21 - Southern France

Question 1

How is the area of southern France divided?

Answer 1

Luangedoc and Rousillon to the west of the Rhone. Provence to the east.

Question 2

Describe the climate in Southern France?

Answer 2

It has a warm mediterranean climate, with temperatures often exceeding 30 celcius in summer. Very mild winters and low rainfall can offer ideal growing conditions.

Question 3

Describe the grape growing in Southern France?

Answer 3

Region is by no means uniform. Vineyards in the foothills are noticeably cooler than on the coastal plain and often have less fertile, well drained soils that are perfect quality viticulture.

Question 4

What are the two cold winds that affect growing in Southern France?

Answer 4

The ‘mistral’ blows down from the Rhone valley and the ‘tramontane’ blows through the gap between the Massif Central and the Pyrenees.

Question 5

What are the dominant varietals in Southern France?

Answer 5

• Grenache
• Syrah
• Carignan
• Cinsault
• Mourvedre
• Merlot
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Chadonnay
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Viognier
• Picpoul

Question 6

Carignan is widely grown for what reason in Southern France?

Answer 6

Naturally high tannin, acidity and colour, but can lack fruit or finesse. It was also able to produce high yields, however plantings are decreasing.

Question 7

Cinsault is mainly used for what in Southern France?

Answer 7

In rose production to add red fruit flavour to the blends.

Question 8

in Southern France what role does Mourvedre play in blending?

Answer 8

Richness, colour and complexity.

Question 9

Which to varietals are commonly used in producing IGP wines in Southern France?

Answer 9

Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Question 10

What wine making technique in Southern France is very helpful in softening the tannins in Carignan?

Answer 10

Semi-carbonic maceration.

Question 11

Which two white varietals are most widely planted and used in the production of IGP wines in Southern France?

Answer 11

Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Question 12

Describe the profile of Grenache Blanc wines from Southern France?

Answer 12

Dry wines that have a soft peachy fruitiness, full body and low acidity, but tend to oxidise easily. Often blended with other local varietals.

Question 13

Describe the common profile of Picpoul wines?

Answer 13

Refreshing high acidity, green fruit and citrus flavours.

Question 14

What are the three ‘departments’ of Languedoc?

Answer 14

Aude, Herault and Gard.

Question 15

What is Rousillon also known as?

Answer 15

Department Pyrenees-Orientales.

Question 16

What is the geographic description of the Languedoc-Rousillon area/

Answer 16

A large coastal plain between Beziers and Montpellier. Further inland and towards the spanish border the vineyards become more hilly and ruggish.

Question 17

Geographically where does Languedoc start and finish?

Answer 17

From the spanish border, all the way to Nimes.

Question 18

What quartet of varietals dominate red wine making in Languedoc?

Answer 18

Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and to a lesser extent Mourvèdre.

Question 19

Why is it difficult to describe a typical wine from Languedoc-Rousillon?

Answer 19

Possible variation in the blends, significantly different geographical regions, soils and climates. Cooler regions produce more wines with finesse and lighter tannins. I’m hotter regions Mourvèdre is king, producing wines with greater body and some games flavours. The best wines are full bodied and have concentrated spicy red fruit flavours. Rose tends to be soft and fruity wines.

Question 20

IGP wines in Languedoc-Rousillon can also be called what?

Answer 20

Pays d’Oc.

Question 21

Why are Pays d’Doc wines so successful?

Answer 21

The IGP allows a wide range of grape varieties and labelling, and the warm sunny climate means large volumes of ripe, fruity wines can be produced here with ease.

Question 22

Describe the common Provence style rose?

Answer 22

Pale in colour, light bodied and dry on the palate and display delicate flavours grapefruit and red fruits.

Question 23

What is the largest appellation in Provence?

Answer 23

Côte de Provence.

Question 24

What is the most important appellation controlee in the Côte de Provence?

Answer 24

Bandol.

Question 25

Describe the premium red wine made in Bandol?

Answer 25

Based on Mourvèdre, dark full bodied wines with powerful tannins, and they require bottle age before they show their full spectrum of bramble, meat and liquorice spice flavours.