South of France Flashcards
What characterizes the Mediterranean climate?
Hot, dry summers and mild winters.
How does coastal influence affect temperature?
It moderates temperature, while inland areas experience more continental shifts.
What are the primary grape varieties in south france for white wines?
- Viognier
- Grenache Blanc
- Marsanne
- Roussanne
- Vermentino (Rolle)
- Picpoul
- Bourboulenc
What are the primary grape varieties in south france for red wines?
- Grenache
- Syrah
- Mourvèdre
- Carignan
- Cinsault
What is the largest wine-producing region in France?
Languedoc-Roussillon
What type of wines does Languedoc-Roussillon focus on?
Blends rather than single varietals.
What are notable AOPs in Languedoc-Roussillon?
- Languedoc AOP
- Corbières AOP
- Minervois AOP
- Faugères AOP
- Saint-Chinian AOP
- Picpoul de Pinet AOP
- Maury & Banyuls AOPs
What is the primary focus of the Provence wine region?
Renowned for rosé wines (over 90% of production).
Which AOP is the largest in Provence?
Côtes de Provence AOP
What influences the Provence wine region?
The Mistral wind, which prevents disease.
What are notable AOPs in Provence?
- Côtes de Provence AOP
- Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence AOP
- Bandol AOP
- Cassis AOP
- Bellet AOP
What is the climate like in the Southern Rhône Valley?
Hot Mediterranean climate with significant Mistral wind influence.
What grape varieties are predominantly used in Southern Rhône Valley blends?
- Grenache
- Syrah
- Mourvèdre
What are notable AOPs in the Southern Rhône Valley?
- Côtes du Rhône AOP
- Côtes du Rhône-Villages AOP
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOP
- Gigondas AOP
- Vacqueyras AOP
- Tavel AOP
- Lirac AOP
- Beaumes-de-Venise AOP
What is unique about the Corsica wine region?
It has a mix of French and Italian influences.
What are notable AOPs in Corsica?
- Vin de Corse AOP
- Ajaccio AOP
- Patrimonio AOP
What characterizes red wines from Bandol and Corbières?
Elegant, structured Mourvèdre-driven reds.
What type of wines are produced in Tavel AOP?
Full-bodied, dry rosé wines.
What is Vin Doux Naturel (VDN)?
Fortified sweet wines from Banyuls and Maury.
Fill in the blank: The Côtes du Rhône AOP is a _______ designation covering basic Rhône wines.
[regional]
True or False: Provence produces more than 90% red wines.
False
What are the characteristics of rosé wines from Provence?
Pale, dry, fruit-forward.
What grape varieties are used in the production of Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise?
Muscat
