Southern France - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards
What are the three broad areas of Southern France’s vineyards?
Languedoc, Roussillon, and Provence.
What is the climate of Southern France?
Warm Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild winters.
What are the primary challenges for grape growing in Southern France?
Drought is the main issue, although fungal diseases are less of a problem.
What are the two major winds affecting Southern France?
The mistral and the tramontane, which help cool vineyards and reduce disease.
What is the most widely planted black grape in Southern France?
Grenache.
What role does Carignan play in blends?
Adds tannin, acidity, and color but requires careful handling to avoid rustic flavors.
What is the key white grape used in Picpoul de Pinet?
Picpoul, producing wines with high acidity and citrus flavors.
What is the main IGP wine designation in Southern France?
Pays d’Oc IGP.
What are the four main black grape varieties in Languedoc?
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan.
How do altitude and inland locations affect wines in Southern France?
Cooler temperatures produce more elegant and lighter-bodied wines.
What is the largest appellation in Provence?
Côtes de Provence.
What distinguishes rosés from Provence?
Pale color, light body, dry palate, and delicate flavors of grapefruit and red fruits.
What makes Bandol unique in Provence?
Premium reds made primarily from Mourvèdre, known for their tannic structure and aging potential.
What are the primary white grape varieties in Southern France?
Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Rolle (Vermentino), and Bourboulenc.
How does the soil in Languedoc vary?
Coastal plains are fertile, while inland soils are less fertile and better suited for quality viticulture.
What is the main style of wine from Corbières?
Red wines, with a range of styles influenced by altitude and climate.
What is Minervois known for?
Full-bodied reds, often with spice and garrigue (herbal) aromas.
What is the significance of La Livinière in Minervois?
It is a sub-appellation producing the highest-quality wines in the region.
What distinguishes Fitou wines?
Divided into two areas, with fuller-bodied wines from the coastal zone and lighter styles from higher altitudes.
How are wines from Côtes du Roussillon Villages different from Côtes du Roussillon?
Villages wines come from more rugged, mountainous areas, producing concentrated wines.
What is Muscat de Rivesaltes?
A fortified sweet wine made from Muscat grapes in Roussillon.
What distinguishes Limoux whites?
Premium oaked Chardonnays and sparkling wines influenced by altitude.
How is the IGP Pays d’Oc important for Southern France?
It allows varietal labeling and provides commercial success with ripe, fruity wines.
What are the characteristics of Mourvèdre in Southern France?
Adds structure, dark fruit, and meaty flavors, thriving in warm, sunny sites.
How does Syrah perform in Languedoc and Roussillon?
Prefers cooler sites, adding color, tannin, and black fruit to blends.
What role does Cinsault play in Southern French rosés?
Adds red fruit flavors and freshness.
What makes Côtes de Provence rosés unique?
Their pale color, crisp acidity, and delicate fruit flavors.
How do strong winds benefit Southern French vineyards?
Reduce humidity and disease, especially in Roussillon.
What is the style of wines from Picpoul de Pinet?
Crisp, refreshing whites with high acidity and citrus flavors.
What are the typical characteristics of Bandol reds?
Full-bodied, tannic, with flavors of bramble, meat, and liquorice spice.
What is the role of Grenache in Southern French blends?
It adds spiced red fruit flavors, warmth, and body.
How does altitude influence Languedoc wines?
Higher altitudes provide cooler temperatures, resulting in wines with more acidity and finesse.
What is the primary style of wine produced in Roussillon?
Concentrated, full-bodied reds, along with fortified sweet wines like Muscat de Rivesaltes.
What distinguishes Languedoc AC wines?
A generic appellation covering a wide range of red, white, and rosé wines with varied styles.
What is the Tramontane wind, and how does it affect vineyards?
A dry, cooling wind that reduces disease risk and moderates temperatures.
How does Rolle contribute to Southern French whites?
Adds aromatic qualities, freshness, and structure.
How are Languedoc reds typically fermented?
Some producers use semi-carbonic maceration to soften tannins in Carignan.
What are the characteristics of Carignan in Southern French wines?
High tannin, acidity, and color, but it can lack finesse unless from old vines.
What is the primary focus of wines labeled as Pays d’Oc IGP?
Varietal wines with ripe, fruity flavors, offering value for money.
How do cooling influences impact Picpoul de Pinet?
Sea breezes help retain the grape’s natural high acidity.
Name the key black grape varieties grown in Southern France?
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and Cinsault.
Name the key white grape varieties grown in Southern France?
Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Rolle (Vermentino), Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier, and Picpoul.
Name the sub-appellation of Corbieres?
Boutenac.
Name sub-appellation of Minervois?
La Liviniere.
Name two appellations in Roussillon
Côtes du Roussillon and Côtes du Roussillon Villages.
Name three appellations in Languedoc.
Minervois, Corbières, and Picpoul de Pinet.
What are the primary grape varieties used in Minervois wines?
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan for reds; various white grapes for whites.
Name three departments of Languedoc?
Aude, Herault and Gard
Name white grape of Limoux?
Mauzac.
Name white grape variety of Roussillon?
Maccabeu.
