Southern France Flashcards
Where do the vineyards in S. France lie?
along the Mediterranean coast from Italy in the east to the Spanish border in the west.
what are the three broad areas S. France is split into?
Languedoc and Roussillon to the west of the Rhone and Provence to the east.
what type of climate does S. France have?
a warm Mediterranean climate with summer temps in excess of 30C, mild winters and low rainfall levels especially during the growing season. giving grapes ideal climate to grow
describe how vineyards are not uniform in S. France
planted at the foothills of mountains that surround the region are noticeably cooler than those on coastal plain and have less fertile well drained soils. Cool dry winds can blow from the north cooling to eastern and western ends of the region
what is the biggest challenge due to the warm climate in S. France?
drought - fungal disease much less of a problem. and sometimes summer floods can be experienced.
what are the most important black varietals in S. Rhone
Grenache - does well in the warm dry summer and Syrah - performs better in the cooler sites
Besides Syrah and Grenache what other varietal is widely grown in S. France?
Carignan - permitted by all AC regulations
Describe characteristics of Carignan in S. France
high in tannin, acidity and color, but can lack the fruit or finesse. old vine Carignan on poor soil can produce quality wines.
How is CInsault used in S. France?
small plantings are used in rose production or used to add red fruit flavors to red blends
How is Mourvedre used in S. France?
can ripen in only the warmest climates, but plays an important role in red blends adding richness, color and complexity.
what are two other varietals used in the production of IGP wines in S. France?
Cab Sauv and Merlot
why is semi carbonic maceration used by some producers in S> France?
it can play a role in softening tannins in Carignan
what are the two most widely planted white varieties in S. France?
Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc - used in production of IGP wines.
what is the third white varietal planted in S. France?
Viognier
what are the most widely planted local varieties in S. France>
Muscat and Grenache Blanc
what is Muscat used to make in S. France?
sweet fortified wines, and also some dry wines with aromatic grapey aromas.
what is Grenache blanc used to make>
dry wines that have soft peachy fruitiness, full body, low acidity but tend to oxidise easily. often blended with other local varieties.
what type of wines does Picpoul tend to make?
refreshing high acidity, green fruit and citrus flavors.
what do the majority of wines in the South of France come from>
Languedoc
which departments make up Languedoc?
Aude, Herault and Gard
which departments make up Roussillion?
Pyrenees-Orientales
what is the Languedoc in S. France?
it is a general appellation that covers all appellation vineyards from the Spanish border to Nimes
what styles do most regions permit in Languedoc?
red, white and rose, but most are red
what are the 4 principle grapes used to make red wines in Languedoc?
Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre
what is a typical red wine style in Languedoc?
hard to say due to the variability in climate, geography and soils.
cooler regions - wines with more finese, lighter tannins, and some of teh best Syrahs
warmer areas - Mourverdre is at its best and wines have more body , some meaty, gamey flavors.
the best wines are fill bodied, concentrated spicy red fruit flavors often with oak flavors
what is a typical rose wine style in Languedoc?
soft and fruity
describe a Cote du Roussillion
more rugged and mountainous than other Languedoc wines.
what are best vineyards for sunlight low rainfall and strong winds which can produce concentrated wines
Cote du Roussillion Villages
where is Fitou located>
just to the north of Cote du Roussillion Villages
describe Fitou and its area?
split into two regions - warm coastal strip that produces fuller body wines and another cooler inland at an altitude where lighter wines predominate
WHat does Corbieres cover?
warm sites near the coast and vineyards planted at altitude that are cooled by tramotaine. divided into 11 sub regions (Boutenac is the best)
Describe Minnervois
lies on the slopes of Massif Central. vineyards don’t reach the coast, but vary in qualities due to altitude, richness in soil and extent of cooling influences from the atlantic. best sub region has its own AC
where is Picpoul de Pinet?
near the coast where sea breezes help to retain natural high acidity
What is made in area of S. France more than any other area of France that are vital for the commercial survival of grape growing in S. France
IGP wines
what label are most IGP wines from S> France sold under?
Pay d’Oc
what does Pay d’Oc cover
all the departments that make up Languedoc-Roussillon.
what does the IGP Pay d’Oc regulations allow that helps contribute to its success
wider range of varietals, varietal labelling,
Describe the landscape of Provence
varied and broken up by many predominate ranges of hills, which offer protection from mistral and provide great variety of different site climates and soils.
what is the vast majoirty of wines made in Provence?
rose’s
Describe a rose from Provence?
very pale in color, light bodied, dry on palate, delicate flavors of grapefruit and red fruit.
describe a red wine from Provence?
range from fresh and fruity to more full bodied, barrel matured
describe a white wine from Provence?
feature the aromatic qualities of Rolle or Clairette
what is by far the largest appellation in Provence?
Cotes de Provence
What is the vast majority of production in COte de Provence?
rose
what is the most important of the 3 isolated pockets of vineyards along the coast of Provence that each have their own AC.
Bandol - located to the east of Marseille
What type of wine does Bandol produce?
premium reds based on Mourvedre grape which is able to ripen on the regions south facing slopes . they ar dark full bodied wines with powerful tannins and require bottle age before they show their full potential of Bramble, meat and liquorice spice flavors
