South of France Flashcards
1
Q
What are the three areas covered in WSET under SOuth of France?
A
LAnguedoc, Roussillon and Provence
2
Q
What are the two parts of the former administrative region of Languedoc-Roussillon that since 2016 has been part of the Occitainie admistrative region?
A
Languedoc = departments of Aude, Herault and Gard
Roussillon - Department of Pyrenees-Orientales
3
Q
How many ha under vine does Languedoc-Roussillon have?
A
240,000 (220,000 are in Languedoc)
more than the individual countries of Chile, Australia, or South Africa
4
Q
What is a common feature for Provence, Languedoc and Roussillon?
A
low yields for AOC wines due to low rainfall and a warm windy climate causing high rates of evapotranspiration
5
Q
Which region had the lowest yields of all French regions (roughly 1/2 of Champagne or Alsace) between 2005-2015
A
Languedoc-Roussillon
6
Q
Where is the Languedoc located?
A
mainly located on a low lying alluvial plain however recently more ambitious growers are reclaiming vineyards on hillside slopes with the intention of creating higher quality wines
7
Q
What is the climate of Languedoc?
A
Mediterranean
8
Q
What are the grape varieties found in Languedoc?
A
local varieties (Piquepoul) and those found in the south of France including in Rhone Valley (Syrah, Grenache Noir and Carignan)
9
Q
What is produced as a large vol in Languedoc?
A
IGP level wines especially those produced from and labelled as single varieties
10
Q
What is some historical facts of Languedoc?
A
it was both Greek and Roman colony, as well as the site of many monasteries in the middle ages.
11
Q
What transformed Languadoc’s fortunes in the late 17th Century
A
the building of the Canal du Midi which connected it to Bordeaux enabling wines to be efficiently transported to export markets and to Paris making grape growing an important part of the region’s economy
12
Q
When did co-operatives become important in Languedoc
A
in the 1950s when they accounted for 90% of the total production (today they account for 70% of production)
13
Q
What happened post 1973 when France no longer sourced wine from Algeria?
A
Languedoc and Roussillon together became the largest source of everyday wine in France
14
Q
What led to the removal of vineyards in Languedoc?
A
overproduction in relation to demand
15
Q
Describe the climate in Languedoc?
A
Mediterranean with high levels of sunshine, rainfall below 600 mm a year, and very warm summers
very favorable for grape growing
16
Q
What helps to keep spraying at minimum in Languedoc?
A
low moisture levels, cool dry Tramontane north west wind that blows for about 200 days per year means there is low disease pressure from fungal disease
17
Q
How is certified organic wine production possible in Languedoc?
A
due to the climate helping to not have the need for spraying
18
Q
What type of grape varieties are grown in Langedoc?
A
most are black - top varieties are Carignan, Syrah, Grenache Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cinsault
19
Q
What is the advantage of Carignan budding late and ripening late?
A
avoids spring frosts, but needs to be grown in a warm climate with a long ripening season
20
Q
What kind of yields does Carignan produce>
A
it can produce high yields (200 hl/ha) which made it popular in the past when the vol of production was the most sought after characteristic
21
Q
What happens if Carignan is allowed to produce at its potential yield?
A
there is low flavor intensity
22
Q
What has to happen in order to have Carignan produce wines of high concentration
A
yields need to be sharply reduced - which happens naturally when vines become old (50 yrs or more)
23
Q
What is Carignan prone to?
A
powdery mildew and grape moths
24
Q
Is Carignan typically hand or machine harvested? why?
A
not machine-harvested due to the bunches being firmly attached to the vine
25
What are Carignan grapes high in?
tannins and acidity
26
How do winemakers soften tannins and acidity in Carignan wines?
carbonic maceration or by blending with other varieties
27
General SAT for Carignan wines in Languedoc
(besides from very old vines unoaked)
med ruby
simple blackberry fruit
high acidity
high tannins
acceptable to good
inexpensive
Some very good or outstanding quality have intense black fruit with spice, earthy notes and can attract premium and super premium prices
28
Historically how were vines grown in Languedoc? why?
bush vines and some still remain - well adapted to the climate providing some shade to the bunches
29
Historically how were vines grown in Languedoc? why?
bush vines and some still remain - well adapted to the climate providing some shade to the bunches, but work must be done by hand
30
HOw have many new vineyards been planted in recent decades in Languedoc?
with trellises enabling a high degree of mechanization reducing costs
31
HOw are IGP wines harvested in LAnguedoc? AOC wines?
IGP wines = machine
AOC = can also be machine harvested where the topography allows
32
For inexpensive wines on Languedoc where is winemaking carried out?
in large concrete or stainless steel tanks
33
What kind of yeasts are used for Languedoc wines?
cultured yeasts to ensure rapid and complete fermentation and a consistent style
34
How are most inexpensive red wines made in Languedoc?
by crushing the grapes and fermenting them on their skins for 5-7 days to limit the extraction of tannins
35
What temperatures are used for fermentation in Languedoc wines?
mid range temps to preserve primary flavors
36
How long and where are the wines stored after fermentation in Languedoc?
for a few months in stainless steel or concrete tanks
37
Are Languedoc wines made to age or be drank early?
they are made for early drinking but they will hold for 2-3 years
38
How is carbonic maceration used in Languedoc?
to produce fruity wines with med to deep color and low tannins esp with tannic varietals such as Carignan
39
What type of temperature is used for fermentation in LAnguedoc?
mid range temps to preserve primary flavors
40
What types of vessels are used to store wines in Languedoc and for how long?
stainless steel or concrete tanks are used for a few months of storage
41
Are Languedoc wines made for aging or early drinking?
the vast majority of them are made for early drinking however some high quality ones are made for aging as well.
42
What are some differences found in Languedoc with how high quality wines are made
more use of sorting tables, fermentation at warm temperatures, more use of ambient yeasts, and of barriques for the maturation of the wines. some experimentation is being done with concrete tanks and eggs and large-format oak vats
these wines are meant to age in the bottle
43
How much of the production of Languedoc wines do IGP wines represent?
70%
44
what are the regulations for IGP Languedoc?
more flexible than AOC
max yields are 90 hl/ha for red and white
max yields are 100 hl/ha for rose
wide range of varieties total of 58 may be used
45
What has been the root of Languedoc's commercial success over the last three decaded?
IGP category due to attractive inexpensive price brand
46
What are the 3 forms of IGP in France
Regional = for the whole Languedoc-Roussillon region
Departmental = IGP Gard - Gard being a French admin depart
Smaller unit named after a historical or geographical feature
47
What is the largest producer of IGP wines in France?
IGP Pays D'Oc - this single IGP produces between 10-15% of all French wine depending on the vintage
48
How are IGP wines divided up by color?
just over half are red
a over quarter white
and just under a quarter rose
49
Describe a typical IGP wine In France?
fresh, fruity expression of the variety being used with little or no use of oak for maturing the wine.
good to very good in quality
inexpensive to midpriced
50
What are the top 4 varieties grown and mainly used for single variety wines in IGP wines of France?
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Syrah
51
What are the top seven varieties grown by percentage in Vol of IGP in France
Merlot = 21%
Cab Sauv = 14%
Chardonnay = 12%
Syrah = 11%
Grenache Noir - 8%
Sauvignon Blanc = 7%
Cinsault = 6%
other varieties = 21%
52
How much of othe production of IGP Pays d'Oc sold
in France mostly in supermarkets but hospitality sales are also significant
53
What are the top three export markets for IGP Pays d'Oc
Germany, Netherlands and belgium
54
How much red wines account for production in all appellations in South of France except for the white wine-only appellations?
90%
55
In all cases what do Languedoc AOCs for red wine require for varieties?
min of two varieties including one or more of the principal varieties
56
What two appellations are the exception to Languedoc's rule of requiring the use of Grenache Noir?
Cabardes AOC and Malepere AOC
57
What other two varieties besides grenache Noir, do most Languedoc AOC require to be part of the blend?
Syrah, and Mourvedre
58
What is the principal grape varietal in Cabardes AOC and Malepere AOC
Carignan
59
Can rules for sub zones be different to the parent appellations in South of France?
yes
60
Can different percentages be set for varieties in the vineyard and in the final wine in South of France?
Yes - the AOC might require 50% of the variety in the vineyard but only 40% of the same variety in the final wine allowing producers some flexibility
61
What can unused grapes in South of France be used for?
other wines (ex rose), IGP wines, or made as Vin de France
62
What are typical max yields for South of France?
