21 Southern France [D] Flashcards
Climate in S France
Mediterranean climate, intense, hot and dry.
Climatic influences and problems in S France
Low rainfall, especially during growing season. Biggest challenge = drought. Occasional summer floods
Cool dry winds blow from North, cooling E and West of region. (Mistral from Rhone and Tramontane from East).
Fungal disease lowest of all France
Typical red grape varieties in S France
Souther Rhone grapes (GSM, Cinsault) + Carignan + international varieties (Merlot, CS used for IGP)
Characteristics of Carignan
Spanish grape, deep colour but lacks subtlety. Mostly blended.
High acid, tannin and colour, lacks fruit / finesse. Can produce enormous yields. But popularity now dwindling
White grape varieties in S France
Picpoul, Grenache Blanc, Muscat + international varieties (Chardonnay, Sauv Blanc, Viogner)
Typical characteristics of Picpoul
fresh, fruity, high acidity, green fruit and citrus flavours. Typically cheap. Retain acidity well = suited to hot climate
Main ACs in S France and what they grow
Languedoc (generic appellation)
Cotes du Roussillon + CdR Villages
Minervois + Corbieres (Red, white + Rose)
Picpoul de Pinet (white, near coast = cooling breezes)
Fitou (only red, 2 areas light/cool and full/warm)
Limoux (prem oaked Chardonnay)
What is South France most known for
IGP wine - Pay D’Oc IGP (covers all of Languedoc-Rousillon)
1/3 volume of France
New world look a like = chips, screw tops, VfM
What makes Pay D’Oc successful
IGP regs allow wide range of varieties + varietal labelling.
Warm, sunny climate allows large volumes of ripe, fruity wine produced easily = VfM
Provence rose style
Pale colour, light bodies, dry. Delicate grapefruit and red fruits.
Fresh & fruit style to barrel matured/fuller
Provence appellations
Largest is cote de provence. Majority Rose.
Plus smaller individual appellation near coast e.g. Bandol AC (premium Mourvedre reds, south facing terraced slopes, powerful full bodied, tough, leathery w age)
