Southern France Flashcards
What is the climate in southern France?
Warm mediterranean climate (temperatures in summer often above °C)
Mild winters and low levels of rainfall during the growin season
Where are vineyards of the best quality located at in southern France?
Foothills of mountains, on less fertile, well-drained soils
What is the biggest grape growing challenge in southern France?
Drought
What are the most important black GV in southern France?
Grenache Syrah Carignan Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Small plantings of Cinsault and Mourvèdre
What are the most important white GV in southern France?
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Viognier
To what climate is Grenache the most well-suited for?
Warm, dry summer climate
To what climate is Syrah the most well-suited for (in southern France)?
Performs better in the cooler sites
What are the characteristics of Carignan?
High in tannins, acidity and color but can lack fruit or finesse
Old vine Carignan on quality soils can produce great quality
What is Cinsault used for in southern France?
For rosé production or in red blends (adds red fruit flavors)
To what climate is Mourvèdre the most well-suited?
Warmest sites only
Which GV (black and white) are mostly used for PGI wines in southern France?
Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon
Chardonnay & Sauvignon Blanc
What is Picpoul?
A white grape variety used in Pinet
Describe a wine made from Picpoul.
High acidity, green fruit, citrus flavors
What is the largest PGI appellation in southern France?
Pays d’Oc IGP
What is the largest PDO appellation in southern France?
Languedoc AOC
What are some of the sub-regions whose name can appear on the label in Languedoc?
Minervois Fitou Corbières Picpoul de Pinet Cotes du Roussillon & Cotes du Roussillon village
Where can we find premium oaked chardonnay in Languedoc?
Limoux
What is the main moderating influence in Provence?
Hills offering protection from the mistral + offering different site climates and soils.
Describe a Provence rosé
Light in color, light-bodied, dry
Delicate grapefruit and red fruits
What is the largest appellation in Provence?
Cotes de Provence - rosé = half the production
What GV is used in Bandol?
Mourvèdre
Describe a red Bandol
Premium Mourvèdre wines
Dark, full-bodied, powerful tannins.
Require bottle age before they show their full spectrum of bramble, meat and liquorice flavors
