Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

WSET Diploma > D3 France: South Of France > Flashcards

D3 France: South Of France Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
WSET ® Level 1 Spirits flashcards WSET ® Level 3 Spirits flashcards WSET ® Level 2 Wine flashcards WSET ® Level 1 Wine flashcards WSET ® Level 3 Wine flashcards WSET ® Level 2 Spirits flashcards WSET® Level 4 Wine flashcards
1
Q

Which area has more area under vine? Languedoc or Roussillon?

A

Languedoc

It has 220,000 of the 240,000 ha

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Why do the regions of south of France have low yield requirements for AOC wines?

A

Because of the low rainfall and warm, Windy climate, causing high rates of evapotranspiration.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

How does the Languedoc-Roussillon rank in terms of yields for all French wine regions? In comparison with champagne or Alsace?

A

It has the lowest Yields of all French regions, roughly half that of champagne or Alsace

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the topography in the Languedoc?

A

Mainly located on a low lying alluvial plain
Although recently some more ambitious growers are reclaiming Vineyards on the hillside slopes with the intention of creating higher quality ones

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the climate in Languedoc?

A

Mediterranean
With high levels of sunshine
Rain fall below 600 mm a year
Very warm summers

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Under what category is a large volume of wines produced in Languedoc? What styles of wines are they?

A

IGP level

Made from and labeled as single varieties

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What played a major role in the development of the wine industry in Languedoc, especially of the export market?

A

The building of the canal du midi which connected to Bordeaux in the late 17th century
Building of the railways in the middle of the 19th century which enabled wines to be efficiently transported to export markets and to Paris

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

How important our co-ops in the Languedoc?

A

They account for 70% of the areas production.

In the 1950s they were especially important, accounting for 90% of total production.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

When and why did the Languedoc become the largest source of every day one in France?

A

Post 1973, once France no longer sourced wine from Algeria

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What led to the removal of many vineyards in Languedoc?

A

Overproduction in relation to demand

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the name of the wind in the Languedoc and Roussillon? What does it mean for grape growing?

A

Tramontane
North west wind that blows for about 200 days a year
It means that there is low disease pressure from fungal disease is
This reduces the need for spraying and the consequent cost
Has enabled the growth of certified organic one production

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What percentage of Francis certified organic one production comes from the Languedoc and Roussillon?

A

1/3

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is the main climatic threat in the Languedoc?

A

Low rainfall, which can reduce production level considerably where irrigation is not installed

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are the most growing grape varieties in the Languedoc?

A 
Carignan
Syrah
Grenache Noir
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cinsaut
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Why is Carignan suited to the climate of Languedoc?

A

ripens late therefore needs to be grown in a warm climate with a long ripening season

…also buds late there by avoiding spring frost and

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What characteristic of Carignan made it popular in the past?

A

It can produce high yields, 200 hL/ha and more

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Why is Carignan not particularly suited to machine harvesting?

A

Because the bunches are firmly attached to the vine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is important in order for Carignan to produce quality wines with high concentration? How does this happen naturally?

A

Yields have to be sharply reduced

This happens naturally when the vines become old, for example 50 years and more

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What disease and pest is Carignan most susceptible to?

A

Powdery mildew

Grape moths

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Why has the amount of Carignan planted in Languedoc decreased?

A

Because of the EU vine pull scheme

It is being replaced with other varieties

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What do winemakers due to manage the High acid in my tannins of Carignan?

A

Use carbonic maceration

Or blending with other varieties

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What styles of wines are generally produced from Carignan in Languedoc?

A 
Typically unoaked
Medium Ruby
Simple black berry fruit
High acidity
High tannins
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Describe a very good or outstanding example of Languedoc wine.

A

Made from old vines
Intense black fruit
Spice
Earthy notes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What was the traditional vine training in Languedoc? Why?

A

Bush vines

Well adapted to the climate, providing some shade to the bunches

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Why are there more and more vines being planted with trellises in Languedoc?

