Provence Pt 3 - Grape varieties, Viticulture.

Question 1

What were the top three grape varieties historically planted in Provence?

Answer 1

Clairette, Ugni Blanc and Carignan.

Question 2

What are the top three grape varieties now planted in Provence?

Answer 2

Grenache, Syrah and Cinsaut.

Question 3

What are the % plantings for the top four grapes in Provence?

Answer 3

Grenache - 38%;
Cinsaut - 19%;
Syrah - 16%;
Carignan - 8%.

Question 4

What are the thre main white varities in Provence?

Answer 4

Clairette; Marsanne; Vermentino.

Question 5

What is the synonym for Vermentino in Provence?

Answer 5

Rolle

Question 6

Where is Clairette used in Provence?

Answer 6

It is a primary or secondary grape in all AOC including Cassis. Plantings have diminished since the 1960’s.

Question 7

Where is Marsanne used in Provence?

Answer 7

It partners with Clairette in the white wines of Cassis.

Question 8

Where is Vermentino used in Provence?

Answer 8

It is a primary grape in the majority of AOC whites. Can also be used as ablending partner in Rose wines.

Question 9

Which three Rose/Gris grapes are authorised in Provence?

Answer 9

Barbaroux, Clairette Rose and Terret Gris mostly in Palette.

Question 10

What are the main red grapes authorised in Provence?

Answer 10

Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsaut, Braquet

Question 11

What other red grapes are authorised in Provence?

Answer 11

Syrah, Cab.Sauv. Carignan, Tibouren, Counoise among others.

Question 12

What is the dominant grape in Provence Rose wines?

Answer 12

Grenache.

Question 13

Why is Grenache used in Provence Roses?

Answer 13

Its thin skin and light colour are assets.

Question 14

What does Cinsaut add to the wines of Provence?

Answer 14

Moderate pigment, red fruit and floral notes in both red and rose wines.

Question 15

Where is Mourvedre the main grape in use in reds and roses in Provence?

Answer 15

Bandol.

Question 16

Where is Braquet Noir used in Provence wines?

Answer 16

Uniquely in Bellet in red and roses.

Question 17

How are vines trained in Provence?

Answer 17

Older vines on gobelet and newer vines on Guyot. The latter allows for machine harvesting.

Question 18

What is the most vital aspect of rose production in Provence? How is it achieved in the vineyard?

Answer 18

Colour management and aroma retention. Harvetsing at night in cooler temperatures brings cool fruit to the winery with lower oxidisation risk.

Question 19

Why are rose production parameters similar to white wine production?

Answer 19

The protection of acidity is sought in both. Crafting a fresh wine is paramount.

Question 20

When are grapes for rose picked in Provence?

Answer 20

10-14 days earlier than those for red wine. Fruit must be ripe (without green notes) but retain vibrant acidity.

Question 21

How might a winemaker create complexity and layer flavour in rose in Provence?

Answer 21

By blending juice from three separate timed harvests:
First - acidity;
Second - ripe fruit aromas;
Third - Higher sugar for ABV, body and structure.

Question 22

What is Centre du Rose focussing on at present?

Answer 22

Climate change.

Question 23

Is irrigation allowed in Provence?

Answer 23

Yes if there is a shortfall of rain.

Question 24

What issues are asociated with climate change in Provence?

Answer 24

Heatwaves accompanied by warm or hot nights which stress the vine even if there is sufficient moisture in the ground.

Question 25

What initiatives are being taken in Provence to mitigate the hydric stress?

Answer 25

Organic farming such as cover criops which are cut when competing with the vines for water. Thye are then left as mulch to prevent moisture loss.

Question 26

What forestry initiatives are being taken in Provence?

Answer 26

Restoring the cork forests and agro- forestry by planting single rows of trees in vineyards for shading.