FWS Provence Flashcards
Where is Provence located?
Southeastern France, bordered by the Rhone River and Languedoc to the west and Italy to the east
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 wine in Provence.
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, power struggles, nobility involvement, integration into France, Phylloxera crisis, and the introduction of railroads for tourism.
What type of climate does Provence have?
Mediterranean climate with alpine and 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 has volcanic soils (Massif de l’Esterel) and granite/gneiss (Massif des Maures), while southern and central mountains are limestone.
Define ‘maquis’.
Resinous scrub that grows on quartz-rich schist.
What is ‘vin cuit’?
Wine made by cooking grape must for 10 hours over an open fire to concentrate sugars.
What are the major soil types in Provence?
Limestone and clay in the west; quartz-rich schist in the east.
List the primary 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 is Cotes de Provence AOC known for?
Produces 72% of all Provence wine with varied soils.
What white grapes are found in Coteaux d’Aix en Provence AOC?
Vermentino.
What is unique about Cassis AOC?
Produces more white wine (71%) than red or rosé.
What are the primary grapes used in Bandol AOC?
- Cinsaut
- Grenache
- Mourvèdre
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.
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 variables responsible for the color palette in Provence rosé.
- Grapes used
- Ripeness
- Temperature at harvest
- Winemaking method
- Length of maceration
- Oxygen exposure
- Soil type
Provence map