A

All work has to be done by hand with bush vines
Trellises enable a high degree of mechanization
This reduces cost
Also deals with the lack of labor availability
Improvement in the quality of machine harvesting

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Which winds in Languedoc tend to be machine harvested?

A

IGP

Some AOC wines can be machine harvested too where the topography allows

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Describe the typical wine making for most inexpensive red wines in the Languedoc.

A

Grapes are crushed
Fermented on the skins for 5 to 7 days to limit extraction of tannins
Cultured yeast to ensure rapid and complete fermentation and consistent style
Mid range fermentation temperatures to preserve primary flavors
Wines stored for a few months in stainless steel or concrete
Wines made for early drinking but because of medium tenants can hold for 2 to 3 years

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

What winemaking method is also employed in Languedoc to produce fruity wines?Which grape varieties is it particularly useful for?

A

Carbonic maceration
Produces fruit he whines with medium to deep color and low tannins
Particularly useful with Tanic varieties like Carignan

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

How are high-quality, small volume wines made in Languedoc?

A

More use of sorting tables
Fermentation at warm temperatures
More use of ambient yeast
More use of barriques for the maturation
Produces wines intended to be capable of maturing in bottle
some are experimenting with concrete tanks and eggs and large format oak vats

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

What percentage of Languedoc production is IGP?

A

70%

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Why is the pricing of IGP winds in Languedoc so attractive?

A

Higher yield is permitted means that production levels per hectare are higher and costs are lower

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

What has made the IGP Languedoc wines commercially successful in the last three decades?

A

Mini grape varieties permitted
Able to label the ones by the name of the grape variety
Ability to make a single variety wine
Inexpensive price band because of the High Yields

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

In France, what are the three forms of IGP that can overlap?

A
  • Regional (IGP Pays d’Oc)
  • Departmental (IGP Gard…the name of the Département)
  • A smaller unit named after a historical or geographical feature (IGP Côtes de Thongue)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

What is the name of the I GP which covers the whole of the Languedoc-Roussillon region

A

IGP Pays d’Oc

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

Which I GP is by far the biggest producer of IGP wine in France? What % of all French wine does it produce?

A

IGP Pays d’Oc

produces 10–15% of all French wine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

What percentage of IGP Pays d’Oc wines are red? Whites? Roses?

A

Just over half a red
A quarter white
Just under a quarter rose

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

Describe the typical style of one produced under IGP pays a

A

Fresh, fruity expressions of the variety being used with little or no use of oak for maturing the one. They are good to very good in quality and inexpensive to mid priced.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

What are the top for grape varieties used in IGP pays d’oc?

A

Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Chardonnay
Syrah

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

What percentage of the production of IGP Pays d’Oc wine is sold in France? Where is it mostly sold?

A

Half of the production is sold in France
Mostly in supermarkets
Hospitality sales are also significant

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

What are the top three export markets for IGP pays d’oc wines?

A

Germany
Netherlands
Belgium

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

What percentage of the production of AOC ones in Languedoc is red?

A

90%

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

What are the general rules around Languedoc AOC red ones when it comes to grape varieties?

A

They require a minimum of two grape varieties including one or more of the principal varieties. Most of them also give an upper limit for any one variety for example maximum 80%. This means that all AOC winds are genuinely blends.Most of them require the use of Grenache in the blend as well as Syrah and Mourvèdre

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

In which Languedoc AOC is Carignan a principal grape variety?

A

Corbières AOC

Fitou AOC

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

What are the maximum Yields for the regional Languedoc AOC?

A

50 hL/ha for reds

60 hL/ha for whites

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

Why are the yields usually lower in practice then what the appellation rules require for the Languedoc?

A

Because of the low rainfall and soil’s with low fertility

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

What are the AOC rules for wines labeled Languedoc AOC?

A
  • The principal varieties are Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre
  • Minimum of two varieties must be included in the wine, and at least one of the principle varieties
  • No variety may be more than 80% of the blend
  • Total combination of the principle varieties must make up at least 40% of the blend
  • Other varieties permitted may not make up more than 30% of the blend (In specific AOCs, that percentage is much lower, usually around 10%)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

In terms of style, quality and price, the red wines of the Languedoc can be grouped in three categories. What are they?

