C21 - Southern France /checked Flashcards
Describe the climate of Southern France
climate, summer temp, winters, rainfall
- It has a warm mediterranean climate
- Summer temperatures often in excess of 30C
- Mild winters
- Low rainfall
What is an weather/climatic challenge in Southern France?
Strong winds
Describe the 3 prevailing winds of Southern France
- Cool, dry winds blow from the north
- The MISTRAL blows down the Rhone
- The TRAMONTANE blows through the gap between the Pyrenees and the Massif Central
What is the biggest grape growing challenge in Southern France?
Drought
What colour variety accounts for the majority of Southern France’s plantings?
Black
What are the 2 most important local (black) grape varieties in Southern France?
- Grenache
2. Syrah
Where are Syrah and Grenache respectively best suited within Southern France? (weather wise)
Syrah: The cooler sites
Grenache: The warmer, drier sites
What is Southern France’s third most grown grape variety?
CARIGNAN
Describe Carignan in Southern France
tannin, acidity, colour, fruit
- High tannin
- High acidity
- Deep colour
- Can lack fruit/finesse
In what circumstance can Carignan produce quality wines? (2)
Carignan
- OLD VINES
- POOR SOILS
Where does Carignan’s historical popularity in Southern France stem from?
Its ability to produce VERY HIGH YIELDS
What AC regulations permit Carignan in Southern France?
Carignan is permitted by all Southern France AC regulation.
What is the role of CINSAULT in Southern France?
It’s used in Rose production or to add red fruit flavours to red blends
What is the role of MOURVEDRE in Southern France?
body, colour, complexity
It adds richness, colour and complexity to blends in Southern France
Describe developments in contemporary winemaking in Southern France (5)
Most wines now benefit from:
- modern equipment,
- improved cellar hygiene,
- temperature control,
- oxygen management,
- judicious use of new and old oak
What is the chief aim of semi-carbonic maceration in Southern France?
To soften the tannins in Carignan
What are the 3 most widely planted (non traditional) white varieties in Southern France?
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Viognier
What are the 2 most widely planted local (traditional) varieties in Southern France?
- Muscat
2. Grenache Blanc
What is Muscat used for in Southern France?
- Production of sweet fortified wines
2. Dry wines with aromatic, grapey aromas
Describe the profile of Grenache Blanc in Southern France (5)
sweetness, body, acidity, flavour, oxidation challenge
- Dry wines
- Soft, peachy fruitiness
- Full body
- Low acidity
- Tend to oxidise easily
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)
- Picpoul; Pinet
- Mauzac; Limoux
- Maccabeu; Rousillon
- Rolle; Provence
- Clairette; Languedoc and Provence
Describe PICPOUL wine
acidity, flavours
- Refreshing
- high acidity
- Green and citrus fruit flavours
Which 3 departements make up the Languedoc?
- Aude
- Herault
- Gard
Which 1 department makes up (the vineyard of) Rousillon?
Pyrenees-Orientales
Where do the majority of wines in Southern France come from?
Languedoc
Roughly describe the terrains of Languedoc and Rousillon
between what 2 cities
There is a large coastal plain area between Beziers and Montpellier
What area does the Languedoc appellation cover?
All vineyards from the Spanish border to Nimes
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
Give 2 examples of areas within the Languedoc boundaries which are more geographically specific appellations with their own individual regulations.
Why is this?
- Minervois
- Cotes-du-Rousillon
Some of the more geographically specific appellations have their own individual regulations
What styles of still, dry wine are permitted in Languedoc?
Red, white and rosé in most appellations
What style are the vast majority of Languedoc wines? From which main 4 grapes?
Red
- Grenache
- Syrah
- Mourvedre
- Carignan
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)
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
Which IGP name accounts for the appellations of Southern France
Pays d’Oc
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
What style of wine accounts for the vast majority of wines within Provence?
Rosés
Describe typical Rosé wines from Provence
colour, body, sweetness, flavour
- Pale
- Light-bodied
- Dry
- Delicate flavours of grapefruit and red fruits
Which 2 grapes can feature in the best white wines of Provence? What role do they play?
- Rolle
- Clairette
Their aromatic qualities are made use of in these wines
What is the largest appellation in Provence?
Cotes de Provence
What style dominates in Cote de Provence?
Rosé
Describe how Cotes de Provence is organised
There are three isolated pockets of vineyards along the coast, each with its own AC
What is the most important of Cotes de Provence’s three coastal ACs?
Bandol
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
