France: Provence

Question 1

1) Styles produced?
2) What’s the importance of AOC rose wines for the region and for the country?
3) New trends?
4) Major challenge for coastal vineyards?

Answer 1

1) Region has become famous for its pink rose made mainly from Grenache Noir and Cinsault.
2) Rose wines: 90% of Provence AOC and 40% of AOC roses produced in France
3) Red wine has become a new focus, made from Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Carignan.
4) Very small volumes of white made from Rolle (Vermentino) and Clairette.
5) Vineyards in coastal areas have been reduced in size due to completion from residential developments and tourism.

Question 2

What’s the climate in Provence?

2) What are the other climatic influences in the region?
3) Key facts about organic viticulture in the region?
4) What’s the best site location (for yield)?

Answer 2

1) Warm Med climate
2) Adequate rainfall in most years
3) Cold Mistral wind: provides a cooling influence / helps reducing the risk from fungal diseases.
4) Provence has double the national average of organic vineyards
5) Cold winds can also disrupt flowering, reducing yields
6) Best sites (for yields) are those shielded from the Mistral
7) Altitudes up to 400m ASL inland help moderate warm temperatures

Question 3

1) How were vines traditionally trained?
2) What’s changed and why?
3) What are the key factors to remember in relation to the picking date and vinification techinique used in rose wine production?

Answer 3

1) Traditionally, bush vines
2) Vineyards are now being trellised to aid mechanisation and reduce costs.
3) Grapes planted for rose are picked earlier than those planted for red wines.
4) If the wine is made by short maceration, a great level of tannin ripeness is required to avoid any bitterness.
5) Picking date is crucial in order to ensure the desired levels of acidity and fruit ripeness.