Provence Flashcards
Which AOCs/DGCs mandate oak aging for their red wines?
Côtes de Provence AOC Fréjus, Bandol AOC, and Palette AOC
Which three Provence AOCs produce 96% of all Provence wines?
Côtes de Provence AOC, Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence AOC, and Coteaux Varois en Provence AOC
What is the climate of Provence?
Mediterranean, with some continental and alpine influences depending on appellation
In what year was the Côtes de Provence AOC Classification System created?
1955
What is the northernmost AOC in Provence?
Pierrevert
What are the two main soil types found in Provence?
Calcareous limestone and quartz-rich schist
What are the names of the DCGs in Côtes de Provence AOC?
Sainte-Victoire, Fréjus, La Londe, Notre-Dame des Anges, and Pierrefeu
Define “maquis”
A mix of resinous herbs that grows on schist soils
Why is Mourvèdre successful in Bandol AOC?
Late-ripening Mourvèdre thrives in long, hot, coastal Mediterranean growing seasons.
What is Provence’s largest AOC by size and volume?
Côtes de Provence AOC
Define “vins de soif”
Thirst-quenching, refreshing wines that are intended to be enjoyed as an aperitif.
Define “vins de gastronomie”
Gastronomic wine, with fuller-body, and more structure and color, intended to be consumed with a meal.
What Provence AOC is known for organic and biodynamic viticulture?
Les Baux de Provence AOC
Define “flûte à corset”
The traditional hourglass bottle shape of Provençal rosé
Define “vin cuit”
Reduced grape must by long cooking; a tradition in the Palette AOC
Define “baou”
Provençal term for a rocky outcrop
Define “restanques”
Terraced stone walls in vineyards, especially in Bandol
What area of Provence was once one of France’s largest cork forests?
Massif des Maures
What percentage of Provence’s wine production is rosé?
90%
Why are the Provence harvest parameters for rosé more in line with those for white wine production?
The focus is on retention of acidity.
Which AOCs mandate hand harvesting?
Bandol AOC and Palette AOC
What is Provence’s smallest AOC by size?
Palette AOC
What are the primary red varieties used in Bellet/Vin de Bellet AOC red wines?
Braquet Noir and Fuella Nera
What is the cornerstone of the Bandol red blend?
Mourvèdre
What are the dominant white grapes in the Cassis AOC?
Marsanne and Clairette
