L3- Southern France Chapter 21

Question 1

What is the typical climate in Southern France?

Answer 1

This region is broad including Languedoc, Roussillon, and Provence.

This is a warm mediterranean climate with mild winters and low rainfall levels, but it can offer ideal grape growing conditions.

Inland vineyards planted in the foothills are noticeably cooler, less fertile, well-drained soils that are better suited to quality viticulture. Cool dry winds blow from north to south. Cooling the eastern and western ends of the region. (mistral winds blowing from Rhone and tramontane blows through the gap between Massif Central and the Pyrenees).

The warm dry climate means that the biggest grape growing challenge is drought - but less fungal issues than the rest of france.

Question 2

What are the most important black grape varieties in Southern France?

Answer 2

-Grenache and Syrah, followed by Carignan

Grenache is well suited to the warm, dry summer climate.

Syrah does better in the cooler sites.

Carignan - high acid, high tannin, high color but lacks flavor. Only does well in poor soils. Known for its enormous yield

Cinsault- typically added to blends to provide red fruit or used in Rose production

Mourvedre -can ripen successfully on the warmest sites but adds color, richness, and complexity to flavor (think meaty aromas)

Question 3

What are the most important white grape varieties in Southern France?

Answer 3

-Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc -most widely planted and used in IGP wines

-Small but significant plantings of Viognier

-also Picqupoul -high acid, green fruit flavors

Question 4

What region do the majority of south of France wines come from?

Answer 4

Either one of two:

Languedoc (which holds the departments of Herault and Aude)

Roussillon (department of Pyrenees-Orientales)

Question 5

Describe the region of Languedoc and the styles produced

Answer 5

This is a generic appellation, but some of the appellations have been recognized for their quality and as a result granted status as a sub-appellation.

Majority of wines are blends of carignan, grenache, syrah and to a lesser extent mouvedre

Cooler areas produce the best quality syrahs, which will have more finesse and lighter tannins.

Warmer areas will be better for mouvedre, which produces meaty, gamey wines

Many wines are blended and the best ones have concentrated spicy red fruit flavors with oak.

roses = soft and fruity

Question 6

What are the key sub-regions of Languedoc?

Answer 6

Cotes du Roussillon & Cotes du Roussillon Villages

Fitou (Corbieres and Minervois)

Picpoul de Pinet (cooling sea breeze for high acid, green/citrus whites)

Question 7

How are roses from Provence?

Answer 7

Rose: Pale in color, light to medium body, dry palate, delicate red fruit flavors

Question 8

How are reds from Provence?

Answer 8

Red: fresh and fruity to full bodied w/powerful tannins, barrel matured