45-50 l/ha
63
What are the max yields for Languedoc AOC?
reds = 50 hl/ha
whites = 60 hl/ha
64
What are the three groupings of the Languedoc in terms of style, price, and quality
Regional appellation (ex Languedoc AOC)
Named Appellation (Corbieres AOC)
sub appellation (Corbieres-Boutenac AOC)
65
Describe Rsgional appellation for Languedoc?
wines typically have medium intensity in aroma and flavor, simple blackberry, and red plum fruit, with med tannins, acidity, alcohol and body
acceptable to good
inexpensive to mid priced
66
Describe named appellations for Languedoc?
typically have med to med + intensity in aroma and flavor with blackberry and red plum fruit with herb notes (lavender and rosemary)
med tannins
med to med+ acidity
med to high alcohol
med + to full body
minority of wines have oak aromas
good to very good with some outstanding examples
inexpensive to premium priced wines
67
Describe sub appellations
typically have med + to pronounced aromas and flavors and med+ tannins
very good quality with some outstanding examples
mostly mid priced with some premium examples
68
What is the fourth largest appellation in france?
Corbieres
69
Where is Corbieres appellation found?
hilly appellation in southwest of Narbonne
70
How many ha does Corbieres have?
over 10,000
71
What are the two key mountain ranges in Corbieres that provide sites for vineyards?
Tauch and D'Alaric
72
How high are the slopes of Tauch and D'Alaric in Corbieres
up to 450m
73
How do the Tauch and D'Alaric mountains help grapes?
the cooling influence of altitude and cold northernly winds helps to retain acidity in grapes.
74
How much red wine by volume is produced in Corbieres?
nearly 90%
75
What does the final wine in Corbieres need to be made up of?
at least 40% must be any of the principal grape varietals - Carignan, Grenache Noir, Mourvedre, and Syrah with the remainder being from other permitted grape varieties including Cinsault (max 20%)
76
what are the max yields in Corbieres
for red, white and rose = 50 hl/ha
77
What varietals does the subregion of Corbieres Boutenac AOC require?
Carignan, Grenache Noir, and Mourvedre to make up 70% of the blend.
78
How much of Corbieres wines are sold domestically?
70%
79
What markets in France are Corbieires wines sold?
supermarkets
80
How much of Corbieres wines are exported? and what are the leading export markets?
30% - China, Germany, Belgium
81
What varietals are used to make rose and white wines in Corbieres AOC?
Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, or Rolle (Vermentino)
82
Describe Minervois AOC
extensive appellation with a range of climatic zones based on altitude and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea
83
Whay style wines are found in Minervois AOC?
mostly reds, but also rose and whites
84
What are most red and rose wines made from in Minervois AOC?
Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Mourvedre - together with these and Cinsault and Carignan must be 50% of the final blend with no blend exceeding 80%
85
What styles of wines are found in Minervois La Liviniere AOC?
red wine only
86
Where is Minervois La Liviniere AOC situated?
limestone terrace of gentle slopes at up to 400 m of altitude giving it good drainage exposure to the sun and some cooling influences from altitude
87
What do the cooling temperatures in Minervois La Liviniere AOC lead to?
higher acidity levels
88
describe what the make up of the wines is in Minervois La Liviniere AOC?
Syrah, Mourvedre and Grenache Noir must make up at least 40 % and these plus Carignan and CInsault must make up at least 80% of the blend
89
Where is Saint-Chinian AOC loacted
large appellation between Minervois and Faugeres
90
What types of wines are produced in Saint Chinian AOC?
main red and roses from blends
91
What do Saint Chinian AOC wines need to be made of?
prinicpally Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvedre min 50% of the blend
92
What are the two areas within the appellation of Saint Chinian AOC?
northern zone
southern area
93
Describe the northern zone in Saint Chinian AOC
arid fast-draining schist soils resulting in low yields and wines of higher concentration. 2 subzones within this sector - Saint Chinian Roquebrun AOC and Saint Chinian Berlou AOC
94
Describe the southern area in Saint Chinian AOC?
soils are clay and limestone with greater water-holding capacity which produces higher yields and less concentrated wines.
95
Where is Fitou AOC?
it is made up of two areas with a part of Corbieres AOC between them adjacent to Roussillon.