A 
Regional appellation (Languedoc AOC)
Named appellation (Corbières AOC)
Sub appellation (Corbières-Boutenac AOC)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

What is the topography in the Corbières AOC?

A

It is a hilly appellation. Two key mountain ranges provide sites for Vineyards on the slopes up to 450 m. These mountain ranges are;

  • Touch
  • D’Alaric
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

What provides a moderating influence on the climate in Corbières?

A

Cooling influence of altitude and cold northern wins which help to retain acidity in the grapes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
50
Q

What color are most of the wines from Corbières? What is the breakdown in varieties according to the regulations?

A

90% of the production is Red

At least 40% of the final one must be any of the principal grape varieties:
Carignan
Grenache Noir
Mourvèdre
Syrah
Other permitted varieties make up the rest of the blend, including Cinsaut.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
51
Q

Maximum Yields in Corbières?

A

50 hL/Ha

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
52
Q

Name a sub appellation of Corbières. What are the grape varieties and percentage in the blend?

A 
Corbières-Boutenac AOC
Carignan
Mourvèdre 
Grenache
Must make up 70% of the blend
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
53
Q

Where are most of the wines from Corbières sold? Percentage?

A

70% in France, and through supermarkets
30% exported
Main markets are China, Germany, Belgium

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
54
Q

Grape varieties for whites in Corbières?

A 
Bourboulenc
Grenache Blanc
Marsanne
Roussanne 
Rolle (Vermentino)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
55
Q

What are 11 important named appellations in Languedoc?

A 
Corbières 
Minervois
Saint-Chinian
Fitou
Faugères
Pic Saint-Loup 
Terrasses du Larzac
La Clape
Picpoul de Pinet 
Malepère
Cabardès
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
56
Q

Which 2 Languedoc appellations are the most westerly part of the area and have Atlantic influences? What type of grape varieties are growing along side the more typical Languedoc varieties here?

A

Malpère (only Atlantic influences. Cut off from Mediterranean by mountains)

Cabardès (gets both Atlantic and Mediterranean influences)

Bordeaux varieties

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
57
Q

What are the rules around the grape varieties for Malepère AOC?

A

Must be a blend of at least two varieties

Minimum of 40% Merlot

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
58
Q

What are the rules around the grape varieties for Cabardès AOC?

A 
Must be a blend of 40% each of:
-Bordeaux varieties:
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Merlot
-And Grenache and/or Syrah
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
59
Q

What are the main climatic zones based on and what do they allow for the Minervois AOC?

A

Altitude
Proximity to the Mediterranean sea

Allows a range of suitable sites to be found for grape growing for Red, Rose and white wine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
60
Q

What color wine is the majority of the production in Minervois AOC? What are the grape varieties and blend?

A 
Mostly red and Rosé
Grenache Noir
Syrah
Mourvèdre 
Dominant blend

Those 3 varieties plus Carignan and Cinsaut must be 50% of the final blend with no one variety exceeding 80%

61
Q

What is the name of the sub regional appellation of Minervois AOC?

A

Minervois La Livinière AOC

62
Q

In regards to Minervois La Livinière AOC, what makes the wines from this subregional appellation different their larger named appellation (Minervois AOC)?

A

Situated on a limestone terrace of gentle slopes at up to 400 m of altitude
This gives good drainage, exposure to the sun and some cooling influences from altitude
Cooler temperatures can lead to higher acidity levels in the ones.

Grape varieties are similar with the main three being Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache noir and they must make up at least 40%
Carignan and Cinsaut with the other three must make up at least 80% of the blend

Wines here are only red

63
Q

What styles of wines and which grape varieties in Saint Chinian AOC?

A 
Mainly Red and Rose
Grenache
Syrah
Mourvèdre 
Must make up minimum 50%
64
Q

Describe the two areas in Saint Chinian AOC.

