FWS Provence Flashcards
Where is Provence located?
Southeastern France
- Rhône River and Languedoc to W
- Italy to E
The northernmost vineyards are just north of the Durance River.
What is the primary focus of the Provence wine region?
Rosé production, accounting for 90% of production
It is the only wine region in the world to focus on rosé production.
What is the Centre du Rosé?
- A research centre dedicated to rosé
- focus on climate change
What was the first AOC in Provence?
Cassis, granted AOC status in 1936.
When did most Provence areas receive AOC status?
In the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.
What historical events shaped the Provence wine region?
- Founding of Marseille (Phocaens 600BC)
- 14th C nobility buy vineyards - wines prestigious
- 15th C integration into France - wine less important
- Phylloxera crisis
- Introduction of railroads for tourism
- 1930s replant for quality
What type of climate does Provence have?
- Mediterranean climate
- alpine & continental influences
What is the Mistral?
A wind that impacts the Provence area, channeled by mountains towards the southeast.
What are the main geological features of Provence?
East:
* volcanic soils: Massif de l’Esterel
* granite/gneiss - Massif des Maures.
South & central:
* limestone.
Define ‘maquis’.
Resinous scrub that grows on quartz-rich schist.
like garrigue which grows on limestone
What is ‘vin cuit’?
- Wine made by cooking grape must for 10 hours over an open fire to concentrate sugars.
- Palette AOC
What are the major soil types in Provence?
- Limestone and clay in the west
- quartz-rich schist (volcanic & granite) in the east.
List the primary 5 grape varieties for red wine production in Provence.
- Grenache
- Cinsaut
- Syrah
- Mourvèdre
- Braquet Noir
What is the traditional method of making rosé in Provence?
Direct press and fermentation must be dry.
What percentage of Provence wine comes from Côtes de Provence AOC?
72% of all Provence wine
What white grape is found in Coteaux d’Aix en Provence AOC?
Vermentino (Rolle).
What is unique about Cassis AOC?
Produces more white wine (71%) than red or rosé.
from Clairette and Marsanne
What are the 4 primary grapes used in Bandol AOC?
- Mourvèdre
- Cinsaut
- Grenache
- Clairette
What is the classification system within the Côtes de Provence AOC?
One level: Cru Classé, with 18 estates having this ranking.
What are the unique harvest parameters for rosé production?
- Grapes are picked 10-14 days earlier than for red wine.
*3 harvests for complexity
1) acidity
2) ripe fruit aromas
3) higher sugars (body & structure)
What are Vins de Soif?
Light-bodied, crisp, refreshing wines with shorter maceration times.
What is the flûte à corset or skittle?
An hourglass-shaped bottle that mirrors the shape of a bowling pin.
List the 7 variables responsible for the colour palette in Provence rosé.
- Grapes used
- Ripeness
- Temperature at harvest
- Winemaking method
- Length of maceration
- Oxygen exposure
- Soil type
Provence map
