21. Southern France Flashcards
Describe the geography and climate of the vineyards of the Southern France.
- warm Mediterranean climate
- hot summers, mild winters, low rainfall
- inland vineyards are cooler, less fertile, well-drained soils
- biggest grape challenge: drought
- not much of a fungal disease problem
- Mistral blows down from the Rhone
- Temontane blows through the gap between the Massif Central and the Pyrenees
What are the three main grape growing areas of Southern France?
- Languedoc
- Roussillon
- Provence
Name the 7 most widely planted black grape varieties.
- Grenache
- Syrah
- Carignan
- Cinsault
- Mourvedre
- Merlot
- Cabernet Sauvignon
What are the two most important black grape varieties? Why?
Grenache: well-suited to the warm, dry summer climate
Syrah: performs better in the cooler sites
Describe Carignan.
- widely grown
- naturally high in tannin, acidity, and color
- can lack fruit or finesse
- old-vine Carignan in poor soil can product high quality wines
When is Cinsault used?
- rosé wines
- add red fruit flavors to red blends
Why is Mourvedre used?
- can ripen successfully only in the warmest sites
- adds richness, complexity, and color to blends
In what wines are Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon used?
IGP wines
What are the 6 white grape varieties of Southern France?
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon blanc
- Viogner
- Picpoul
- Muscat
- Grenache blanc
Local: Picpoul (Pinet) Mauzac (Limoux) Maccabeau (Roussillon) Rolle (Provence) Clairette (Languedoc, Provence)
What are the two most widely planted grape varieties? In what wines are they used?
Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
-IGP wines
In what types of wines is Muscat used?
- sweet fortified wines
2. dry, aromatic, grape-y wines
In what types of wines is Grenache blanc used?
- dry wines
- soft peachy fruitiness
- full body
- low acidity
- tend to oxidize early
- often blended
Describe Picpoul.
- refreshing high acidity
- green fruit
- citrus flavors
What are some of the local white grape varieties and where are they grown?
Picpoul (Pinet) Mauzac (Limoux) Maccabeau (Roussillon) Rolle (Provence) Clairette (Languedoc, Provence)
What is Languedoc?
- generic appellation that covers all the appellation vineyards from the Spanish border to Nimes
- best subregions can add their names to the label alongside Languedoc AC
- many sub-appellations with their own individual regulations
- wide variation in style, soil, climate, etc.
What grapes are prevalent in Languedoc?
- most appellations permit red, white, rose
- vast majority is red
- Carignan, Grenache, Syrah (some Mourvedre)
Describe Languedoc wines from cooler areas.
- more finesse
- lighter tannins
- best Syrahs
Describe Languedoc wines from warmer areas.
- Mourvedre is best
- higher body
- more meaty, gamey flavors
Describe the best Languedoc wines.
- blends
- full body
- concentrated spicy red fruit
- some oak
- rosés: soft and fruity
Describe Cotes du Roussillon.
- rugged and mountainous
- bright sunlight
- low rainfall
- strong winds
- concentrated wines
- best vineyards are in the North, qualify for Cotes du Roussillon Villages
Describe Fitou.
- north of Cotes du Roussillon
- split into two areas:
1. warm coastal strip (fuller bodied)
2. inland (lighter wine)
Describe Cobieres.
- warm sites near the coast
- vineyards planted at altitude cooled by the tramontana
- 11 subregions
- best: Boutenac AC
Describe Minervois.
- lies on the slopes of the Massif Central
- variations in altitude, richness of soil, exposure to cooling Atlantic
- best subregion: La Liviniere AC
Describe Picpoul de Pinet.
- near the coast
- cooling sea breeze
- naturally high acidity
Describe Limoux. What grape does well there?
- benefits from cooling effects of altitude
- Chardonnay (premium, oaked)
Describe IGP wines from this area.
- “Pays d’Oc”
- permits a wider range of grape varieties
- warm, sunny climate
- ripe, fruity wines
- excellent value
Describe the geography of Provence.
- Varied landscape (climates, soils)
- broken up by many prominent ranges of hills (protection from the Mistral)
What types of wines are most common in Provence?
- rosés
- very pale in color
- light body
- dry
- grapefruit, red fruit
- vary from fresh & fruity to more full bodied & barrel-matured.
What grapes make the best white wines in Provence?
Rolle, Clairette
Describe Cotes du Provence. What’s the most important sub-region?
- largest appellation in Provence
- roses account for vast majority in productions
- Bandol: located to the east of Marseille
- premium reds of Mourvedre
- dark
- full body
- powerful tannins
- require bottle age
- meat, liquorice-spice