A 
Northern Zone
Arid
Fast draining schist
= low yield
Concentration
Two AOC’s in this zone:
Saint Chinian Roquebrun AOC
Saint Chinian Berlou AOC

Southern zone
Clay and lime stone
Greater water holding capacity
Leads to higher yield and less concentration

65
Q

Describe the two areas within Fitou AOC

A

2 separate areas with part of Courbières between them.

Coastal
Low lying plains
Clay and lime stone
Good water retention
Lines are less concentrated
Inland
More mountainous
Less fertile
Fast draining schist
Higher flavor concentration
Focus on Carignan 10 to 40%
Grenache minimum 20%
66
Q

What is the name of the largest producer in Fitou AOC?

A

Mont Tauch co-op

Half of total production

67
Q

What leads to wines of good Vince traction in Faugères AOC?

A

Situated at 250-400m
Well drained low fertility schistous soils
Max yields 50 hL/Ha but avg yields are low at 33 hL/ha

68
Q

Which AOC has a large percentage of organic grape growing? What percentage of Vineyard land?

A

Faugères AOC

69
Q

Where is most of the wines from Faugères AOC sold?

A

in France

Nearly 90%

70
Q

Which AOC has a more continental climate than many of the other Languedoc appellations?

A

Pic Saint-Loup AOC

71
Q

What grape variety performs well in Pic Saint Loup AOC? Why? Percentage of final blend?

A

Syrah
The climate, which is continental with considerable rainfall, is similar to the northern Rhône
50%

72
Q

What is the name of the relatively new appellation in Languedoc which has attracted investment and is seeking to establish a reputation for high quality?

A

Terrasses du Larzac AOC

73
Q

Super-premium producer in Terrasses du Larzac AOC?

A

La Peira

74
Q

What is the style of wines produced in terraces du Larzac AOC? Why?

A

Red wines only
Must be a blend with at least three varieties which promotes complexity
High diurnal range giving ripe fruit flavors and fresh acidity.

75
Q

What is the name of the recent appellation in Languedoc which is suitable to varieties such as Mourvèdre? Why?

A

La Clape AOC
Coastal area
Warm, sunny, arid and windy enables full ripeness

76
Q

What style of wine is La Clape AOC well known for?

A

White wine
Must include a minimum of 60% of Grenache Blanc and/or Bourboulenc
Only make up a relatively small portion of the volume of wine produced
80% of production is red

77
Q

What is the geography and topography of Picpoul de Pinet AOC?

A

Low-lying land close to the coast

78
Q

What is the grape variety in Picpoul de Pinet AOC? Why is it useful?

A

Piquepoul

It’s retains acidity as it ripens which is useful in a warm climate.

79
Q

What was the grape variety Piquepoul mostly used for previously?

A

For the base one for the local vermouth industry.

80
Q

What led to the grape variety Piquepoul being used for table wines? In what decades?

A

The arrival of new technology and techniques in the 1970s and 1980s
gentle pressing
the ability to avoid oxidation
ferment at low temperatures

81
Q

What led to the growth in demand of table wines made from Piquepoul?

A

Fruitier wines were being produced (temperature control, gentler pressing, etc)
Rapid growth in demand, initially from tourists in the area, and then in the export market

82
Q

Maximum Yields in Picpoul de Pinet AOC?

A

55 hL/Ha

83
Q

Percentage of export for Picpoul de Pinet AOC? Top export markets?

A 
65% export
Tourists in the region account for a large portion of the domestic consumption
Top export markets
UK, nearly 60% of exports
USA
Netherlands
84
Q

How important our cooperatives in Picpoul de Pinet AOC?

A

Account for around 90% of the production of the AOC

85
Q

What is the name of the sparkling wine appellation in the Languedoc?

A

Limoux

86
Q

What category of wine is Languedoc dominated by?

A

IGP and simple sine
70% IGP
Only 15% AOC

87
Q

What style of wine has increased markedly in recent years in Languedoc?

A

Rosé

Up 35% between 2010 and 2017

88
Q

Where is most of the growth in export coming from for Languedoc?

