Provence

Question 1

Which AOCs/DGCs mandate oak aging for their red wines?

Answer 1

Côtes de Provence AOC Fréjus, Bandol AOC, and Palette AOC

Question 2

Which three Provence AOCs produce 96% of all Provence wines?

Answer 2

Côtes de Provence AOC, Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence AOC, and Coteaux Varois en Provence AOC

Question 3

What is the climate of Provence?

Answer 3

Mediterranean, with some continental and alpine influences depending on appellation

Question 4

In what year was the Côtes de Provence AOC Classification System created?

Answer 4

1955

Question 5

What is the northernmost AOC in Provence?

Answer 5

Pierrevert

Question 6

What are the two main soil types found in Provence?

Answer 6

Calcareous limestone and quartz-rich schist

Question 7

What are the names of the DCGs in Côtes de Provence AOC?

Answer 7

Sainte-Victoire, Fréjus, La Londe, Notre-Dame des Anges, and Pierrefeu

Question 8

Define “maquis”

Answer 8

A mix of resinous herbs that grows on schist soils

Question 9

Why is Mourvèdre successful in Bandol AOC?

Answer 9

Late-ripening Mourvèdre thrives in long, hot, coastal Mediterranean growing seasons.

Question 10

What is Provence’s largest AOC by size and volume?

Answer 10

Côtes de Provence AOC

Question 11

Define “vins de soif”

Answer 11

Thirst-quenching, refreshing wines that are intended to be enjoyed as an aperitif.

Question 12

Define “vins de gastronomie”

Answer 12

Gastronomic wine, with fuller-body, and more structure and color, intended to be consumed with a meal.

Question 13

What Provence AOC is known for organic and biodynamic viticulture?

Answer 13

Les Baux de Provence AOC

Question 14

Define “flûte à corset”

Answer 14

The traditional hourglass bottle shape of Provençal rosé

Question 15

Define “vin cuit”

Answer 15

Reduced grape must by long cooking; a tradition in the Palette AOC

Question 16

Define “baou”

Answer 16

Provençal term for a rocky outcrop

Question 17

Define “restanques”

Answer 17

Terraced stone walls in vineyards, especially in Bandol

Question 18

What area of Provence was once one of France’s largest cork forests?

Answer 18

Massif des Maures

Question 19

What percentage of Provence’s wine production is rosé?

Answer 19

90%

Question 20

Why are the Provence harvest parameters for rosé more in line with those for white wine production?

Answer 20

The focus is on retention of acidity.

Question 21

Which AOCs mandate hand harvesting?

Answer 21

Bandol AOC and Palette AOC

Question 22

What is Provence’s smallest AOC by size?

Answer 22

Palette AOC

Question 23

What are the primary red varieties used in Bellet/Vin de Bellet AOC red wines?

Answer 23

Braquet Noir and Fuella Nera

Question 24

What is the cornerstone of the Bandol red blend?

Answer 24

Mourvèdre

Question 25

What are the dominant white grapes in the Cassis AOC?

Answer 25

Marsanne and Clairette