Provence Flashcards
When did the Ancient Greeks establish Marseilles?
600BC
When did the romans reach Provence?
121 BC, cultivating grapes planted by the Greeks, planting their own varietals
When was the short-maceration technique first used in France?
100BC
How many wines are allowed to be grown in Provence under appellation rules? Why so many?
36 wines, due to many foreign influences over the years bringing grapes from their homeland - e.g. Greece, Italy, Spain
When did Phylloxera strike Provence?
1880-1890
What were 2 major contributions to Rosé’s popularity?
- Purchasing of wineries by nobles throughout the 14th century
- 1890 - railroads allow easy transport of Provence wines to Paris
When was the AOC Cotes De Provence established?
1977
What are the general climate characteristics of Provence?
Little rain, highest amount of sunshine in France, warm temperatures, strong northerly winds (Mistral)
What is the soil composition in Provence?
Limestone mountains (west, north), granite, schist and volcanic to the East
What are the names of the collective of common shrubs such as lavender and thyme in Provence?
Garrigue (limestone, clay), maquis (schist, granite)
How many IGPs and AOCs are there in Provence?
7 IGPs
9 AOPs
What percentage of Provence wines are rosé?
89%
What is the maximum amount of RS allowed under Provence AOC?
Up to 4g/L
What percentage of the world’s Rosé is produced in Provence?
5.6%
What were the 4 requirements for Cru Classé Province wines?
- Direct sale
- Bottled at the property
- Minimum 18 months of ageing
- Established before 1935
How many wines were established as cru classé in Provence in 1977?
23, now 18
What are some AOPs within Provence?
AOP Cotes de Provence
AOP Les beaux-de-provence
AOP Palette
AOP Cassis
AOP Bandol
AOP Bellet
What appellation in Provence is where the Greeks first planted vines?
AOP Cassis
What is the smallest AOP in Provence?
AOP Palette - 43ha
What are the specific requirements for AOP Bandol?
- Reds must be min 50% mourvedre
- Rosé must be min 20% mourvedre
- AOP can only be used after vines are at least 8 years old
- 18 months minimum maturation for red wines
What is Pastis de marseilles?
An anise based liquer, similar to Ouzo, Sambuca, Arak
Which AOC in Provence is rapidly shrinking due to the rising land costs?
AOC Bellet - 55ha appellation on the outskirts of Nice
What was the first grape to be planted by the Phoceans?
Ugni blanc (trebbiano)
When were Provence Cru Classés established?
1977
What percentage of wines from Provence are produced under an AOP?
88%
Describe the wine production of AOP les Beaux-de-Provence
- Most westerly and warmest part of Provence
- Limestone
- Favours reds and rose
- Awarded AOP in 1985
Describe the wine production of AOP Palette
- Awarded AOP in 1948
- Smalles AOP in PRovence - 43ha
- Reds mainly produced
- Allows for the highest amount of grapes under one AOP
- Limestone soil
What are 2 grapes must be planted in AOP Cassis?
Minimum 60% Marsanne and Clairette
What is the name of the indigenous grape used in AOP Bellet?
Braquet
Name some notable producers from Provence
- Domaine Ott
- Domaine Tempier
- Chateau Simone
- Whispering Angel
