Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

2019-06-03 WSET3 EXAM > C21 - Southern France /checked > Flashcards

C21 - Southern France /checked Flashcards

1
Q

Describe the climate of Southern France

climate, summer temp, winters, rainfall

A
  1. It has a warm mediterranean climate
  2. Summer temperatures often in excess of 30C
  3. Mild winters
  4. Low rainfall
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is an weather/climatic challenge in Southern France?

A

Strong winds

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Describe the 3 prevailing winds of Southern France

A
  1. Cool, dry winds blow from the north
  2. The MISTRAL blows down the Rhone
  3. The TRAMONTANE blows through the gap between the Pyrenees and the Massif Central
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the biggest grape growing challenge in Southern France?

A

Drought

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What colour variety accounts for the majority of Southern France’s plantings?

A

Black

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are the 2 most important local (black) grape varieties in Southern France?

A
  1. Grenache

2. Syrah

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Where are Syrah and Grenache respectively best suited within Southern France? (weather wise)

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

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

A

CARIGNAN

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Describe Carignan in Southern France

tannin, acidity, colour, fruit

A
  • High tannin
  • High acidity
  • Deep colour
  • Can lack fruit/finesse
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

In what circumstance can Carignan produce quality wines? (2)

A

Carignan

  1. OLD VINES
  2. POOR SOILS
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

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

A

Its ability to produce VERY HIGH YIELDS

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What AC regulations permit Carignan in Southern France?

A

Carignan is permitted by all Southern France AC regulation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the role of MOURVEDRE in Southern France?

body, colour, complexity

A

It adds richness, colour and complexity to blends in Southern France

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Describe developments in contemporary winemaking in Southern France (5)

A

Most wines now benefit from:

  1. modern equipment,
  2. improved cellar hygiene,
  3. temperature control,
  4. oxygen management,
  5. judicious use of new and old oak
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

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

A

To soften the tannins in Carignan

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What are the 3 most widely planted (non traditional) white varieties in Southern France?

A
  1. Chardonnay
  2. Sauvignon Blanc
  3. Viognier
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What are the 2 most widely planted local (traditional) varieties in Southern France?

A
  1. Muscat

2. Grenache Blanc

19
Q

What is Muscat used for in Southern France?

A
  1. Production of sweet fortified wines

2. Dry wines with aromatic, grapey aromas

20
Q

Describe the profile of Grenache Blanc in Southern France (5)

sweetness, body, acidity, flavour, oxidation challenge

A
  • Dry wines
  • Soft, peachy fruitiness
  • Full body
  • Low acidity
  • Tend to oxidise easily
21
Q

Name 5 additional local varieties in Southern France and the locales in which they are most prized.

(beyond Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat and Grenache Blanc)

A
  1. Picpoul; Pinet
  2. Mauzac; Limoux
  3. Maccabeu; Rousillon
  4. Rolle; Provence
  5. Clairette; Languedoc and Provence
22
Q

Describe PICPOUL wine

acidity, flavours

A
  • Refreshing
  • high acidity
  • Green and citrus fruit flavours
23
Q

Which 3 departements make up the Languedoc?

A
  1. Aude
  2. Herault
  3. Gard
24
Q

Which 1 department makes up (the vineyard of) Rousillon?

A

Pyrenees-Orientales

25
Where do the majority of wines in Southern France come from?
Languedoc
26
Roughly describe the terrains of Languedoc and Rousillon between what 2 cities
There is a large coastal plain area between Beziers and Montpellier
27
What area does the Languedoc appellation cover?
All vineyards from the Spanish border to Nimes
28
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
29
Give 2 examples of areas within the Languedoc boundaries which are more geographically specific appellations with their own individual regulations. Why is this?
1. Minervois 2. Cotes-du-Rousillon Some of the more geographically specific appellations have their own individual regulations
30
What styles of still, dry wine are permitted in Languedoc?
Red, white and rosé in most appellations
31
What style are the vast majority of Languedoc wines? From which main 4 grapes?
Red 1. Grenache 2. Syrah 3. Mourvedre 4. Carignan
32
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)
33
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
34
Which IGP name accounts for the appellations of Southern France
Pays d'Oc
35
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
36
What style of wine accounts for the vast majority of wines within Provence?
Rosés
37
Describe typical Rosé wines from Provence colour, body, sweetness, flavour
- Pale - Light-bodied - Dry - Delicate flavours of grapefruit and red fruits
38
Which 2 grapes can feature in the best white wines of Provence? What role do they play?
1. Rolle 2. Clairette Their aromatic qualities are made use of in these wines
39
What is the largest appellation in Provence?
Cotes de Provence
40
What style dominates in Cote de Provence?
Rosé
41
Describe how Cotes de Provence is organised
There are three isolated pockets of vineyards along the coast, each with its own AC
42
What is the most important of Cotes de Provence's three coastal ACs?
Bandol
43
Describe wines from Bandol colour, body, tannin, flavour
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

2019-06-03 WSET3 EXAM (52 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions