Rhone Valley/Southern France Flashcards
What is the name of the wind that blows through the gap between the Pyrenees and the Massif Central?
The Tramontane
What is the IGP term for wines whose grapes are grown anywhere in the Languedoc-Roussillon départements?
Pays d’Oc
Which appellation contains the AC Boutenac within its boundaries?
Corbières
Which appellation contains the AC La Liviniere within its boundaries?
Minervois
Which appellation contains the departements of Aude, Herault and Gard?
Languedoc
Which is most northerly of Southern France’s appellations?
Minervois
Which white grape is used to make the premium wines of Limoux?
Chardonnay
Which red grape variety is grown in the South of France only in the warmest sites where is can ripen successfully?
Mourvedre
Where is Fitou AC?
Languedoc-Roussillon
Describe the main characteristics of Condrieu
Grape: Viognier - Low -yielding, late-ripening, full bodied, often low acidity and med-high alcohol. Offers sweet fruit aromas (peach, apricot, quince) and aromatic floral (blossom, orange blossom, honeysuckle) and perfumed notes
What is unique about Hermitage?
Steep slopes composed of granite, poor soil leading to deep roots, well-drained so there is less water uptake, lower yields and concentrated fruits
Describe Grenache
low tannin/color, high alcohol, flavors of red fruits (strawberry which can be jammy) sweet spices (clove), and pungent spices(white pepper)
Describe Syrah
Full bodied, high tannin/ color, medium acidity, flavors of black fruits (black berry, black current) and pungent spices (black pepper, licorice)
Describe Mourvedre
Full-bodied, deep color/tannin, aromas of red fruit (will strawberry) and palate of bitter red fruits (redcurrent and raspberries) and develops distinct aged character (meath, leather, game, musk)
Why is Cotes-du-Rhone often very inexpensive?
High yields, lesser quality / higher yielding grapes such as Cinsault and Carignan used for frequently. Often Carbonic maceration used
