Provence Flashcards
What percentage of Provence’s total production is rose?
90%
Global consumption is on the rise.
Who is Frederic Mistral?
A Provencal poet who championed the Occitan language & Provencal folk art and culture.
He was awarded the 1904 Nobel Prize for Literature and the French Legion d’Honneur medal.
He is best known for giving voice to the cicada, the iconic symbol of Provence, by coining the motto for the Association of Provencal Poets (Felibrige): Lou souleu mi fa canta… the sun makes me sing.
What Provencal roses show the ability to age?
- Grand rose
- Rose a conserver
These wines shed their fermentation aromas & flavours and will improve with 2-3 years of bottle age.
How is Provence revealing rose’s ability to express terroir?
Through the growing number of DGCs within the Cotes de Provence appellation.
What may explain why Provence has not received the same recognition and respect for its wines during the 20th century as have others?
The region’s largest production zones were elevated to AOC status relatively recently by comparison. (1970s, 80s & 90s)
Where is Provence located?
The region is located in the southeastern section of France and is framed by the Mediterranean sea along its southern edge. It is bordered by the Rhone River & Languedoc to the west and Italy to the east.
The Durance River is the northern border, although the northernmost vineyard area lies just north of that.
It is 150-200mi/241-322km wide and 100mi/161km from north to south.
What is the climate in Provence?
Mediterranean
- Some interior areas experience some alpine or continental influences due to elevation.
- Summers are hot & dry
- Mediterranean Sea has moderating influences along the coast
- Inland, temperatures are less balmy & nights are cooler
How much sunshine does Provence receive?
2,700-3,000 hours per year
How much rainfall does Provence receive?
23-35in/600-900mm per year
Most rainfall is winter-dominant.
How does the Mistral impact Provence?
The same way as it does the Rhone Valley, expect that Provence’s many mountian chains channel this cool, dry wind in a southeasterly direction.
List Provence’s topographical features from east to west.
- Maritime Alps: run along the border w/ Italy
- Massif de L’Esterel: small chain of volcanic coastal mountains between Frejus & Cannes; the massif rises to 2,000ft/600m; composed of volcanic materials surrounded by sandstone
- Massif des Maures: coastal range 2,570ft/780m in elevation, it runs along the edge of the Mediterranean coast between Hyeres & Frejus; consists of granite, gneiss & mica schist
- Sainte-Baume: mountain range stretching from Toulon to Marseille; the peak is 3,763ft.1,147m in elevation; limestone peak
- Massif des Calangues: runs along the coast between Marseille & Cassis, creating a series of deep, narrow crevices that create inlets along the coast; reaching 1,854ft/565m at its highest point; limestone peak
- Montagne Saint-Victoire: most famous mountain of Provence (Cezanne); this massif lies east of Aix-en-Provence; reaches 3,316ft/1,011m high; limestone peak
- Les Alpilles: chain of low mountains (1,270ft/381m) south of Avignon, running 15mi/24km west to east & 3mi/5km north to south
- Mont Ventoux: located 38mi/61km northeast of Avignon, climbing 6,273ft/1,912m high; vineyards belong to Rhone Valley’s Ventoux AOC; often part of the Tour de France; limestone peak
What soil types are found in Provence?
2 principal soil types:
* Calcareous limestone: hills & ranges along the western boundaries
* Crystalline or quartz-rich schist: eastern parts of the region
What vegetation of the Mediterranean basin corresponds to which of the 2 principal soil types in Provence?
- Garrigue (resinous herbs that grow upon alkaline soils): found in limestone
- Maquis (mix of resinous scrub): grows on acidic quartz-rich schist
Which grape variety was introduced to Coteaux d’Aix -en-Provence by Georges Brunet?
Cabernet Sauvignon
Brunet, owner of Bordeaux’s Chateau La Lagune, introduced this after WWII.
Rank the grape varieties grown in Provence in 1961 from widest to least.
- Carignan (39%)
- Ugni Blanc (29%)
- Clairette (13%)
- Cinsaut (11%)
-
Grenache (4%)
Other (4%)
Pre-AOC CIVP 1961
Name the white grape varieties of Provence.
- Clairette: primary or secondary grape in every Provence AOC; its plantings have diminished
- Marsanne: partners with Clairette in the white wines of Cassis
- Vermentino (Rolle): primary grape in most Provencal whites; can be used as a blending partner in Provence’s roses
Others: Semillon, Ugni Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Araignan, Colombaud, Furmint, Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc, Muscat d’Alexandrie, Pascal Blanc, Piquepoul Blanc, Terret Blanc, Blanqueiron, Chardonnay, Mayorquin & Viognier
Name the rose/gris grape varieties of Provence.
