Provence Flashcards
What is the oldest winemaking region on mainland France?
Provence 6th c BC
What style of rose making is used in Provence?
Direct press
When did Provence officially become part of France?
Late 1400s
Why did Provence growers replant?
Phylloxera late 1800s
What region received the 1st AOC in Provence?
Cassis 1936
When was Côtes de Provence upgraded to AOC status?
1977
What is the northern most Provence sub region?
Coteaux de Pierrevert
Where is the most mountainous area of Provence?
East
What region is cuturally part of Provence, but geographically part of the Rhône Valley?
Ventoux AOC
What are Les Alpilles?
A chain of low mountains south of Avignon
What AOC is located on the north and south slopes of Les Alpilles?
Les Baux de Provence AOC
What is Sainte-Victoire?
Mountain in Cote de Provence AOC, blocks mistral and creates sun trap
What is Sainte Baume?
Mtn range stretching from Toulon to Marseille
What is the Hercynian Trend?
An ancient line of crustal deformation, created landscapes of Corbieres, La Clape, Frontignan, Corsica, and Provencal massifs
What are the principal soils of Provence?
Crystalline schist, limestone and clay
Soils of N and W Provence?
Limestone and clay
Soils of E Provence?
Crystalline schist
Soils of interior valleys of Provence?
Where limestone, clay and crystalline schist meet
Where in Provence will you find a small pocket of volcanic porphyry?
Growing area of Fréjus
What soils does garrigue prefer?
Limestone
What is maquis?
Woody coastal scrub vegetation, with some herbs
What soil does maquis prefer?
Crystalline schist
What are the 2 general seasons of Provence?
Mild, wet winter, dry hot summer
How many sunshine hours does Provence receive?
Nearly 3,000 per year
How does the mistral affect Provence?
Blows upward of 60 mph, 150 day/year. Chases away humidity
What is Via Domitia?
Roman road through Provence, connecting Italy to Spain
White indigenous Provençal grapes?
Blanqueiron, Pascal, Picardin