96
Describe Fitou AOC
it was the first AOC in Languedoc formed in 1948
the coastal area of Fitou is relatively flat low lying plains with clay and limestone soils that have good water retention
97
Describe wines made in Fitou AOC
less concentration than those made inland
98
What is the focus in Fitou AOC?
traditional varieties Carignan (must be 10-40% of the blend) and grenache Noir (minimum 20%)
99
Who is the largest producer of Fitou AOC?
Mont Tauch co-operative - responsible for about 50% of total production of appellation
100
Where is Faugeres AOC
situated at 250-400m of altitude on well-drained and low-fertility schistous soils, resulting in wines of very good concentration.
101
What are max yields in Faugeres AOC?
they allow a higher production (50hl/ha for red) average yields are low 33 hl/ha
102
how much grapes are organically grown in Faugeres AOC?
40% of vineyard land
103
How long do the wines have to be aged in Faugeres AOC before release?
1 year
104
Where are wines sold from Faugeres AOC?
almost entirely in France - 90%
105
What is the climate in Pic Saint Loup?
continental - cool winters and warm summers with considerable rainfall(1000mm per year)
106
What varietal performs well in Pic Saint Loup
Syrah and it must be 50% of blend
107
What type of wines are made in Pic Saint Loup?
red and rose only
108
What is a relatively new appellation in South of France?
terrasses du larzac AOC gaining status in 2014
109
What are the range of altitudes that Larzac AOC can be found at?
120-200 m but also with some up to 400 m
110
What does high diurnal range do in Larzac AOC?
gives ripe fruit flavors and fresh acidity
111
What style wine is found in Terrasses AOC?
red wine only
112
What must the wines in Terrasses AOC be a blend of?
at least three varieties - promoting the complexity of the final wine.
113
What has the area of Terasses du Larzac AOC attracted recently?
investment and is seeking to establish premium price points with some super premium examples
114
What is a new appellation that gained AOC status in 2015 in South of France?
La Clape
115
Where is La CLape AOC?
its a coastal region close to the city of Narbonne
116
What is the weather in La Clape AOC
warm, sunny, arid and windy
117
How much red wine is made in La Clape AOC
80%
118
What is La Clape known for?
its white wines which must include a min of 60% Grenache Blanc and/or Bourboulenc
119
Where is Picpoul de Pinet AOC located
low-lying land close to the coast of France
120
What varietal is only varietal allowed in Picpoul de Pinet AOC?
Piquepoul Blanc
121
What happens with Piquepoul blanc in a warm climate?
It usually retains acidity while it ripens.
122
What was Piquepoul Blanc grapes originally used for
base wine for the local Vermouth Industry
123
What is Piquepoul BLanc used for since the 1970's and 1980's?
fruitier wines due to new technology and ability to avoid oxidation.
124
What is the max yield in Picpoul AOC?
55 hl/ha
125
Describe picpoul de Pinet AOC wines?
dry
med body
med+ to high acidity
med intensity lemon fruit with light floral notes
acceptable to good
inexpensive to mid priced
126
How much of Picpoul de Pinet AOC is exported?
65% and most of domestic sales are to tourists
127
What is the top export market for Picpoul de Pinet AOC?
uk (60%) followed by US and Netherlands
128
What does the bottle for Pcipoul de Pinet look like
slender bottle with embossed Languedoc cross
129
How much do co-ooperatives account for of the appellation of Picpoul de Pinet
90%
130
Where are the Malepere AOC and Cabardes AOC located?
most westerly part of Languedoc
131
What type of varieties are grown in Malepere and Cabardes AOC?
Bordeaux varieties as well as the typical Languedoc varieties
132
What is the climate of Malepere AOC?
influences by Atlantic as it is protected from Mediterranean influences by mountains.
133
What must the wines of Malepere AOC be made of?
a blend of at least two varieties and a min of 40% Merlot
134
What is the climate of Cabardes AOC?
subject to both Atlantic and Mediterranean influences
135
What must the wines of Cabardes AOC be made of
must be a blend of 40% of each Bordeaux variety (both Cabs and Merlot) and Grenache Noir and/or Syrah
136
What region in Languedoc is mainly devoted to sparkling wines?
Limoux
137
In terms of vol what categories are Languedoc dominated by
IGP and the "simple' wine categories
15% AOC
70% IGP
138
How much has rose production risen between 2010-2017 in Languedoc?
35%
139
What are the two biggest markets for exports of Languedoc?
USA and China
140
What has typically been the focus of Languedoc producers?
inexpensive wines often made by co-operatives
141
What is the recent development of focus in Languedoc?
some ambitious producers are trying to make high quality wines, but most focus in on mid priced wines
142
What promotional body is Languedoc a partner with?
Sud de France - covers wine, food and tourism)
143
How many ha does Roussillon have currently?
21,000 (about 1/3 the size it was in 1980s)
144
Where are vineyards planted in Roussillon
on slopes or foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains - there is no extensive flat coastal plain area suited for high vol grape growing
145
How much of the vineyard area in Roussillon is classified as AOC?
70%
146
How much of Roussillon's production is VDN?
about a quarter
147
How much of the production do co-operatives account for in Roussillon?
75%
148
What color wines are produced in Roussillon?
majority are red followed by rose and a small proportion of whites
149
What is the climate in Roussillon?
warm windy Mediterranean climate with moderate rainfall 500-600mm annually and high sunshine hours
150
What is an issue due to climate that Roussillon can see
drought in dry years
151
What helps to reduce the risk for fungal disease in Roussillon?
combination of frequent winds and low rainfall
152
Besides fungal disease what else do the climates of Roussillon also reduce?
yields - increasing concentration and therefore income
153
Are there certified organics grapes found in Roussillon?
yes - a high proportion of them are found in the region (15% by ha planted) - enabled by warm dry, windy, sunny conditions
154
What are the most important varieties found in Roussillon?
Grenache Noir, Syrah, Carignan, and Mourvèdre for red and rose
Muscat (fortified) and Macabeu for whites
155
What type of vine management was historically done in Roussillon? why?
bush vines and many still remain - its well adapted to the climate providing some shade to the bunches
156
How is most work done in Roussillon vineyards?
by hand
157
What are the two main AOCs for dry wines in Roussillon?
Cotes du Roussillon AOC
Cotes du Roussillon Villages AOC
158
What is included in Cotes du Roussillon AOC?
it is large appellation (5,000 ha) that includes the entire department of Pyrenees-Orientales except the Collioure area
159
Where is Cotes Du Roussillon AOC located?
situated on lower slopes (100-250m)
160
What color wines are produced in Cotes du roussillon AOC?
red, white and Rose
161
What is the max yield in Cote du Roussillon AOC?
48 hl/ha
162
What are the principal varietals for red wines of Cote du Roussillon AOC?
Carignan, Grenache Noir, Mourvedre, and Syrah
max allowed in vineyard of Carignan is 50%
min allowed in vineyard separately or together for Syrah and Mourvedre = 25%
163
What must the blends of the wines in Cote du Roussillon AOC be made up of?
a min of 2 varieties with a requirement that the variety with the highest percentage is limited to 80% in the final blend.
164
Describe style, quality and price for red wines in Cote du Roussillon AOC?
similar to Languedoc AOC
165
What is the size of Cote du Roussillon Villages AOC compared to Cote du Roussillon AOC?
it is less than half the size
166
what color wines are found in Cote du Roussillon Villages AOC
red wines oly
167
What must the blends of the wines in Cote du Roussillon Villages AOC be made up of?
a min of 2 varieties with a requirement that the variety with the highest percentage is limited to 80% in the final blend.
168
Where are the vines grown in Cote du Roussillon Villages AOC
slopes from 100-400m with altitude resulting ina cooling influence which equals greater acidity in the wines
169
How does work need to be done in the Cote du Roussillon Villages AOC vineyards
by hand raising costs
170
What is the max yields for Cote du Roussillon Villages AOC
45 hl/ha- though yields are often well below due to hot dry climate resulting in wines of high concentration.
171
How many villages can append their name to Cote du Roussillon Villages AOC
5
172
How can villages append their name to Cote du Roussillon Villages AOC
if they have a lower max yield of 42hl/ha
some villages also require Carignan to be made with carbonic maceration to promote the primary fruit and reduce the tannins
173
What is the style, quality and price of Cote du Roussillon Villages AOC
similar to Languedoc sub appellations
174
Describe Collioure AOC location
small appellation extending along the coast to the Spanish border and has same boundaries as Banyuls AOC
175
Why type of wines are made in Collioure AOC?
dry full-bodied red (great majority) and white
176
Where are grapes grown in Collioure AOC?
steep terraces above the Mediterranean Sea
177
What are the red wines from Collioure AOC made from?
grenache Noir, Syrah, and Mourvedre
178
What are the white wines from Collioure AOC made from?
Grenache gris (mutation of grenache Noir)
179
What are the max yields for both red and white in Collioure AOC?
40 hl/ha - rarely achieved - typical yield is closer to 20-25 hl/ha due to heat, low rainfall, and poor soils
180
What is the style, quality and price of Collioure AOC
similar to Languedoc sub appellations with consistently high concentrations of fruit due to low yields
181
Describe IGP Cotes Cataianes
covers the Pyrenees-Orientales department and is used by producers for red and white wines including some super premium white wines
182
How are wines made in Roussillon AOC
as in Languedoc they can be made by either pressing the fruit and maceration on teh skins or by carbonic maceration depending on style of wine desired
183
What is the current trend for wines in Roussillon AOC?
towards high-quality and outstanding or super-premium wines
184
How much of the wine produced in Roussillon is sold in france?
80% excluding VDNs by volumne
185
What are the top three export markets for Roussillon
China, Belgium and Germany
186
What promotional body is Roussillon a partner of?
Sud de France
187
How much production does rose account from Provence AOC wine?
90%
40% of France's overall production
188
What is Provence AOC famous for?
pal pink rose made principally from grenache Noir and CInault
189
What other types of wine are made in Provence
red wine made from grenache Noir, Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvedre, and Carignan as well as very small vols of white wines made from Vermentino (Rolle) and Clairette.
190
Why have vineyard lands been reduced in size in costal areas in Provence?
competition for land for housing developments and tourism
191
What is the climate in Provence?
warm Mediterranean with adequate rainfall in most years
192
What provides a cooling influences to help reduce fungal disease in Provence?
Mistral wind- but it can interrupt flowering and fruit ser reducing yields
193
Describe Provence's organic vineyards
it has double the national average due to favorable climate
194
Where are the best sites found in Provence
those that have shelter from the Mistral. Altitudes up to 400 m in inland sites also provide moderating influence on warm summer temperatures
195
What was Provence vineyards managed with and how is that changing>
bush vines - now being changed to trellised vines to aid mechanisation and reduce cost.
196
What was an advantage of bush vine training?
offers more shade to the fruit
197
Why did Provence switch to Trellises vines
they make it easier to control size of canopy and achieve ripeness in terms of sugar level and ripe skins and seeds at the same time. Also inter-row access is easier for workers and machines
198
Why are grapes grown to make roses picked earlier than ones to make reds?
to retain acidity
199
Why is choosing a harvest date critical for Provence?
to ensure fruit ripeness whilst retaining the desired level of acidity
200
why are rose's so pale in Provence
mostly related to the low level of color in the skins of the common varieties of the region (grenache Noir, Cinsault and the other local varietal Tibouren), but the AOC also regulates up to 20% of the blend can be white varieties.
201
How is rose wine made in Provence
either by direct pressing (now the most common option) or by short maceration (a few hours) on the skins. Musts are typically acidified to achieve good balance between fruit and acidity
202
How is fruit handled for best quality in Provence
protectively by chilling it to 4C which reduces the rate of oxidation and the excluding oxygen with a view to retain the fruity aromas and preserving the pale color.
203
Name advantages of Hand harvesting and pressing whole bunches in Provence
less stress on grapes during harvesting esp if picked at coolest time (4am)
fruit can be sorted in vineyard
whole bunch pressing = gentler extracting fewer solids and phenolics
more juice produced at lower pressure due to presence of stems which creates channels for the juice
204
Name disadvantages of hand harvesting and pressing whole bunches in Provence
requires a large well trained picking team to harvest and select correctly
in many countries, it is difficult to find and retain such labor
more expensive and slower
whole bunch pressing is more time consuming as fewer bunches can be loaded into the press
205
Name advantages for machine harvesting and short maceration or hold in press
fast
significantly cheaper
does not require large picking teams
grapes can be picked at night for cooler temps
shortest possible delay between picking and refrigeration and/or pressing
206
Name disadvantages to machine harvesting and short maceration or hold in press
requires an up-to-date well maintained machine and a skillful driver
grapes are destemmed by shaking mechanism of machine and therefore whole bunch pressing not possible
destemmed grapes require a higher amount of pressure to extract the same amount of juice as whole bunch pressing.
