South Of France Flashcards
What is the climate in Southern France?
Warm Mediterranean
Describe the warm Mediterranean climate experienced in Southern France?
Mild winters
Low rainfall during the growing season
What areas are particularly suitable for quality viticulture in Southern France and why?
The foothills of the mountains.
Noticeably cooler.
Less fertile soils.
Well drained.
Name two cool, dry winds that are common in Southern France and describe their location.
Tramontane: From the north west between the Pyrenees and the Massif Central
Mistral: From the north, down through the Rhone Valley.
Which two climate-related risks are associated with Southern France?
Drought
Summer floods
Which locally important red grape variety is well adapted to the dry summer climate in Southern France?
Grenache
Which locally important red grape variety performs better in cooler sites in Southern France?
Syrah
Which red grape variety is widely grown and has high tannins, acidity, colour, enormous yields but lacks fruit in Southern France?
Carignan
Which red grape variety is often used in Southern France, like the Rhône Valley, for the production of rosé wines?
Cinsault
Which red grape variety can ripen successfully only in the warmest sites and adds richness, colour and complexity (meaty, gamey flavours) to blends in Southern France?
Mourvèdre
Which two international red grape varieties can be used in the production of IGP wines in South France?
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Which two international white grape varieties dominate Southern France and are used in IGP wines?
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Which white Southern France grape variety is used to create wines with refreshing high acidity with green fruit and citrus flavours?
Picpoul
Used in Picpoul de Pinet
What is the generic appellation in Southern France that covers all the other appellations in Languedoc and Roussillon?
Languedoc AOC
Languedoc and Roussillon can be thought of as having two general types of geography. What are they?
Coastal Plains
Mountain Foothills