A

USA in China

Exports of AOC wine from Languedoc have grown by 15% in the five years to 2016

89
Q

Name some examples of producers of top quality wines from Languedoc

A

Mas de Daumas Gassac
Domaine de Gerard Bertrand’s Clos d’Ora
Château Puech-Haut

90
Q

What has the growth of AOC Languedoc wines been driven by?

A
  • small private producers who, either have left the co-ops and are making their own estate wines
  • investors from other parts of France or abroad attracted by the stock of old vines, the very landscape and reasonable land prices.
91
Q

Which promotional body are the Languedoc and Roussillon a partner in? What does this promotional body cover? What do they organise?

A

Sud de France
Wine
Food
Tourism

ViniSud wine fair
Promotions in export markets

92
Q

What is the landscape in the Roussillon region? Comparison to Languedoc?

A

dominated by the Pyrenees and many of the Vineyards are located on the slopes or foothills of the mountains

no extensive flat, coastal plain suited to high-volume grape growing, unlike the Languedoc

93
Q

Describe the breakdown in one categories/styles in Roussillon.

A 
1/4 is VDN
Equal volumes of AOC and PGI
Co-ops continue to be very strong, 75% of production
Majority is Red
Followed by Rose
Small amount of white
94
Q

What is the climate in Roussillon?

A

Warm, Windy, Mediterranean
Moderate rain full
High sunshine hours

95
Q

What are the advantages of the climate in Roussillon? Disadvantages?

A

Combination of frequent winds and low rainfall helps to reduce the disease threats from fungal diseases
Also leads to more concentration in the fruit through reduce Yields

reduced yields reduces income
Drought can be an issue in dry years

96
Q

Percentage of certified organic grape growing in Roussillon? Why?

A

15%, which is high

Enabled by warm, dry, windy and sunny conditions

97
Q

List the most important grape varieties in Roussillon

A

Grenache Noire
Syrah
Carignan
Mourvèdre

Muscat blanc
Muscat of Alexandria

Macabeu

98
Q

Vine training in Roussillon?

A

Historically vines were growing as bush vines
Many remain
They are well adapted to the climate
In recent decades, vines have been planted on trellises, though the amount of flatter land suitable for trellising is far less than in the Languedoc

99
Q

What are the main two AOC’s for dry wines in Roussillon?

A

Côtes du Roussillon AOC

Côtes du Roussillon Villages AOC

100
Q

What is the name of the small appellation extending along the coast to the Spanish border in the Roussillon area? What other AOC does it share the same boundaries with?

A

Collioure AOC

Banyuls AOC

101
Q

What is the topography of Collioure AOC?

A

Grapes are growing on steep terraces above the Mediterranean sea

102
Q

What style of wine is made in Collioure AOC? Grape varieties? Yields?

A 
Full-bodied dry red and white wines
Red wines as are the great majority
Grenache Noir
Syrah
Mourvèdre

Whites from Grenache Gris

40 hL/ha for both (but typically more like 20-25 hL/ha)

103
Q

Why are yields in the AOC’s of the Roussillon usually much lower than what is required by the AOC regulations?

A

Heat
Low rainfall
Poor soils
Winds

104
Q

What is the name of the IGP in Roussillon? What geographical area does it cover? What types of wines are produced?

A

IGP Côtes Catalanes
Covers the Pyrénées-Orientales département
Used for producers of red and white wines, including some super premium white wines (Domaine Gauby)

105
Q

How are red wines made in Roussillon?

A

-Pressing the fruit and maceration on the skins
-Carbonic maceration
Depends on the style of wine desired

106
Q

In the Roussilon, what is driving the production of high-quality wines by individual wineries (although co-ops still very important).

A

Some wineries have been set up by those from outside of the region, for example some producers from Bordeaux and the Rhône (Chapoutier)

107
Q

Domestic versus imports market for Roussillon dry wines?

A

80% by volume is sold in France

108
Q

What are the main export markets for Roussillon table wines?

A

China
Belshim
Germany

109
Q

What percentage of Provence’s production is made up of rose?

