Provence Flashcards
Describe the climate in Provence
Warm Mediterranean climate with adequate rainfall for grape growing.
What is the name of the wind in Provence?
Describe the influence this has on the growing environment.
Cold Mistral; cooling influence, helps reduce fungal disease
What are the two most planted grapes in Provence?
Cinsault and Grenache
What is changing about how vines are trained in Provence?
Traditional bush vines are being replaced with trellised vines to help aid mechanisation
When might grapes for rosé be harvested in comparison to grapes destined for red wine? Why?
Grapes grown for rosé are picked earlier than those destined for red wines to retain acidity and fresher fruit flavours
If a wine is to be made by short maceration, it is important that the tannins are sufficiently ripe to avoid any bitterness
In Provence, where might the best locations for growing vines be and why?
Best sites for consistent yields are those with shelter from the Mistral
Altitudes of up to 400m in inland sites also provide a moderating influence on warm summer temperatures
What grapes are used for producing small volumes of white wine in Provence
Rolle (Vermentino) and Clairette
Which 5 grapes are the focus of Provence’s red wine production?
Grenache Syrah Mourvedre Carignan Cinsault
What percentage of Provence AOC production is rosé?
90%
Why are most Provence rosés pale in colour?
- Made by direct pressing
- Regional varietieshave relatively low levels of colour: Grenache, Cinsault and Tibouren
What percentage of white varieties is permitted in Provence AOC rosé wines?
20%
Usually does not exceed 10% if used
What is an Inertys system?
Who invented it?
A specialised press which uses nitrogen to avoid oxidation of grapes during pressing.
Bucher Vaslin
What two methods are used for producing Provence Rosés?
- Direct pressing
- Short maceration on skins
Why is fruit for Provence Rosé handled protectively?
How might this be acheived?
To retain primary fruit aromas and retain the pale colour.
- Excluding oxygen
- Keeping fruit refridgerated
- Using an Inertys system for pressing grapes
- Fermenting in stainless steel
What temperatures are Provence Rosé’s typically fermented ar and why?
14 to 18 degrees
Higher end of cool and lower end of moderate: preserve delicate aromas but avoid any banana flavours associated with cold temperatures
Are sweet Rosé wines permitted in Provence?
No - AOC states all rosés must be dry.
Is use of MLF common in Provence Rosés?
No - it is typically blocked to preserve freshness
Why have vineyard plantings near the coast in Provence reduced?
Competition for land from housing and tourism.
How much Provence wine is consumed domestically?
What are the main routes to market?
65%
Half is sold through supermarkets and a large amount is sold at cellar door (tourists)
France is the world’s largest consumer of rosé: what percentage of rosé wine is consumed there?
36%
What are the two main export markets for Provence wines?
USA and UK
What marketing techniques are commonly employed by Provence’s wine producers?
Marketing strongly links wines to the lifestyle of Provence and the Riviera, boosted by celebrity wineries like Mireval.
Provence’s wine exports increased ___% in volume from 2000 to now and ____% in value.
500% in volume
1000% in value.
What negative impacts can the Mistral wind have on the growing environment in Provence?
Cold winds can interrupt flowering and fruit set, lowering yields
What is the largest subzone in Côtes de Provence AOC?
Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire AOC
How many hectares under vine in Côtes de Provence AOC?
20,000ha
What is the maximum yield for Côtes de Provence AOC rosé?
How does this differ if a subzone is mentioned?
55hl/ha (although yields are typically lower around 45hl/ha)
If a subzone is mentioned, yields are lower
What grapes are used in the production of Côtes de Provence AOC?
Cinsault Grenache Mourvedre Syrah Tibouren
Wines must be a blend
Give a typical tasting note for Côtes de Provence AOC rosé
Pale pink-orange colour Light to medium intensity Raspberry, plum, herbs Medium acidity Medium body Medium alcohol
What quality and price would you expect for for Côtes de Provence AOC rosé?
Good to very good
Mid to premium price
The climate in Coteaux Varois en Provence AOC is generally _____ than Côtes de Provence AOC
Cooler than Côtes de Provence AOC
Name the two Massifs that shelter Coteaux Varois en Provence AOC from softening maritime influence
Massifs Sainte-Beaume and Besillon
What is the maximum yield for Coteaux Varois en Provence AOC and Coteaux d’Aix en Provence AOC rosé?
60hl/ha
Name the two main climatic influences in Les Baux-de-Provence AOC?
- Warming influence from the Mediterranean sea
- Drying effect from teh Mistral
Les Baux-de-Provence AOC is in the far ___-___ of Provence, close to the River ____
Far north-west of Provence close to the River Rhône
What grapes are used in red wines from Les Baux-de-Provence AOC?
Grenache
Syrah
Mourvedre
Min. 60% GSM
What grapes are used in white wines from Les Baux-de-Provence AOC?
Clairette
Grenache Blanc
Rolle
Name a premium producer based in Les Baux-de-Provence AOC?
Domaine de Trevallon
Where in Provence would you find Bellet AOC?
Far east
What are the two main cooling influences in Bellet AOC?
Cooled by winds from the sea and the alps
What type of grapes are commonly found in Bellet AOC?
Enriched with Italian grapes:
Braquet (Brachetto)
Folle Noir (Fuella)
Rolle (Vermentino)
What type of wine is most common in Bellet AOC?
White
What type of wine is most common in Cassis AOC?
White (herbal)
Where is Palette AOC?
What is the main type of soil?
What styles of wine are produced?
On a north-facing limestone influenced bank of the river Arc, just east of Aix.
All colour wines from local varieties
What aspect are most Bandol vineyards planted on? Why?
Vineyards are on south-facing terraces
Protection from winds
Why has area under vine in Bandol decreased?
Competition for land and the difficulty of working the slopes.
The best wines in Bandol AOC are from vines planted in what soils?
Stony, limestone dominated soils in the north east of the appellation
What is the maximum yield in Bandol AOC?
40hl/ha
What is the main grape in Bandol AOC reds and rosés?
Mourvedre - well suited to hot, dry climates
50 to 95% in red
20 to 95% in rose
Small amounts of white wine are produced in Bandol. Which grapes are used? How are the wines best described?
Ugni Blanc
Clairette
Bourboulenc
Full-bodied
What quality would you expect from Bandol AOC wines?
Good to v.good, some outstanding
Name a significant Bandol producer
Domaine de Tempier
