Chapter 21 - Southern France

Question 1

Basic climatic and grape-growing conditions

Answer 1

• Warm Mediterranean climate, often more than 30°C in summer. Ideal conditions for growing grapes
• Inconsistent area: Foothills of mountains less fertile. Lots of winds
• Grought as the biggest challenges, fungal diseases less so. Occasional summer floods

Question 2

Black varieties in Southern France

Answer 2

• Grenache (warmer sites) and Syrah (cooler sites) most important varieties
• Carignan: high in tannin, acidity, colour, can lack fruit or finesse
• Cinsault: used in rosé to add red fruit flavours
• Mourvèdre: ripens only in warmest sites, adds richness, colour and complexity to a wine
• Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon: also planted
• Wines benefited from investments in technology

Question 3

White grape varieties in Southern France

Answer 3

• Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc: most planted grapes
• Viognier: significant amounts. Local varieties: Muscat and Grenache Blanc which has soft peachy fruitiness, full body, low acidity
• Other local varities: Picpoul in Pinet (most well-known, refreshing high acidity, green fruit and citrus flavours), Mauzac in Limoux, Maccabeau in Roussillon, Rolle in Provence, Clairette in Languedoc, Provence

Question 4

Appellation wines in Southern France

Answer 4

• Languedoc: generic appellation. More specific geographic appellations such as Côtes du Roussilon, Minervois, also sub-appellations such as Minervois-La Livinière. Red, white and rosé allowed in most appellations. Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and sometimes Mourvèdre as best grape. White range of different styles
• Côtes du Roussilon (Villages): concentrated wines. Corbières: warm sites. Minervois: on the slopes of the Massic Central.
• Picpoul de Pinet: near cost, high acidity from Picpoul grape. Limoux: source of premium oaked Chardonnay
• IGP wines: most important label, often sold as Pays d’Oc
• Provence: vast majority of production. Pale in colour, light-bodied, dry on palate, delivate flavours of grapefruit and red fruits. Range from fresh and fruity to more full-bodied, barrel-matured styles
• Côtes de Provence: largest appellations. Rosés account for vast majority. Bandol most important one. Dark, full-bodied wines with powerful tannins