A

90%

110
Q

What percentage of France’s AOC rosé wine comes from Provence?

A

40%

111
Q

Main grape varieties in Provence? Blends typical for Ros and Red?

A

Grenache and Cinsaut for Rose

Grenache, Syrah, Cinsaut, Mourvèdre, Carignan for red

112
Q

What grape varieties are used in the small amounts of white wines made in Provence?

A

Vermentino (Rolle)

Clairette

113
Q

What is the climate in Provence?

A

Warm Mediterranean with adequate rainfall in most years

114
Q

What provides a Cooling influence in the Vineyards of Provence? What else does it help with?

A

Mistral wind

Also reduces the incidence of fungal disease

115
Q

Does Provence have a lot of organic Vineyards?

A

Yes. More than double the National average

116
Q

What is the disadvantage of the cold mistral wind in Provence?

A

Can interrupt flowering and fruit set, reducing Yields

117
Q

What is a characteristic of the best sites with consistent yields in Provence?

A

Those that have shelter from the mistral

118
Q

Apart from the Mistral Wind, what else helps to moderate climate in Provence?

A

Altitudes up to 400 m in inland sites

119
Q

How are vines trained in Provence?

A

Traditional bush vines are being replaced with trellis vines

120
Q

Advantages and disadvantages of bush vines versus trellised vines in Provence?

A

Bush vines offer more shade to the fruit which can be an advantage

Trellised vines make it easier to control the size of the canopy
Easier to achieve ripeness in terms of sugar level and ripe skins and seeds at the same time
Inter row access is easier for workers and machines
Trellised vines aid mechanization and reduce cost

121
Q

What decisions will affect harvest date for Provence for a day?

A

Grapes usually picked earlier than for red wines to retain acidity

If short maceration it is important that the tannins are ripe to avoid bitterness

Choice of harvest date is critical to ensure fruit ripeness while retaining the desired level of acidity

122
Q

Why are most rose ones from Provence pale in color?

A

Related to the low level of color in the skins of the common varieties of the region:
Grenache
Cinsaut
Tibouren

AOC regulations allow up to 20% of white varieties in the blend (if used, typically less than 10%)

123
Q

Why can using white grapes in the blend be useful in Provence Rosé?

A

Can help reduce alcohol level

124
Q

What are the two methods used to make Provence Rose?

A 
Direct pressing (now most common)
Short maceration of a few hours
125
Q

Typical wine making steps in Provence rosé which lead to the fresh style?

A
  • Musts are typically acidified to achieve good balance between fruit and acid
  • For best quality, fruit is handled protectively by chilling it to 4°C
  • Exclusion of oxygen during pressing and making to retain the fruity aromas and preserve the power color
  • fermentation typically in stainless steel tanks
  • Cultured yeast for consistent, fruity style
  • Cultured yeast also help fermentation get off to a fast start without any off flavors
  • Fermentation temperature is restricted to between 14 and 18°C to preserve delicate primary fruit aromas but avoid the banana aroma with low temperatures
  • fermented to dry resulting in consistently dry style for the appellation (AOC rule now)
  • malolactic conversion routinely blocked to retain acidity and preserve primary fruit
  • can fine if colour too deep
  • stored on lees for 2-3 months in stainless before bottling
126
Q

What is the name of the press which is specialized for Provence rosé?

A

Inertys by Bucher Vaslin

127
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using whole bunches in rosé wine making in Provence?

A
  • Less stress on the grapes during harvesting, especially at the coolest times
  • Fruit can be sorted in the vineyard
  • Whole bunch pressing is gentler, extracting if you were solids and phenolics
  • More juice is produced at lower pressure because of the presence of stems which create channels for the juice
  • Requires a large well trained picking team to harvest and select correctly
  • Increasingly difficult to find and retain labor
  • Labor might not be available in the early morning
  • More expensive and slower to harvest
  • Whole bunch pressing is more time-consuming because if you were bunches can be loaded into the press
128
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of machine harvesting and short maceration or hold in press for rosé wines in Provence?

