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2019-06-03 WSET3 EXAM > C21 - Southern France pre-edit > Flashcards

C21 - Southern France pre-edit Flashcards

1
Q

Describe the climate of Southern Franceclimate, summer temp, winters, rainfall

A
  1. It has a warm mediterranean climate 2. Summer temperatures often in excess of 30C3. Mild winters4. Low rainfall
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2
Q

What is an weather/climatic challenge in Southern France?

A

Strong winds

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3
Q

Describe the 3 prevailing winds of Southern France

A
  1. Cool, dry winds blow from the north2. The MISTRAL blows down the Rhone3. The TRAMONTANE blows through the gap between the Pyrenees and the Massif Central
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4
Q

What is the biggest grape growing challenge in Southern France?

A

Drought

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5
Q

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

A

Black

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6
Q

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

A
  1. Grenache2. Syrah
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7
Q

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

A

Syrah: The cooler sitesGrenache: The warmer, drier sites

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8
Q

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

A

CARIGNAN

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9
Q

Describe Carignan in Southern Francetannin, acidity, colour, fruit

A
  • High tannin- High acidity- Deep colour- Can lack fruit/finesse
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10
Q

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

A

Carignan1. OLD VINES2. POOR SOILS

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11
Q

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

A

Its ability to produce VERY HIGH YIELDS

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12
Q

What AC regulations permit Carignan in Southern France?

A

Carignan is permitted by all Southern France AC regulation.

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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

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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

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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

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16
Q

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

A

To soften the tannins in Carignan

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17
Q

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

A
  1. Chardonnay2. Sauvignon Blanc3. Viognier
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18
Q

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

A
  1. Muscat 2. Grenache Blanc
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19
Q

What is Muscat used for in Southern France?

A
  1. Production of sweet fortified wines2. Dry wines with aromatic, grapey aromas
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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
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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; Pinet2. Mauzac; Limoux3. Maccabeu; Rousillon4. Rolle; Provence5. Clairette; Languedoc and Provence
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22
Q

Describe PICPOUL wineacidity, flavours

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

Which 3 departements make up the Languedoc?

A
  1. Aude2. Herault 3. Gard
24
Q

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

A

Pyrenees-Orientales

25
Q

Where do the majority of wines in Southern France come from?

26
Q

Roughly describe the terrains of Languedoc and Rousillonbetween what 2 cities

A

There is a large coastal plain area between Beziers and Montpellier

27
Q

What area does the Languedoc appellation cover?

A

All vineyards from the Spanish border to Nimes

28
Q

Under what circumstances may qualifying regions label their wines with more than just Languedoc AC?Give an example of one

A

The best subregions may add their names to the labelsPic-St-Loup

29
Q

Give 2 examples of areas within the Languedoc boundaries which are more geographically specific appellations with their own individual regulations. Why is this?

A
  1. Minervois2. Cotes-du-RousillonSome of the more geographically specific appellations have their own individual regulations
30
Q

What styles of still, dry wine are permitted in Languedoc?

A

Red, white and rosé in most appellations

31
Q

What style are the vast majority of Languedoc wines? From which main 4 grapes?

A

Red1. Grenache2. Syrah3. Mourvedre4. Carignan

32
Q

Describe the wines of Languedoc

A

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
Q

What is the most rugged and mountainous appellation of the Languedoc? Describe its climate and wine styles

A

Cotes du RousillonBright sunlight, low rainfall and strong windsConcentrated wines

34
Q

What constitutes Cotes du Rousillon Villages?

A

The best vineyards in the north of Cotes du Rousillon

35
Q

How many subregions make up Corbieres? Which is the best?

A

11Boutenac (which has its own AC)

36
Q

Where is Minervois in relation to Southern France’s other sub-regions?

A

North of Corbieres

37
Q

Describe the aspect/topography of Minervois

A

On the slopes of the Massif CentralVaries in quality due to altitude, soil quality and exposure to cooling influences of the Atlantic

39
Q

Name a sub-region of Minervois?

A

La Liviniere (which has its own AC)

41
Q

Describe the wines of Limoux and its terroir

A

It’s a source of premium, oaked ChardonnaysBenefit from the cooling effect of altitude

42
Q

Describe the role of IGP wines in Southern France

A

More IGP wines are made in Languedoc than any other region of FranceVital for the survival of grape growing in Southern France

43
Q

Which IGP name accounts for the appellations of Southern France

A

Pays d’Oc

44
Q

What has contributed to the success of Pays d’Oc wines?

A

The IGP regulations permit a wider range of grape varieties and varietal labellingThe 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

45
Q

Describe the landscape of Provence

A

Very varied and broken up by many prominent ranges of hills

46
Q

Where is Provence?

A

Just east of Pays d’Oc, on the coast

47
Q

What purpose do the hills of Provence serve relating to wine?

A

They protect vineyards from the mistral and provide a variety of soils and climates

48
Q

What style of wine accounts for the vast majority of wines within Provence?

49
Q

Describe typical Rosé wines from Provence

A

PaleLight-bodiedDryDelicate flavours of grapefruit and red fruits

50
Q

Describe red wines of Provence

A

Range from fresh and fruity, to more full-bodied, barrel matured styles

51
Q

Which grapes can feature in the best white wines of Provence? What role do they play?

A

Rolle and ClairetteTheir aromatic qualities are made use of in these wines

52
Q

What is the largest appellation in Provence?

A

Cotes de Provence

53
Q

What style dominates in Cote de Provence?

54
Q

Describe how Cotes de Provence is organised

A

There are three isolated pockets of vineyards along the coast, each with its own AC

55
Q

What is the most important of Cotes de Provence’s three coastal ACs?

56
Q

Geographically, where is Bandol?

A

Just to the east of Marseille

57
Q

Describe wines from Bandol

A

Premium reds based on Mourvedre (ripens reliably on the southern facing terraced slopes)DarkFull-bodiedPowerful tanninsRequire bottle ageBramble, meat and liquorice-spice flavours

2019-06-03 WSET3 EXAM (52 decks)

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