Provence Flashcards
What wine is Provence known for?
From which grapes?
Pale pink rosé made primarily from Grenache Noir and Cinsaut
What percentage of production in Provence is comprised of rosé? What percentage of rosé production across France does this account for?
90%, which is 40% of all French rosé winemaking
What are other styles of wine made in Provence and what grapes are used?
What especially has been a new focus?
White wines from Rolle (aka Vermentino) and Clairette
Red wines from GSM + C&C which is a category of renewed interest.
Grenache Noir, Syrah, Cinsaut, Mourvèdre, and Carignan
What has been the recent trend in vineyard area in Provence? Why?
Vineyard area has decreased due to competition from housing development and tourism
What are the principal varieties of Provence?
NOT GSM! GS, C&C, Rolle & Cab Sauv. In order... Grenache Noir (Rose!) Cinsaut (Rose!) Syrah Carignan Rolle (Vermentino) Cabernet Sauvignon
What is the climate in Provence? What climatic influences does it experience?
Warm Mediterranean with adequate rainfall
In addition to the Mediterranean, the Mistral can provide a cooling influence and reduce fungal incidence
What effect does the Mistral have on Provence?
It provides a cooling influence
It reduces fungal disease pressure, allowing for organic viticulture
It can interrupt flowering and fruit set
Where are the best sites in Provence for consistent ripening each year?
In areas with protection from the Mistral
How does the percentage of organic vineyards in Provence compare to the French national average?
It is double the national average
What provides moderating temperatures to inland vineyards in Provence?
Altitude, which can be up to 400m
What type of vine training is popular in Provence? Why?
Trellising systems as they facilitate mechanization and reduce cost.
Traditional bush vines are being replaced by these systems.
What are the benefits of bush vines and trellised vines to winemakers in Provence?
Bush vines offer more shade to the fruit
Trellises allow for easier canopy management, mechanization, and better ripening of skins and seeds
When are the grapes used for rosé picked in relation to red wine in Provence? Why?
Earlier, so as to preserve acidity, unless a short maceration is to be used.
If short maceration process, then the tannins must be ripe to avoid bitterness.
Where does the pale color of Provence rosé come from?
- Primarily the varieties used (Grenache Noir, Cinsaut, and Tibouren)
- The use of white varieties in the blend also has an effect
- Fining can be used to reduce the color as desired
What percentage of a Provençal rosé may be comprised of white varieties? What effect does this have on the wine?
AOC rules permit up to 20%, though 10% is more typical
The white wine dilutes both the color and the alcohol in the final blend
How is rosé made in Provence?
Direct press (currently the most common)
Short maceration of a few hours
True or False
In Provence, grape musts used in rosé production are acidified
True, in order to achieve balance between acidity and fruitiness
How are grapes used in rosé winemaking in Provence treated upon arrival to the winery?
They are typically cooled to 4°C(39°F) in order to slow oxidation
What type of fermentation vessel is used to make rosé in Provence?
Stainless steel is most common
Do Provençal rosé winemakers typically use cultured or ambient yeast? why?
Cultured yeasts initiate fermentation quickly,
reliably ferment to dry,
and produce a fruity style consistently,
making them the desired choice among a majority of winemakers.
What is the typical fermentation temperature used in Provence for rosé winemaking? Why?
14°-18°C (57-64°F)
This preserves delicate fruit aromas while avoiding isoamyl acetate development associated with very low fermentation temperatures
What range of sweetness may Provence AOC wines have?
They must be fermented dry
Is malolactic converstion permitted in Provence rosé winemaking?
Typically not. The high malic acidity is desired.
What are the principle appellations of Provence?
Côtes de Provence AOC Côteaux Varois en Provence AOC Côteaux d'Aix-en-Provence AOC Les Baux de Provence AOC Bandol AOC Bellet AOC Cassis AOC Palette AOC
What is the largest appellation in Provence? How many hectares is under vine?
Côtes de Provence AOC
20,000 ha under vine
What percentage of wine production in Côtes de Provence AOC is rosé?
90%
What are the principal grape varieties of Côtes de Provence AOC Rosé? Can single varieties be used in these wines?
Grenache Noir, Cinsaut, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Tibouren
All AOC rosé wines must be a blend
What is the maximum yield permitted in Côtes de Provence AOC? What is the actual yield?
55 hL/ha maximum
45 hL/ha is more typical
True or False
There are no sub-appellations in the Côtes de Provence AOC
False. They exist and typically have lower maximum yields
What is the typical character of Côtes de Provence AOC Rosé?
Pink-orange color Dry Medium acid Medium body Medium alcohol Light to medium intensity raspberry, red plum, and herbal notes
What is the typical quality and pricing of Côtes de Provence AOC Rosé?
Good to very good
A wide range of pricing with the majority in mid- to premium with some super premium
What percentage of AOC rosé production in Provence is comprised of Côteaux Varois en Provence AOC, Côteaux d’Aix-en-Provence AOC, and Côtes de Provence AOC?
95%
What is the most common style by volume in Bandol AOC?
Rosé, though red wines were originally the most produced style of wine
What is the general situation of the vineyards in Bandol AOC?
On south facing slopes protected from the Mistral. Some vineyards are terraced where the slopes are too steep and erosion is a problem.
What soil type is common in Bandol AOC?
Rocky limestone and clay soils with low fertility
What is the trend in area under vine in Bandol AOC in the 21st century?
It declined from 1,400 ha to 600 ha due to competition for land from development and the difficulties of working on steep slopes
What is the most common variety used in the wines of Bandol AOC? Why?
Mourvèdre as the climate is very warm and enables ripening of the variety
What proportion of Mourvèdre must be in red wines from Bandol AOC?
In rosé?
50-95% of red wines
20-95% of rosé wines
What are the aging requirements for red and rosé wines from Bandol AOC?
18 months in oak for red wines
No requirements for rosé
What are the maximum yields permitted in Bandol AOC?
40 hL/ha
Are cooperatives or independent producers the most significant source of Bandol AOC wines?
Cooperatives produce 50% of wines in the appellation
What is the typical quality and pricing of Bandol AOC wine?
Good to very good with some outstanding
Mid-priced to premium
What percentage of wine by volume from Provence is sold in France? Where are they most frequently sold?
65%, with half being sold in supermarkets and a high proportion in cellar door sales
What are the top export markets for Provence rosé?
USA (50%)
UK (13%)
What has been the trend in export volume and value of Provence rosé in the 21st century?
500% increase in volume
1,000% increase in value
How are the wines of Provence typically marketed?
With strong reference to the lifestyle of Provence and the Riviera
Do cooperatives and négociants play a large role in Provence winemaking as a whole?
Yes. In the Var département, cooperatives produce 60% of the area’s wine.
Négociants account for 50% of all wine production in Provence.
