Provence Pt 3 - Grape varieties, Viticulture. Flashcards
What were the top three grape varieties historically planted in Provence?
Clairette, Ugni Blanc and Carignan.
What are the top three grape varieties now planted in Provence?
Grenache, Syrah and Cinsaut.
What are the % plantings for the top four grapes in Provence?
Grenache - 38%;
Cinsaut - 19%;
Syrah - 16%;
Carignan - 8%.
What are the thre main white varities in Provence?
Clairette; Marsanne; Vermentino.
What is the synonym for Vermentino in Provence?
Rolle
Where is Clairette used in Provence?
It is a primary or secondary grape in all AOC including Cassis. Plantings have diminished since the 1960’s.
Where is Marsanne used in Provence?
It partners with Clairette in the white wines of Cassis.
Where is Vermentino used in Provence?
It is a primary grape in the majority of AOC whites. Can also be used as ablending partner in Rose wines.
Which three Rose/Gris grapes are authorised in Provence?
Barbaroux, Clairette Rose and Terret Gris mostly in Palette.
What are the main red grapes authorised in Provence?
Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsaut, Braquet
What other red grapes are authorised in Provence?
Syrah, Cab.Sauv. Carignan, Tibouren, Counoise among others.
What is the dominant grape in Provence Rose wines?
Grenache.
Why is Grenache used in Provence Roses?
Its thin skin and light colour are assets.
What does Cinsaut add to the wines of Provence?
Moderate pigment, red fruit and floral notes in both red and rose wines.
Where is Mourvedre the main grape in use in reds and roses in Provence?
Bandol.
Where is Braquet Noir used in Provence wines?
Uniquely in Bellet in red and roses.
How are vines trained in Provence?
Older vines on gobelet and newer vines on Guyot. The latter allows for machine harvesting.
What is the most vital aspect of rose production in Provence? How is it achieved in the vineyard?
Colour management and aroma retention. Harvetsing at night in cooler temperatures brings cool fruit to the winery with lower oxidisation risk.
Why are rose production parameters similar to white wine production?
The protection of acidity is sought in both. Crafting a fresh wine is paramount.
When are grapes for rose picked in Provence?
10-14 days earlier than those for red wine. Fruit must be ripe (without green notes) but retain vibrant acidity.
How might a winemaker create complexity and layer flavour in rose in Provence?
By blending juice from three separate timed harvests:
First - acidity;
Second - ripe fruit aromas;
Third - Higher sugar for ABV, body and structure.
What is Centre du Rose focussing on at present?
Climate change.
Is irrigation allowed in Provence?
Yes if there is a shortfall of rain.
What issues are asociated with climate change in Provence?
Heatwaves accompanied by warm or hot nights which stress the vine even if there is sufficient moisture in the ground.
What initiatives are being taken in Provence to mitigate the hydric stress?
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.
What forestry initiatives are being taken in Provence?
Restoring the cork forests and agro- forestry by planting single rows of trees in vineyards for shading.
