Southern France Flashcards
What is the climate of S France
Warm mediterranean. Summer temps of 30 C + Mild winters. Low rainfall esp in growing season
What are some of the best areas for growing quality grapes in S France
The inland regions in the foothills of the surrounding mountains are somewhat cooler with less fertile well drained soils
What 2 winds are a factor in S France and where do they blow
Mistral is the north wind that blows through the Rhone valley
Tramontane blows through the gap between the Massif Central and the Pyrenees.
What is the biggest problem for growing grapes in S France. What problem does the region experience less of than any other place in France
Drought. Disease Pressure
What are the main black grapes of S France
Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault, Mourvedre, Cabernet, Merlot
What is the profile of Carignan
High in color, tannin and acid but lacks finesse and fruit
How are S France wines made from the international varietals Cabernet and Merlot labelled
Pays D’Oc
In S France what winemaking technique can play an important part in softening the tannins of Carignan
Carbonic Maceration
What are the 2 most widely planted white grapes in S France and what designation of wines are they used for
Chardonnay and SB are used for IGP wines
In addition to Chardonnay and SB what other white grapes are planted in S France
Viognier, Muscat, Grenache Blanc, Picpoul, Mauzac, Maccabeu, Rolle, Clairette
Where specifically in S France are the local varietals of Picpoul, Mauzac, Maccabeu, Rolle and Clairette grown
Picpoul - Pinet Mauzac - Limoux Maccabeu - Roussillon Rolle - Provence Clairette - Languedoc and Provence
In S France what is Muscat used for. What is the profile of Grenache blanc
Sweet fortified wines but also dry wines with aromatic grapey aromas
Grenache blanc is dry wines with soft peachy fruitiness, full body and low acid. Can oxidize easily
What kind of wine does Picpoul make in the S France
Refreshing dry, high acid, green fruit and citrus
What “departements” make up what are traditionally called Languedoc and Roussillon. How much of the wines of S France come from these places
Roussillon - Pyrenees-Orientales
Languedoc - Aude, Herault and Gard
Most of it
Describe the terrain of Languedoc - Roussillon
Large coastal plain between Beziers and Montpellier. Inland and towards the Spanish border the terrain is hilly and rugged
From where to where does the generic appellation of Languedoc extend
From the Spanish border to Nimes ( ie it covers all of Languedoc and Roussillon )
What may the best sub regions of Languedoc do in terms of wine labelling. Give and example
Put their name on the label alongside Langeudoc AC.
Pic-St-Loup
What are 2 of the more geographically specific appellations within Languedoc AC
Minervois and Cotes de Roussillon
What is an example of a sub appellation within Minervois and Cotes de Roussillon
Minervois La Liviniere
What is a typical Languedoc red composed of
Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Mourvedre
why are the wines of Languedoc so diverse. What is the typical profile of the best
Large area, different soils and aspects, wide array of grapes.
Concentrated spicy red fruit sometimes with oak aromas
Which area of Languedoc is likely to produce the best Syrah with some elegance and lighter tannin
The cooler areas
What is the terrain of Cotes du Roussillon, describe the wines from there
More rugged and mountainous than other areas. Bright sun, low rainfall and strong winds produce concentrated wines.
Where are the best vineyards of Cotes du Roussillon and what designation do they qualify for. Give
In the north
Cotes du Roussillon Villages
What are the appellations to the North of Cotes du Roussillon Villages
Fitou, Minervois, Corbieres
What is a subdivision of Minervois that has its own AC
La Liviniere
Describe the geography and wines of Fitou
Warm coastal strip that produces fuller bodied wines and a cooler inland area at altitude that produces lighter wines
What is a sub division of Corbieres that has its own AC. How many sub divisions are there
Boutenac AC
11
Describe the geography of Corbieres
Warm coastal sites and others at altitude cooled by the Tramontane
Describe the geography of Minervois
On the slopes of the Massif Central - does not extend to the sea
Where in the Languedoc is known for Picpoul. What about the location makes it suited to the grape
Picpoul de Pinet. Cooled by sea breezes preserving the high acidity of the grape
Which premium white wine is made in Limoux. What geographic feature assists in this
Oaked Chardonnay grown at altitude
What designation of wine does Languedoc-Roussillon produce more of than any other area in France. What makes this possible
IGP. Regulations allow a wider variety of grapes, varietal labelling. The warm sunny climate allows high volume production of ripe fruity wines relatively easily meaning the wines are good value for money
What is the effect of the many prominent ranges of hills in Provence
Protection from the Mistral and provides a wide variety of site climates and soils
What style of wine accounts for the vast majority of production in Provence. What is there typical profile
Rose. very pale, light bodied and dry. Delicate flavors of grapefruit and red fruit.
describe the reds of Provence
Range from light and fruity to more full bodied barrel matured
What are some of the best Provence whites made from
Rolle and Clairette
What is the most important of the coastal appellations of Cotes de Provence. Describe the wines from there
Bandol. Mourvedre ripens reliably on the S facing slopes. Dark full bodied, powerful tannins, bramble, meat and liquorish spice
