Provence Flashcards
What are the 5 major red varieties of Provence?
Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvedre, Tibouren
What are the 4 major white varieties of Provence?
Clairette, Ugni Blanc, Semillon, Vermentino
What major geographical features influence Provence?
Mount Ventoux provides slight rainshadow
Alps to the NE provide alpine influence
Mediterranean Sea provides mediterranean climate
What 3 coastal cities bookend Provence?
Marsailles (SW), Toulon (SC), & Nice (SE)
What is Provence’s climate?
True mediterranean with cool, dry winters, hot summers, & low overall humidity
What are Provence’s soils?
True mosaic with primarily limestone & clay
Where do grapes tend to be planted in Provence?
On hillsides and slopes to get ideal aspect.
How does rosé express itself in Provence?
Most red grapes are grown for rosé & harvested early to retain acid; they’re made into pale pink, light bodied wines through direct press.
How do white wines express themselves in Provence?
Whites are fermented & aged in stainless steel, with some producers using neutral oak for richness. Malolactic conversion is a possibility.
How do reds express themselves in Provence?
Full bodied, extracted, with new & used french oak influence
Briefly describe the wine history of Provence
600 CE: First evidence of viticulture,
1200 CE: peak of church control over vines
1936: Cassis was first Provence AOP
What rules govern Côtes de Provence?
Reds, whites, & rosés from allowed grapes
5 lieu-dits: pierrefeu, sainte-victoire, notre dame des anges, la londe, fréjus.
Where is Bandol located? What rules govern its wine?
Which big 3 producers should you know?
On the coast, W of Toulon
Whites based on Clairette,
Reds & rosés based on Mourvedre
Dmn Tempier
Chateau Pradeaux
Chateau de Piberon
Where is Les-Baux-de-Provence located? What rules govern its wine? What’s it known for? What big producer from here should you know?
Provence’s inland western extremity
Whites based on Clairette
Reds & Rosés based on GSM
Known for mandating organic viticulture
Domaine de trévallon
Where is Coteaux-d’aix-en-Provence? What rules govern its winemaking?
East of Baux & extending South to the coast.
Whites based on vermentino
Reds & rosés based on GSM
