Southern France

Question 1

Describe the climate of Provence, Rousillon and Languedoc.

Answer 1

Warm Mediterranean climate with mild winters and low rainfall

Question 2

Describe how vineyard location impacts the vines and problems that are faced.

Answer 2

Vineyards planted in the foothills of the mountains that surround the regions are cooler than those on the coastal plain. They have less fertile, well drained soil that are better suited to quality viticulture.
Strong winds impact the climate.
Drought is the biggest challenge and fungal diseases are less of a problem than anywhere else in France.
Summer flooding is sometimes an issue

Question 3

Name the two most important black grape varieties.

Answer 3

Grenache and Syrah are the most important varieties.

• Grenache thrives in the warm climate
• Syrah tends to do better in cooler areas.

Question 4

Name other black grape varieties planted here.

Answer 4

• Carignan is also widely grown. Naturally high in tannin, acidity and colour back can lack fruit or finesse. Old vine Carignan on poor soil can produce high quality wines. Carbonic maceration can soften tannins
• Cinsault - used in rose production and to add red fruit flavours to red blends
• Mourvedre- can ripen successfully only in the warmest sites. It adds richness, colour and complexity in blends.
• Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are also planted. (IGP wines)

Question 5

What are the two most widely planted white varieties used in IGP wines?

Answer 5

Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

-Viognier is also widely planted

Question 6

What is the most widely planted local white variety?

Answer 6

Muscat and Grenache Blanc are the most widely planted local varieties.

• Muscat is used in sweet fortified wines but also sometimes used to make dry wines with aromatic grapey aromas.
• Grenache Blanc makes dry wines with soft peachy fruitiness, full-body and low acidity but they tend to oxidise easily.

Question 7

Name other local white varieties that are planted.

Answer 7

Pinet - Picpoul - produces wines with high acidity and green fruit and citrus flavours
Limoux - Mauzac	
Roussillon - Maccabeu
Provence - Rolle, Clairet
Languedoc - Clairet

Question 8

Describe the Languedoc.

Answer 8

Languedoc - generic appellation that covers all the appellation vineyards from the Spanish border to Nimes. The best sub-regions can add their names to the label alongside Languedoc AC
-Cotes de Roussillon and Minervois have their own individual regulations

Question 9

Describe the wines of the Langedoc.

Answer 9

Most appellations permit red, white and rose wine production
Most are red and based on the quartet : Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre (lesser extent)
Cooler areas- wines have more finesse, lighter tannins and the best Syrahs.
Warmer areas - Mourvedre is at its best. Wines have greater body and some meaty, gamey flavours.
Best wines - full-bodied, spicy red fruit often with oak flavours. Roses tend to be soft and fruity

Question 10

Describe the Cotes du Roussillon

Answer 10

Cotes du Roussillon - more consistently rugged and mountainous than any other area of Languedoc.
Bright sunlight, low rainfall and strong winds create wines that are concentrated
Cotes du Roussillon Villages - Best vineyards

Question 11

Describe Fitou.

Answer 11

Fitou - north of the Cotes du Roussillon Villages. Two areas-
warm coastal strip that produces fuller-bodied wines
Cooler inland area with altitude that produces lighter wines

Question 12

Describe Corbieres.

Answer 12

Corbieres - covers warm sites near the coast and vineyards planted at an altitude that are cooled by the tramontane. Divided into 11 subregions. The best are Boutenac (own AC).

Question 13

Describe Minervois

Answer 13

Minervois - lies on the slopes of the Massif Central. Vineyards don’t reach the coast but vary in their qualities due to altitude, soil richness and exposure to cooling influences from the Atlantic. It is subdivided and its best region is La Liviniere (own AC)

Question 14

Describe Picpoul de Pinet

Answer 14

Picpoul de Pinet - near the coast, the cooling sea breezes help to retain acidity in the Picpoul grape.

Question 15

Why are so many IGP wines made in this region.

Answer 15

IGP wines - more are made in this region than anywhere else in France. Most are sold under the name of Pays d’Oc, which covers all departments of Languedoc-Roussillon.
Wider range of grape varieties are permitted and varietal labelling
Warm sunny climate means that large volumes of ripe, fruity wines can be produced easily compared to other regions in France and are excellent value.

Question 16

Describe the wines of Provence.

Answer 16

Rose wines account for a majority of the production.
Mountains block the mistral.
Rose wines are light in body and dry on the palate with flavours of grapefruit and red fruits.
Red wines range from fresh and fruity to more full-bodied, barrel matured styles.
White wines are often made to enhance the aromatic qualities of the Rolle or Clairette varieties.

Question 17

Describe the largest appellation in Provence.

Answer 17

Cotes de Provence is the largest appellation and rose wines account for a majority of the production
Three isolated pockets of vineyards along the coast, each with its own AC
Bandol (most important) - located east of Marseille.
Premium red wines based on the Mourvedre grape-dark full-bodied wines with powerful tannins needing bottle age before showing full spectrum of bramble, meat and liquorice spice flavours.