Barbaroux, Clairette Rose & Terret Gris: mostly used in the small AOC of Palette
Name the red grape varieties of Provence.
- Grenache: dominant red grape in rose blends; its thin skin & light colour are assets
- Cinsaut: adds moderate pigment, red fruit & floral notes to reds & roses
- Mourvedre: takes center stage in reds & roses of Bandol
- Braquet Noir: unique to Bellet AOC where it’s used in reds & roses
Others: Syrah, Tibouren, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Counoise, Caladoc, Brun Fourca, Castet, Durif, Muscat a Petits Grains Rouge, Muscat de Hambourg, Teoulier, Terret Noir & Fuella Nera (Folle Noire)
Rank the grape varieties currently grown in Provence from widest to least.
- Grenache (38%)
- Cinsaut (19%)
- Syrah (16%)
- Carignan (8%)
- Vermentino (5%)
- Mourvedre (5%)
- Ugni Blanc (2%)
-
Tibouren (2%)
Others (5%)
CIVP 2017
What vinetraining method is used in Provence?
- Older vines were planted & trained in the gobelet system
- Newer vines are trained in Guyot fashion: this works with trellis support & assists with mechanization
Why is mechanization important in the vineyards of Provence?
In rose production, colour management & aroma retention is vital. Mechanically harvesting at night allows producers to bring cool fruit into the winery.
What is the harvest parameter for rose wines in Provence?
Grapes for rose wines are harvested 10-14 days earlier than grapes for red wine production. Picking ripe fruit (without green notes) that still possesses vibrant acidity is pivotal to producing quality rose.
How do some winemakers layer flavour and build complexity in rose wine production in Provence?
By blending juice from 3 carefully timed harvests at the end of the growing season:
* first, earliest harvest, provides grapes with acidity
* second, later harvest yields grapes with ripe fruit aromas
* last harvest provides grapes with higher sugars for body/alcohol & structure
How much have average temperatures in Provence gone up due to climate change?
2.5°F/1.4°C
It is expected that temperatures will increase by an additional 3.6-10.8°F/2-6°C over the next 80 years.
What issue is of most concern with climate change in Provence?
Heat waves accompanied by warm or hot nights. These conditions greatly stress the vine.
During droughts, Vignerons can pull water from the Canal de Provence, if required.
What organic initiative has helped mitigate hydric stress in Provence?
Rye grass cover crops are planted, then cut as soon as the rye begins to compete with the vines for water. The cut rye is left as a mulch to prevent soil moisture from evaporating.
Where are the old cork oak forests of Provence?
Massif des Maures
What styles of wine are produced in Provence?
- Dry White
- Rose
- Red
No sparkling or sweet wine is made under current AOC rules.
How are rose wines produced in Provence?
- Direct press: traditional
- Saignee
Wines must be fermented dry.
Most AOCs mandate a blend and allow a specific percentage of white grapes to be co-fermented with the red.
What hue do roses of Provence take?
Pale pink or salmon.
What influences the colour of rose wines in Provence?
- Grapes used: Syrah & Mourvedre craft pink wines; Tibouren produces rose with a salmon hue
- Ripeness of the vintage
- Temperature of the grapes at harvest: warm grapes bleed more colour during vinification, regardless of the method used
- Winemaking method: direct press crafts pale wines; saignee results in more saturated colour
- Length of maceration: longer the maceration time, the more pigment is extracted
- Oxygen exposure: results in more orange tones
- Soil type: volcanic soils produce more orange tones
- Acidity level: Wines with lower acidity tend to be more salmon in colour; Wines with higher acidity are more pink.
What is the name of the copyrighted bottle designed by the Syndicat de Defense des Cotes de Provence (now Syndicat des Vins Cotes de Provence)?
- Flute a corset (referencing its pinched mid-section) or
- Skittle (referencing a traditional European bowling game)
It is an hourglass-shaped bottle that mirrors a bowling pin (quille)
What are the 2 distinct styles of rose according to Provence producers?
- Vins de Soif (thirst-quenching wines): light-bodied, crisp, refreshing wines intended to be enjoyed as an aperitif. These might be made with shorter maceration times (reds) and from vineyards with slightly higher yields. All generally made w/o the use of oak
- Vins de Gastronomie (gastronomic wines): deeper in colour, fuller-bodied and more structured; they are meant to be enjoyed with a meal. These might be made from more select grapes and/or free-run juice alone. They may age in oak. Red wine in this category could also be called vin de garde (wine for keeping)
Which AOCs in Provence mandate oak aging for their red wines?
