C21 - Southern France (reviewed) Flashcards
Describe Southern France climate
- Warm mediterranean climate
- Summer temperatures often in excess of 30C
- Mild winters
- Low rainfall
- Climatic problem - Strong winds blow from the north
- The mistral blows down the Rhone
- The tramontane blows through the gap between the Pyrenees and the Massif Central
- Drought may be an issue rather than fungal diseases, occasaional summer floods
Describe the terrain
- The foothills of the surrounding mountains
- Noticeably cooler, less fertile, better drained
- The coastal plains
What the back grape varieties in Southern France?
- Grenache and Syrah - two most important local
- Carignan
- Cinsault
- Mourvedre
- Merlot
- Cabernet Sauvignon
Describe Syrah and Grenache in Southern France?
Grenache and Syrah - two most important local
- Syrah: The cooler sites
- Grenache: The warmer, drier sites
Discuss Carignan in South of France
- High tannins, acidity and colour
- Can lack fruit or finesse
- Can produce enormous yields
- Old vine on por soil can produce quality wines
- Decreasing in popularity
- Permitted by all AC regulations in Southern France
Discuss Cinsault in Southern France
Used in Rose production or to add red fruit flavours to red blends
Discuss Mourvèdre in South of France
Adds richness, colour and complexity to blends in Southern France
Discuss Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in Southern France
Play a big role in the production of IGP wines
Discuss winemaking in Southern France
Most wineries now benefit from
- Modern equipment
- Improved cellar hygiene
- Temperature control
- Oxygen management
- Judicious use of new and old oak
Additionallly semi-carbonic maceration is used by some produced and epseically it can play an important role to soften the tannins in Carignan
What are the white varieties in Southern France?
- Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc - most planted
- Viognier
- Local varietes
- Muscat
- Grenache Blanc
- Picpoul de Pinet
- Mauzac
- Maccabeu
- Rolle
- Clairette
What is the third most significant white grape in Southern France?
Viognier
What are the most widely planted local varieties in Southern France?
Muscat and Grenache Blanc
What is Muscat used for in Southern France?
- Production of sweet fortified wines
- Dry wines with aromatic, grapey aromas
Describe the profile of Grenache Blanc in Southern France
Dry wines
Soft, peachy fruitiness
Full body
Low acidity
Tend to oxidise easily
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