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WSET 3 - TechnoWine > C21 - Southern France > Flashcards

C21 - Southern France Flashcards

1
Q

Describe the climate of Southern France

A

It has a warm mediterranean climate
Summer temperatures often in excess of 30C
Mild winters
Low rainfall

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2
Q

What are the two main areas of terrain in Southern France?

A

The foothills of the surrounding mountains

The coastal plains

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3
Q

Describe vineyards in the foothills of Southern France

A

Noticeably cooler, less fertile, better drained

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4
Q

What is an additional climatic problem in Southern France?

A

Strong winds

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5
Q

Describe the winds of Southern France

A

Cool winds blow from the north
The mistral blows down the Rhone
The tramontane blows through the gap between the Pyrenees and the Massif Central

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6
Q

What is the biggest grape growing challenge in Southern France?

A

Drought

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7
Q

Despite frequent drought conditions, Southern France can occasionally experience…

A

Summer floods

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8
Q

…varieties account for the majority of Southern France’s plantings

A

Black

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9
Q

What ind of varieties are used in Southern France?

A

Local and international

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10
Q

What are the two most important local grape varieties in Southern France?

A

Grenache and Syrah

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11
Q

Where are Syrah and Grenache respectively best suited within Southern France?

A

Syrah: The cooler sites
Grenache: The warmer, drier sites

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12
Q

What is Southern France’s third most grown grape variety?

A

Carignan

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13
Q

Describe Carignan in Southern France

A

High tannin
High acidity
Deep colour
Can lack fruit/finesse

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14
Q

In what circumstance can Carignan produce quality wines?

A

Old vine Carignan in poor soils

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15
Q

Where does Carignan’s historical popularity in Southern France stem from?

A

Its ability to produce very high yields

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16
Q

What has counteracted Carignan’s ability to produce massive yields?

A

Significantly reduced plantings

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17
Q

Which grape is permitted by all AC regulations in Southern France?

A

Carignan

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18
Q

What is the role of Cinsault in Southern France?

A

It’s used in Rose production or to add red fruit flavours to red blends

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19
Q

Which grape adds richness, colour and complexity to blends in Southern France?

A

Mourvèdre

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20
Q

Which grapes have a big role in the production of IGP wines in Southern France?

A

Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon

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21
Q

Describe contemporary winemaking in Southern France

A

Most wines now benefit from modern equipment, improved cellar hygiene, temperature control, oxygen management and judicious use of new and old oak

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22
Q

Which additional winemaking practice is practiced by some producers in Southern France

A

Semi-carbonic maceration

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23
Q

What is the chief aim of semi-carbonic maceration in Southern France?

A

To soften the tannins in Carignan

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24
Q

What are the two most widely planted white varieties in Southern France?

