Provence

Question 1

T or F, is Provence the oldest winemaking region in France?

Answer 1

True

Question 2

During which century did cultivation begin here and who started it? What city was founded?

Answer 2

• 6th century BC
• Phocaceans
• Marseille

Question 3

Who did Marseille align themselves with to protect against invasions? What was special about this?

Answer 3

• Roman Republic

- Marseille became the first Roman province outside of Italy in the 2nd century BC

Question 4

By which century did pale coloured rosé from Provence already have a reputation for high quality?

Answer 4

2nd century BC

Question 5

In which century did Provence officially become part of France?

Answer 5

15th

Question 6

What caused rosé to become prestigious in the 14th century?

Answer 6

Nobility and military leaders acquired and managed vineyards here (often in their retirement from service)

Question 7

What is the overall climate? How does this vary?

Answer 7

• Mediterranean

- In some inland areas, the climate shows alpine and continental influences.

Question 8

How does the topography of the land influence the grape growing conditions?

Answer 8

• The mountain ranges (mostly eastern Provence) allow for significant diurnal temp changes within the vineyards that surround them
• The cool mountain air descends from the peaks during the evenings
• Some mountain peaks effectively block the Mistral and create a sun-trap for those vineyards nestled behind

Question 9

What are the 2 principal soil types and where are they found? Where is the interior valley where the soil types meet?

Answer 9

1) Calcareous limestone
- Found in the hills and ranges along the north & west boundaries
2) Crystalline schist
- Found in eastern Provence

• The dividing line between the soil types is along an interior valley running from Les Arcs (eastern Cotes de Provence) to Toulon (SW Cotes de Provence)

Question 10

What is Garrigue?

Answer 10

A calcareous limestone and a resinous herb that grows within it.

Question 11

What is Maquis?

Answer 11

A resinous herb that grows on schist soils rich in quartz.

Question 12

What is the largest AOC in terms of production?

Answer 12

Côtes de Provence (75% of all wine)

Question 13

What is the main wine style produced in Côtes de Provence? What are the main grape varieties used? What are the unique attributes of the AOC?

Answer 13

• Rosé
• GSM, Cinsault & Tibouren.
• The AOC is home to all the different soil types of the region.
• Made up of 5 non-contiguous vineyard areas.

Question 14

What is the classification system of wines in Côtes de Provence?

Answer 14

• Set up in 1955
• Only one classification: Cru Classé
• Ranks 18 estates

Question 15

What is the main wine style produced in Coteaux d’Aix-En-Provence? What are the main grape varieties used? What are the unique attributes of the AOC?

Answer 15

• Rosé
• GSM
• Wines from the coastal regions have greater minerality.
• Area is heavily impacted by the Mistral

Question 16

What is the main wine style produced in Les Baux de Provence? What are the main grape varieties used? What are the unique attributes of the AOC?

Answer 16

• Red
• GSM
• Wines must be aged for 12 months before release
• Stronghold for organic and biodynamic viticulture
• Located on limestone rocky outcrop

Question 17

What is the main wine style produced in Coteaux Varois En Provence? What are the main grape varieties used? What are the unique attributes of the AOC?

Answer 17

• Rosé
• GSM & Cinsault
• Growing areas are sheltered by limestone hills and mountains meaning slowing maturation and wines of freshness, structure and balance.
  Relatively high altitude results in powerful wines.

Question 18

What is the main wine style produced in Palette? What are the main grape varieties used? What are the unique attributes of the AOC?

Answer 18

• Red & white
• Red: Cinsault & GM
• White: Clairette Blanche & Rose, Picardin and Bourboulenc
• Grapes must be hand-harvested and whites must be aged for 8 months before release. Reds must be aged 18 months in oak.
• Smallest appellation in Provence

Question 19

What is the main wine style produced in Cassis? What are the main grape varieties used? What are the unique attributes of the AOC?

Answer 19

• White
• Marsanne & Clairette
• Vineyards are next to the sea and protected from the Mistral by limestone cliffs

Question 20

What is the main wine style produced in Bandol? What are the main grape varieties used? What are the unique attributes of the AOC?

Answer 20

• Rosé dominant but famous for red wines
• Mourvedre with Grenache/Cinsault
• Reds must be aged for 18 months in oak before release
• Vineyards face south and form a natural amphitheatre
• Appellation only covers wines made from hillside vineyards
• All grapes must be hand-harvested

Question 21

What is the main wine style produced in Bellet? What are the main grape varieties used? What are the unique attributes of the AOC?

Answer 21

• Red, white & rosé
• White: Rolle
• Red: Bracquet, Folle Noire & Grenache.
• Vineyards are only in Nice
• Only AOC that permits Chardonnay

Question 22

What is the main wine style produced in Coteaux de Pierrevert? What are the main grape varieties used? What are the unique attributes of the AOC?

Answer 22

• Rosé
• Cinsault, Grenache & Syrah
• Northernmost section of Provence making wines more in a Rhône style.
• High altitudes with alpine influences are the largest diurnal temp swings in the region.

Question 23

What are vins de soif?

Answer 23

• “Thirst-quenching wines”
• Light-bodied wines to drink as an aperitif.
• Short maceration times with higher yields and no oak usage.

Question 24

What are vins de gastronomie/vins gastronomique?

Answer 24

• “Gastronomic wines”
• Deeper coloured, more full-bodied and structured wines to be enjoyed with food.
• May be aged in oak
• These wines may be called vins de garde (wines for cellaring)

Question 25

What is the famous bottle shape of Provence wines and when was it copyrighted?

Answer 25

• Flute/corset/skittle

- 1960s