A
  • Fast
  • Much cheaper than hand harvesting
  • Does not require a large picking teams
  • Grapes can be picked at night for cooler temperatures
  • Short as possible delay between picking and refrigeration and/or pressing
  • Machine harvesting requires an up-to-date, well-maintained machine and a skillful driver
  • Grapes are disturbed by the shaking mechanism of the machine so whole bunch pressing is not possible
  • Destemmed grapes require a higher pressure to extract the same amount of juice as whole bunch pressing
129
Q

What is the name of the largest population in Provence?

A

Côtes de Provence AOC

130
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Côtes de Provence AOC? Maximum Yields?

A

90% is Rosé
Red and white wines also permitted
55 hL/Ha but closer to 45 hL/ha in reality

131
Q

What are the grape varieties permitted for rosé ones in Côtes de Provence AOC?

A 
Grenache Noir
Cinsaut
Mourvèdre 
Syrah
Tibouren
132
Q

Name one of the sub zones of Côtes de Provence AOC

A

Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire AOC

133
Q

Name the two appellations of the Var department which makes similar styles of rosé wines to Côtes de Provence AOC? What both of these have as a principal grape variety along with the other usual varieties?

A

Coteaux Varois en Provence AOC
Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence AOC

Counoise

134
Q

What is the name of the Provence appellation in the far north west of the region, close to the Rhône river, which makes mostly red wines? From what grape varieties?

A

Les Baux de Provence AOC

Grenache Noir
Syrah
Mourvèdre
The three varieties must make up 60% minimum of the blend

135
Q

Which Provence appellation used to produce more red wines then rosé, but is now producing more rosé by volume?

A

Bandol AOC

136
Q

Why has the area under vine reduced quite a bit in this century in Bandol AOC?

A

A combination of competition for land and the difficulties of working on the slopes

137
Q

Describe the topography and soil’s in Bandol AOC

A
  • Vineyards are on south facing slopes protected from the wind
  • Slopes are steep and have to be terraced to reduce erosion
  • Soils are typically Rocky and made of limestone and Clay and have low fertility
138
Q

Which grape variety usually features in the wines of Bandol? Why?

A

Mourvèdre

Because of the very warm micro climate the grapes ripen reliably

139
Q

Maximum yields and aging for the wines of Bandol AOC?

A

Red wines
50 to 95% Mourvèdre
Aged in order for 18 months

Rose
20 to 95% Mourvèdre

Maximum Yields 40 hL/Ha

140
Q

Name a famous producer from Bandol AOC

A

Domaine Trmpier

141
Q

What percentage of the production is made by co-ops in Bandol AOC

A

50%

142
Q

Name three small, historic appellations that became AOC‘s from the 1930s onward in Provence. Why are they under pressure? Where is most of the wine sold?

A 
Bellet AOC
Cassis AOC (mainly whites)
Palette AOC (mostly made by Ch. Simone)

These are mostly on the coast and are under pressure from building development

Wine is mostly sold locally to tourists

143
Q

What classification was established in Provence and granted to 23 Estates? When?

A

Cru classé
1955
18 Estates remain
The list has never been revised

144
Q

What percentage of Provence’s wine by volume is sold in France? In what type of establishments?

A

65% sold in France
Half of that is sold in supermarkets
High proportion sold at cellar doors

145
Q

What country is the number one consumer of rosé wines in the world? And the number one importer?

A

France
At 36% of total world consumption
They don’t only drink French roses but also are the largest importer of roses from other countries, especially Spain

146
Q

What is the top export market for Provence?

A

USA which takes nearly half of all Provence wine exports

Followed by the UK

147
Q

How are the roses of Provence marketed?

A

With a strong influence to the lifestyle of Provence and the Riviera
This has also been boosted further in recent years by the purchase of wine in states like Château Miraval by well-known celebrities

148
Q

Are co-ops and negotiations important in Provence?

A

They continue to be important
Nearly 60% of production in the Var is by co-ops
Large Negociants account for 50% of the production in Provence

WSET Diploma (17 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions