South of France

Question 1

Describe the climate in the South of France.

Answer 1

warm Mediterranean, some threat of drought; variety of soils and altitudes; mistral and tramontane winds

Question 2

What are the key grape varieties in the South of France?

Answer 2

Black: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Carignan

International: Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon

White: Clairette (Languedoc), Grenache Blanc, Maccabeu (Roussillon), Mauzac (Limoux), Muscat, Picpoul (Pinet), Rolle (Provence), Viognier

International: Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc

Question 3

How are Languedoc and Roussillon divided?

Answer 3

Languedoc consists of the departements of Aude, Herault and Gard, while Roussillon is the department Pyrenees-Orientales

Question 4

What does the Languedoc appellation cover?

Answer 4

Everything from the Spanish border to Nimes, including Roussillon, Cotes de Roussillon, Fitou, Picpoul de Pinet, Corbieres and Minervois

Question 5

What are the most important appellations in Provence?

Answer 5

Cotes du Provence is the generic app, within which lie 3 smaller AOCs, the most important of which is Bandol, producing rose from Mourvedre.