A

Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc

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25
What is the third most significant white grape in Southern France?
Viognier
26
What are the most widely planted local varieties in Southern France?
Muscat and Grenache Blanc
27
What is Muscat used for in Southern France?
Production of sweet fortified wines | Dry wines with aromatic, grapey aromas
28
Describe the profile of Grenache Blanc in Southern France
``` Dry wines Soft, peachy fruitiness Full body Low acidity Tend to oxidise easily ```
29
Name five additional local varieties in Southern France and the locales in which they are most prized
``` Picpoul; Pinet Mauzac; Limoux Maccabeu; Rousillon Rolle; Provence Clairette; Languedoc and Provence ```
30
What is the best known of the local varieties in Southern France? Describe the wine
Picpoul Refreshing, high acidity Green and citrus fruit flavours
31
Which departements make up the Languedoc?
Aude, Herault and Gard
32
Which department makes up Rousillon?
Pyrenees-Orientales
33
Where do the majority of wines in Southern France come from?
Languedoc
34
Roughly describe the terrains of Languedoc and Rousillon
There is a large coastal plain area between Beziers and Montpellier Vineyards more hilly and rugged further inland and towards the Spanish border
35
What area does the Languedoc appellation cover?
All vineyards from the Spanish border to Nimes
36
Under what circumstances may qualifying regions label their wines with more than just Languedoc AC? Give an example of one
The best subregions may add their names to the labels | Pic-St-Loup
37
Give examples of areas within the Languedoc boundaries which do not need to apply 'Languedoc' to their label at all Why is this?
Minervois Cotes-du-Rousillon Some of the more geographically specific appellations have their own individual regulations
38
What is the smallest type of appellation area within Languedoc?
Sub-regional appellations such as Minervois-La Liviniere
39
The...system continues to evolve in Languedoc, as the sub-regions...
Appellation | Continue to apply for full AC status
40
What styles of still, dry wine are permitted in Languedoc?
Red, white and rosé in most appellations
41
What style are the vast majority of Languedoc wines? From which grapes?
Red | From Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and some Mourvedre
42
Describe the wines of Languedoc
They are very difficult to describe due to the variations in blend possibilities and because of the large areas covered by appellations (each with varying climatic conditions and soils)
43
How do styles broadly differ based on location within Languedoc? Which varieties flourish
Cooler areas produce wines with more finesse and lighter tannins - Syrah is at its best here Warmer areas produce more gamey, meaty flavours and greater body - Mourvedre is at its best here In larger appellations, wines can be blends of these styles
44
Describe the best wines of the larger appellations within Languedoc
Full-bodied Spicy, concentrated red fruit Often with oak flavours
45
Describe rosés of Southern France
Soft and fruity
46
What is the most rugged and mountainous appellation of the Languedoc? Describe its climate and wine styles
Cotes du Rousillon Bright sunlight, low rainfall and strong winds Concentrated wines
47
What constitutes Cotes du Rousillon Villages?
The best vineyards in the north of Cotes du Rousillon
48
Describe and name the appellation just to the north of Cotes du Rousillon Villages
Fitou It's split into two separate areas; a warm coastal strip producing fuller bodied wines and a cooler inland area at altitude, which produces lighter wines
49
Describe and name the appellation just north of Fitou
Corbieres | Warm sites near the coast and cooler vineyards at altitude, cooled by the tramontane
50
How many subregions make up Corbieres? Which is the best?
11 | Boutenac (which has its own AC)
51
Where is Minervois in relation to Southern France's other sub-regions?
North of Corbieres
52
Describe the aspect/topography of Minervois
On the slopes of the Massif Central | Varies in quality due to altitude, soil quality and exposure to cooling influences of the Atlantic
53
Like Corbieres, Minervois is...
Sub-divided
54
What is the best sub-region of Minervois?
La Liviniere (which has its own AC)
55
Describe the location of Picpoul de Pinet
Near the coast | Cooling sea breezes help to retain the grape's natural high acidity
56
Describe the wines of Limoux and its terroir
It's a source of premium, oaked Chardonnays | Benefit from the cooling effect of altitude
57
Describe the role of IGP wines in Southern France
More IGP wines are made in Languedoc than any other region of France Vital for the survival of grape growing in Southern France
58
Which IGP name accounts for the appellations of Southern France
Pays d'Oc
59
What has contributed to the success of Pays d'Oc wines?
The IGP regulations permit a wider range of grape varieties and varietal labelling The warm sunny climate means that large volumes of ripe, fruity wines can be produced easily here compared with other regions of France, resulting in excellent value for money
60
Describe the landscape of Provence
Very varied and broken up by many prominent ranges of hills
61
Where is Provence?
Just east of Pays d'Oc, on the coast
62
What purpose do the hills of Provence serve relating to wine?
They protect vineyards from the mistral and provide a variety of soils and climates
63
What style of wine accounts for the vast majority of wines within Provence?
Rosés
64
Describe typical Rosé wines from Provence
Pale Light-bodied Dry Delicate flavours of grapefruit and red fruits
65
Describe red wines of Provence
Range from fresh and fruity, to more full-bodied, barrel matured styles
66
Which grapes can feature in the best white wines of Provence? What role do they play?
Rolle and Clairette | Their aromatic qualities are made use of in these wines
67
What is the largest appellation in Provence?
Cotes de Provence
68
What style dominates in Cote de Provence?
Rosé
69
Describe how Cotes de Provence is organised
There are three isolated pockets of vineyards along the coast, each with its own AC
70
What is the most important of Cotes de Provence's three coastal ACs?
Bandol
71
Geographically, where is Bandol?
Just to the east of Marseille
72
Describe wines from Bandol
Premium reds based on Mourvedre (ripens reliably on the southern facing terraced slopes) Dark Full-bodied Powerful tannins Require bottle age Bramble, meat and liquorice-spice flavours

WSET 3 - TechnoWine (45 decks)

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