207
What vessels does Provence fermentation take place in?
stainless steel tanks
208
What are the wine makers choices in terms of yeast in Provence AOC?
they can use cultured yeasts for consistent fruity style or ambient yeasts
209
What is positive about using cultured yeast in Provence AOC?
consistent fruity style
get off to fast start without any off flavors
has become majority option
210
What is fermentation temperature used in Provence?
14-18C to preserve delicate primary fruit aromas but also avoid banana aroma associated with very low temperatures
211
What are the regulations for Provence AOC in regards to fermentation
they need to be fermented to dryness - resulting in the consistent dry style for the appellation
212
Is malolactic conversion used in Provence AOC?
no it is routinely blocked to preserve primary fruit flavor
213
What will be done if the color is too deep in Provence AOC wines?
it will be reduced by fining the wine
214
How long are Provence wines stored
for a short period of time (2-3 months) on lees in stainless steel containers before being bottled
few producers will keep wine on lees for 8-10 months to add texture and some producers make a oak aged premium rose
215
What is the largest appellation in Provence?
Cote de Provence AOC with 20,000 ha under vines
216
how much wine is produced as rose for Cote de Provence AOC
90%
217
What are the principal varieties of Cote de provence AOC for rose
Grenache Noir, Cinsault, Mourvedre, Syrah, and Tibouren and wines muswt be a blend of these varieties.
218
What are the max yields for Cote de Provence AOC
55 hl/ha with average yields being closer to 45 hl/ha
219
What is the largest sub zone within Cote de Provence AOC?
Cote de Provence Sainte Victoire AOC
220
What are the max yields for Cote de Provence Sainte Victoire AOC
50 hl/ha
221
General SAT for Cote de Provence rose
pale pink-orange
light to med intensity aromas of raspberry, and red plum and herbal notes
med acidity
med body
med alcohol
good to very good
mid price to premium brands with some super premium
222
What two AOCs in Provence require Counoise as a prinicpal variety:
Coteaux Varois en Provence AOC and Coteaux dAix-en-Provence AOC
223
What is the max yield for Coteaux Varois en Provence AOC and Coteaux dAix-en-Provence AOC
60 hl/ha
224
Where is Les baux de Provence AOC located
in the far north west of the region close to the Rhone River
225
What varietials are used for Les Baux de provence AOC?
red wines from grenache Noir, Syrah and Mourvedre which must make up 60% minimum of the blend
226
What type of wines does Bandol AOC produce?
unusually for Provence it produces more red than rose, however most recently, rose has become most common style by vol
227
Where are vineyards located in Bandol AOC?
south facing slopes protected from winds
228
how are slopes protected from erosion in Bandol AOC?
where they are steep they have to be terraced
229
what are soils in Bandol AOC?
rocky - clay and limestone with low fertility
230
How much has area under vine reduced in this century alone for Bandol AOC?
was 1400 to less than 600 due to competition for land and the difficulties working on the slopes
231
What varietals are typically featured in Bandol AOC wines?
Mourvedre - ripens relatively reliably due to very warm microclimate
232
What are regulations for wines in Bandol AOC?
red wines must be 50-95% Mourvedre and aged in oak for 18 months
rose wines must be 20-95% Mourvedre.
233
What are the max yields for Bandol AOC?
40 hl/ha
234
What is the quality and price points for red wines of Bandol AOC?
good to very good with some outstanding examples
mid priced to super premium
235
What are the very small historic appellations that became AOCs from the 1930s onwards in Provence?
Bellet AOC, Cassis AOC (red)
Palette AOC (white)
236
How many of the estates in Provence were granted 1955 cru classe status
23 etates and 18 of those still remain.
237
How much of Provences wine is sold in france?
65% by vol
238
What are the markets for Provence within France
about half at supermarkets and a high proportion at cellar door
239
What is the top export market for Provence
USA which takes nearly a half of all Prvence wine exports
followed by UK at 13%
240
How much has the export market grown in Provence since the turn of the century
500% in vol and 1000% in value
241
How much are negociants accounting for of the production in Provence as a whole?
50%