- Cotes de Provence AOC Frejus
- Bandol AOC
- Palette AOC
Name the appellations of Provence.
- Cotes du Provence AOC (1977)
- Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence AOC (1985)
- Coteaux Varois en Provence AOC (1993)
- Cassis AOC (1936)
- Bandol AOC (1941)
- Les Baux de Provence AOC (1995)
- Palette AOC (1948)
- Bellet/Vin de Bellet AOC (1941)
- Pierrevert AOC (1998 as Coteaux de Pierrevert)
Which is the largest of the Provence AOCs?
Cotes du Provence AOC
- 84 communes
- 50,000ac/20,000ha
- 72% of wine production in Provence (91% was rose)
What area does Cotes du Provence AOC cover?
This appellation is made up of 5 non-contiguous vineyard areas.
Some vineyards are coastal and strongly impacted by the Mediterranean.
Others are located far inland and hallmarked by continental or alpine influences.
What soil types are found in Cotes du Provence AOC?
Soils are quite varied:
* Eastern parts: crystalline schist
* Between Frejus & Cannes: Volcanic soils
* Western parts: Limestone
* Interior valley running from Toulon to Les Arcs: Limestone & crystalline schist
What styles of wine are produced in Cotes du Provence AOC?
- Dry White: may be crafted from any authorized white grape w/ no restrictions on the blend; no set number of prescribed grapes & no blending formula
- Rose: min. 2 red grapes; 1 must be primary; primary grapes must account for the majority of the blend; made by saignee, short maceration or direct press; can contain up to 20% white grapes
- Red: same blending rules as rose; red grapes only
Which grape varieties are permitted in Cotes du Provence AOC?
White:
* [P] Clairette, Semillon, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino
Red:
* [P] Cinsaut, Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Tibouren
* [S] Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan
Name the 5 DGCs of Cotes du Provence AOC.
- Sainte-Victoire: only one able to use carbonic maceration for reds: red wines aged until August 15 of the year following harvest
- Frejus: reds must spend 6 months in oak barrels/foudres; aged until October 15 of the year following the harvest
- La Londe: red wines aged until August 15 of the year following harvest
- Notre-Dame des Anges: red wines aged until August 15 of the year following harvest
- Pierrefeu: reds are aged until October 15 of the year following the harvest
These DGCs craft reds & roses under their DGC banners. Only La Londe is permitted to make white wines under its designation.
Each DGC varies slightly regarding primary and secondary grapes used and in what combination.
What is the Cotes du Provence Crus Classes?
A Provence classification system created in 1955 to recognize the qualitative achievements of certain estates (not vineyards). It consists of only one level: Cru Classe. Originally it applied to 23 estates, but 5 are no longer making wine, so the number stands at 18 today.
Cru Classe wine can only be made from the vineyard area that was originally classified; the classification has never been revised.
Which 3 AOCs in Provence make 96% of all wine produced?
- Cotes de Provence AOC: 69% of production
- Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence AOC: 16% of production
- Coteaux Varois en Provence AOC: 11%
90% of this is rose
The remaining 4% of AOC wine production in Provence is produced by 6 AOCs.
CIVP 2019
Where is Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence AOC located?
In the western/northwestern portion of Provence, where is is heavily influenced by the Mistral.
Production is concentrated in the sedimentary basins adjacent to a succession of small ranges running parallel to the coast.
How large is Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence AOC?
It is the 2nd largest appellation in Provence.
* 49 communes
* 10,600ac/4,300ha
What styles of wine are produced in Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence AOC?
- Dry White: Vermentino dominant
- Rose: Grenache, Mourvedre and/or Syrah generally form backbone of blends, Counoise & Cinsaut are often added
- Red: same as rose
Wines require min. 2 varieties in the blend.
85% of wine production was rose (2019)
Which grape varieties are permitted in Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence AOC?
White:
* [P] Vermentino
* [S] Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Ugni Blanc, Semillon, Bourboulenc
Red:
* [P] Cinsaut, Counoise, Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah
* [S] Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Caladoc
Where is Coteaux Varois en Provence AOC located?
This appellation is tucked between the two largest parts of the Cotes de Provence AOC; DGC Sainte-Victoire lies to the west and the largest of the 5 contiguous section of Cotes de Provence lies to the east.
