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

Why is Mourvèdre successful in Bandol AOC?

Answer 7

Late-rippening mouvedre thrives in long, hot, costal mediterranean growing seasons

Question 7

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

Answer 7

Sainte-Victoire, Frejus, La Londe, Notre Dame des Anges, Pierrefeu

Question 8

Define “maquis”

Answer 8

A mix of resinous herbs that grow on schist soils

Question 9

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

Answer 9

Cotes de provence AOC

Question 10

Define “vins de soif”

Answer 10

Thirs quentiong refreshing wines that are intended to be enjoyed as an apertif

Question 11

Define “vins de gastronomie”

Answer 11

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

Question 12

What Provence AOC is known for organic and biodynamic viticulture?

Answer 12

Les Baux de Provence AOC

Question 13

Define “flûte à corset”

Answer 13

The traditional hourglass bottle shape of provencal rose

Question 14

Define “baou”

Answer 14

provencal term for a rocky outcrop

Question 14

Define “vin cuit”

Answer 14

Reduced grape must by cooking a tradition in the palette AOC

Question 15

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

Answer 15

Massif des Maures

Question 16

Define “restanques”

Answer 16

terraced stone walls in vineyards in bandol

Question 17

What percentage of Provence’s wine production is rosé?

Answer 17

90%

Question 18

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

Answer 18

The focus is on retention of acidity

Question 19

Which AOCs mandate hand harvesting?

Answer 19

Bandol and Palette

Question 20

What is Provence’s smallest AOC by size?

Answer 20

Palette AOC

Question 21

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

Answer 21

Braquet Noir and Fuella Nera

Question 22

What is the cornerstone of the Bandol red blend?

Answer 22

Mourvedre

Question 23

What are the dominant white grapes in the Cassis AOC?