C21 - Southern France pre-edit Flashcards
Describe the climate of Southern Franceclimate, summer temp, winters, rainfall
- It has a warm mediterranean climate 2. Summer temperatures often in excess of 30C3. Mild winters4. 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 north2. The MISTRAL blows down the Rhone3. 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?
- Grenache2. Syrah
Where are Syrah and Grenache respectively best suited within Southern France? (weather wise)
Syrah: The cooler sitesGrenache: The warmer, drier sites
What is Southern France’s third most grown grape variety?
CARIGNAN
Describe Carignan in Southern Francetannin, acidity, colour, fruit
- High tannin- High acidity- Deep colour- Can lack fruit/finesse
In what circumstance can Carignan produce quality wines? (2)
Carignan1. OLD VINES2. 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:1. modern equipment,2. improved cellar hygiene,3. temperature control,4. oxygen management,5. 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?
- Chardonnay2. Sauvignon Blanc3. 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 wines2. 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; Pinet2. Mauzac; Limoux3. Maccabeu; Rousillon4. Rolle; Provence5. Clairette; Languedoc and Provence
Describe PICPOUL wineacidity, flavours
- Refreshing- high acidity- Green and citrus fruit flavours