The region is sheltered by limestone hills and mountains.
It encompasses 28 communes.
Where are the vineyards planted in Coteaux Varois en Provence AOC?
At elevations of 1,150-1,640ft/350-500m.
What are the climatic influences in Coteaux Varois en Provence AOC?
The northern portion experiences some continental influences in addition to the Mediterranean climate.
What soil types are found in Coteaux Varois en Provence AOC?
Chalky clay
What styles of wine are produced in Coteaux Varois en Provence AOC?
- Dry White: min. 30% Vermentino, w/ Clairette & Grenache Blanc as principal blending partners
- Rose: Grenache, Cinsaut, Mourvedre and/or Syrah-dominant blends
- Red: same as rose
Which grape varieties are permitted in Coteaux Varois en Provence AOC?
White:
* [P] Vermentino, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Semillon, Ugni Blanc
Red:
* [P] Cinsaut, Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah
* [S] Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Tibouren
How do the rose wines of Coteaux Varois en Provence AOC compare to other AOCs?
They boast fresh, if not piquant, acidity with more reserved fruit character than other Provencal AOCs, due to the relatively high elevation of the vineyards.
Which appellation is the only AOC in Provence to produce more white wine than red or rose?
Cassis AOC
71% of wine produced is white
Describe the landscape of Cassis AOC.
This appellation is made up of terraced vineyards along the Mediterranean coast east of Marseille.
The vines are wedged between the sea and the Massif des Calanques, which are high, deeply creviced limestone cliffs that shelter the vineyards from the Mistral.
What styles of wine are produced in Cassis AOC?
- Dry White: 30-80% Marsanne; at least 60% must be Marsanne and/or Clairette
- Rose: Cinsaut, Grenache and/or Mourvedre-dominant; max. 20% white grapes
- Red: same red grapes as rose
Which grape varieties are permitted in Cassis AOC?
White:
* [P] Clairette, Marsanne
* [S] Bourboulenc, Pascal Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Terret Blanc, Ugni Blanc
Rose/Gris:
* [S] Barbaroux
Red:
* [P] Cinsaut, Grenache, Mourvedre
* [S] Carignan, Terret Noir
Where is Bandol AOC located?
The vineyards of this appellation are on or near the Mediterranean coast just to the west of Toulon.
Most vineyards face south, toward the sea, in the form of a natural amphitheater.
The terraces are supported by low, man-made walls of river stone called restanques.
It is one of Provence’s oldest vinegrowing regions.
What soil types are found in Bandol AOC?
Mainly pebbly limestone with pockets of sandy marls and sandstone.
What are considered to be key factors fo the quality and character of wines from Bandol AOC?
- The aridity and low fertility of the soils.
Therefore the appellation only encompasses hillside vineyards. - Late-ripening Mourvedre thrives in the long, hot growing season
- White grapes are planted on north-facing slopes to minimize heat
What styles of wine are produced in Bandol AOC?
- Dry White: majority is Clairette; Bourboulenc and/or Ugni Blanc are usual blending partners
- Rose: based on Mourvedre (max. 95%), Grenache & Cinsaut usually complete the blend
- Red: same grapes as rose; min. 18 months in oak; they will evolve for 10 years before peaking and need min. 3 years of bottle aging to be fully appreciated
Nearly 75% of production is rose & red.
White production is declining.
All grapes must be hand harvested.
Which grape varieties are permitted in Bandol AOC?
White:
* [P] Clairette, Bourboulenc, Ugni Blanc
* [S] Sauvignon Blanc, Marsanne, Semillon, Vermentino
Red:
* [P] Cinsaut, Grenache, Mourvedre
* [S] Carignan, Syrah
Where is Les Baux de Provence AOC located?
This appellation is south of Avignon and overlays the northwest of Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence AOC.
The vineyards surround the village of Les Baux-de-Provence, a 13th century fortification perched on a rocky plateau in the Alpilles Mountains about 800ft/240m above sea level.
Where does Les Baux de Provence AOC get its name?
In Provencal, a Baou is a rocky outcrop. This references the town’s location perched on a rocky plateau.
The limestone hills are rich in Bauxite, a mineral that was named after the village.
How is it that Les Baux de Provence AOC is a stronghold of organic and biodynamic viticulture in Provence?
Les Vignerons des Baux-de-Provence report that 100% of the surface is farmed:
* organically
* biodynamically or
* using lutte raisonnee
What styles of wine are produced in Les Baux de Provence AOC?
