
False.
What are the two most widely planted white varieties in Southern France?
What are the most widely planted local varieties?
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
(3rd grape - widely planted but not as widely - Viognier)
local varieties - Muscat and Grenache Blanc
What are Muscat and Grenache BLanc used for in production of Southern France wines
Muscat - fortified wines, and dry wines with aromatic grapey aromas
Grenache Blanc - dry wines, soft peachy and fruity, full body, low acid
Where is Picpoul grown? What are its characteristics
Pinet (Southern France). it is a local variety, high acid, green fruit, citrus
Where do majority of wines from southern france come from?
vineyards of Roussillon and Languedoc
What is the generic appellation that covers all appellations vineyards from Spanish border to Nimes?
Languedoc
what are the 4 grapes that most appellation red wines in South of France are based on?
Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre
in south of France, what characterizes wines produced in cooler area vs. warmer areas?
What characterizes best wines?
cooler areas - finesse, lighter tannin. often best Syrah
warmer areas - Mourvedre shines. more body. meaty, gamey
(in largest appellations - wines are often blends of these styles and the best wines full-bodied, concentrated spicy red fruit with oak flavors).
What is the geographic terrain and climate of Cotes du Roussillon?
more rugged, mountainous than Languedoc. bright sunlight, low rainfall, strong winds ->concentrated wines
Where are the best vineyards of Roussillon and what do they qualify for (labeling)?
Cotes du Roussillon Villages. in the north.
what are the two styles produced in Fitou? where is. it located
north of Cotes du Roussillon villages. two separate areas: a warm coastal strip, fuller bodied wines. cooler area inlnad and higher altitude, which makes lighter style
which Southern France appellation covers warm sites near the coast and is subdivided into 11 subregions?
Corbieres
