Provence Pt 1 - General, Viticulture History, Location, Climate Flashcards
Which Rhone Valley area population consider themselves a part of Provence?
Lirac, Tavel, Chateauneuf, Gigondas, Luberon and Ventoux even though they are appellations of the Rhone.
Why is the Provence viticulture region different to the cultural region?
The wine producing region is smaller than those areas which consider themselves part of Provence by virtue of their landscape, cuisine, culture.
Where does the Provencal wine region lie?
Within the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur administrative region but does not fill it.
What factors must the vineyards compete with in Provence?
Urbanisation;
Coservation of forests laws; these make it difficult for vineyards to expand.
What makes Provence unique among French and world wine regions?
It is the only one to focus primarily on Rose wine. It is its legacy and its future?
How long has Provence been pefecting the craft of making rose wines?
Around 2,600 years.
What is the Rose research centre in Provence called?
Centre du Rose. It is the only one in the world to focus on Rose wine.
Why is Rose so important in Provence?
90% of its total production is Rose and worldwide growth in consumption makes it a wise investment.
What are producers now doing with Rose wines in Provence?
Thye are hoping ocnsumeres will move beyond the super-fresh roses and and towards more elegant , gastronomic and spphisticated wines.
What is “Grand Rose” and “rose a conservir”?
These are wines which will improve with ageing.
Why is there a growing number of DGCs in Provence?
Rose can express terroir so nuanced wines which express a place (terroir) are being produced.
What product are Provence winemakers hoping to get permission to make?
Sparkling Rose.
Who brought wine culture to Provence in 6th Century BCE?
The Phocaeans who founded Massalia. Their alliance with Rome gave them access to trade their lighty coloured wine with the Roman Empire.
How was the wine industry of Provence affected by the decline of the Roman Empire?
There were a series of invaders who brought their own grapes and methods. However the commercial wine industry ceased to exist.
Who took over viticulture during the chaos of the Middle Ages?
The church and monasteries.
What made Provence wines more prestigous in the 14th and 15th Century?
Nobility and military leaders acquired and managed vineyards. The wines became associated with aristocracy.
When did Provence officially become part of France?
In late 14th Cntury. The region slipped into agricultural slumber.
How did Phylloxera and the railways impact Provence vineyards?
Vineyards were devastated. High volume vines were replanted to meet growing volumes for the tourists brought by the new railways to the region.
How did wine production change in Provence in the 1930’s?
The older vnes were replanted with vines which would produce quality fruit rather than quantity.
When did Provence receive its first AOC status?
In 1936 for Cassis followed in 1941 by Bandol and Bellet and Palette in 1948. These AOCs produced only a small % of the total region wine.
Why might the wines of Provence not have received the same respect as other regions wines?
It might be due to the later elevation of their major production zones to AOC status in the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s.
Where is Provence wine region located?
SE France. It is bordered by the Med. to the South, Italy to the East, and Languedpc and the Rhone River to the west.
How larger is Provence wine region?
150-200 miles wide.
100 miles North - south
What is the climate of Provence?
Predominantly Mediterranean with some continental or alpine influence on inland elevations.
How much sunshine and rain does Provence get per annum?
Between 2700-3000 hours p.a. of sunshine. Summers are generally dry and hot.
Rain averages 600-900 mm p.a. and is mostly winter dominant.
How is the heat mitigated in Provence?
By sea breezes on the coastal areas. Temperatures are less balmy and nghts are cooler. The Mistral winds also blow through Provence bringing cool air.
Who is Frederic Mistral?
A Provencal poet who championed Provencal folk and art. Awarded Nobel prize for literature and Legion d’Honneur.