- Dry White: must be aged until April 1
- Rose: Grenache, Syrah and/or Cinsaut
- Red: primarily Grenache, Syrah and/or Mourvedre; aged until September 15 of year following harvest; oak aging not mandated
All wines are blends of at least 2 primary varieties.
Over 90% of production is red or rose, evenly split.
Which grape varieties are permitted in Les Baux de Provence AOC?
White:
* [P] Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Vermentino
* [S] Roussanne, Bourboulenc, Marsanne, Ugni Blanc
Red:
* [P] Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Cinsaut
* [S] Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Counoise
Which is the smallest appellation in Provence?
Palette AOC
- 118ac/48ha
- handful of producers
Where is Palette AOC located?
The vineyards of this appellation are located on both sides of the Arc River, just east of Aix-en-Provence.
Which is the most famous producer in Palette AOC?
Chateau Simone
Responsible for about half of the this AOC’s total prodcution.
What styles of wine are produced in Palette AOC?
- Dry White: min. 55% primary varieties; cannot be released until after April 1 of the year following harvest
- Rose: must comprise a majority of primary varieties; Mourvedre must be included; max. 80% of any single variety; same aging as white
- Red: same blending rules as rose; cannot be released until April 1 of the second year after harvest; min. 18 months in oak
All grapes must be hand harvested and sorted.
Produces 40% red, 40% white, 20% rose
Which grape varieties are permitted Palette AOC?
White:
* [P] Clairette, Bourboulenc, Araignan
* [S] Colombaud, Furmint, Grenache Blanc, Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc, Muscat d’Alexandrie, Pascal Blanc, Piquepoul Blanc, Ugni Blanc
Rose/Gris:
* [P] Clairette Rose
* [S] Terret Gris
Red:
* [P] Cinsaut, Grenache, Mourvedre
* [S] Brun Fourca, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Syrah, Tibouren, Castet, Durif, Muscat a Petits Grains Rouge, Muscat a Hambourg, Teoulier
What is Vin Cuit?
A local specialty of Palette that is not commercially produced.
It is made by cooking grape must for 10 hours over an open fire. This concentrates the sugars to a very high level. Fermentation of this concentrated must takes place in a barrel and proceeds slowly over the course of an entire year.
The wine is typically made with Grenache Noir, but white varieties can also be used.
It is meant to be consumed with family and friends on Christmas Eve with a lavish meal featuring 13 different desserts.
The name translates to cooked wine.
Which appellation is the only one in Provence that permits the use of Chardonnay?
Bellet AOC
Interestingly, this AOC does not permit any Bordeaux grape varieties.
Where is Bellet AOC located?
The terraced vineyards of this appellation surround Nice and flank the Var River at elevations of 660-990ft/200-300m.
- 123ac/50ha
- 9 commercial wineries (2020)
What styles of wine are produced in Bellet AOC?
- Dry White: Vementino is dominant by far; often blended with Chardonnay an/or Clairette
- Rose: can be made from Braquet Noir, Fuella Nera, Grenache, Cinsaut & white varieties (most are 100% Braquet Noir)
- Red: Braquet Noir & Fuella Nera; Grenache commonly completes the blend
Produced in equal proportion.
Which grape varieties are permitted in Bellet AOC?
White:
* [P] Vermentino
* [S] Clairette, Bourboulenc, Blanqueiron, Chardonnay, Mayorquin, Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc, Ugni Blanc
Red:
* [P] Braquet Noir, Fuella Nera
* [S] Cinsaut, Grenache
Where is Pierrevert AOC located?
This appellation is in the northernmost section of Provence at an average elevation of 1,500ft/450m.
There are strong alpine influences and the diurnal temperature swings are the greatest in the region.
What styles of wine are produced in Pierrevert AOC?
- Dry White: must contain Grenache Blanc or Vermentino
- Rose: dominated by Cinsaut, Grenache and/or Syrah
- Red: most often Grenach & Syrah
These wines are more similar in style to the wines of the Rhone Valley and permitted grape varieties generally mirror those found there.
Which grape varieties are permitted for Pierrevert AOC?
White:
* [P] Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Piquepoul, Roussanne, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino, Viognier
Red:
* [P] Grenache, Syrah, Cinsaut
* [S] Carignan, Mourvedre, Teoulier
Which is the most significant IGP in Provence?
The multiregional Mediterranee IGP shared with the Rhone Valley & Corsica.
Fruit from these 3 areas can be combined to produce sun-drenched reds, whites & roses.
