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WSET Level 3 in Wines - Thirsty and Wise > Southern France - WSET L3 in Wines > Flashcards

Southern France - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards

1
Q

What are the three broad areas of Southern France’s vineyards?

A

Languedoc, Roussillon, and Provence.

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2
Q

What is the climate of Southern France?

A

Warm Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild winters.

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3
Q

What are the primary challenges for grape growing in Southern France?

A

Drought is the main issue, although fungal diseases are less of a problem.

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4
Q

What are the two major winds affecting Southern France?

A

The mistral and the tramontane, which help cool vineyards and reduce disease.

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5
Q

What is the most widely planted black grape in Southern France?

A

Grenache.

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6
Q

What role does Carignan play in blends?

A

Adds tannin, acidity, and color but requires careful handling to avoid rustic flavors.

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7
Q

What is the key white grape used in Picpoul de Pinet?

A

Picpoul, producing wines with high acidity and citrus flavors.

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8
Q

What is the main IGP wine designation in Southern France?

A

Pays d’Oc IGP.

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9
Q

What are the four main black grape varieties in Languedoc?

A

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan.

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10
Q

How do altitude and inland locations affect wines in Southern France?

A

Cooler temperatures produce more elegant and lighter-bodied wines.

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11
Q

What is the largest appellation in Provence?

A

Côtes de Provence.

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12
Q

What distinguishes rosés from Provence?

A

Pale color, light body, dry palate, and delicate flavors of grapefruit and red fruits.

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13
Q

What makes Bandol unique in Provence?

A

Premium reds made primarily from Mourvèdre, known for their tannic structure and aging potential.

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14
Q

What are the primary white grape varieties in Southern France?

A

Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Rolle (Vermentino), and Bourboulenc.

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15
Q

How does the soil in Languedoc vary?

A

Coastal plains are fertile, while inland soils are less fertile and better suited for quality viticulture.

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16
Q

What is the main style of wine from Corbières?

A

Red wines, with a range of styles influenced by altitude and climate.

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17
Q

What is Minervois known for?

A

Full-bodied reds, often with spice and garrigue (herbal) aromas.

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18
Q

What is the significance of La Livinière in Minervois?

A

It is a sub-appellation producing the highest-quality wines in the region.

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19
Q

What distinguishes Fitou wines?

A

Divided into two areas, with fuller-bodied wines from the coastal zone and lighter styles from higher altitudes.

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20
Q

How are wines from Côtes du Roussillon Villages different from Côtes du Roussillon?

A

Villages wines come from more rugged, mountainous areas, producing concentrated wines.

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21
Q

What is Muscat de Rivesaltes?

A

A fortified sweet wine made from Muscat grapes in Roussillon.

22
Q

What distinguishes Limoux whites?

A

Premium oaked Chardonnays and sparkling wines influenced by altitude.

23
Q

How is the IGP Pays d’Oc important for Southern France?

A

It allows varietal labeling and provides commercial success with ripe, fruity wines.

24
Q

What are the characteristics of Mourvèdre in Southern France?

A

Adds structure, dark fruit, and meaty flavors, thriving in warm, sunny sites.

25
Q

How does Syrah perform in Languedoc and Roussillon?

A

Prefers cooler sites, adding color, tannin, and black fruit to blends.

26
Q

What role does Cinsault play in Southern French rosés?

A

Adds red fruit flavors and freshness.

27
Q

What makes Côtes de Provence rosés unique?

A

Their pale color, crisp acidity, and delicate fruit flavors.

28
Q

How do strong winds benefit Southern French vineyards?

A

Reduce humidity and disease, especially in Roussillon.

29
Q

What is the style of wines from Picpoul de Pinet?

A

Crisp, refreshing whites with high acidity and citrus flavors.

30
Q

What are the typical characteristics of Bandol reds?

A

Full-bodied, tannic, with flavors of bramble, meat, and liquorice spice.

31
Q

What is the role of Grenache in Southern French blends?

A

It adds spiced red fruit flavors, warmth, and body.

32
Q

How does altitude influence Languedoc wines?

A

Higher altitudes provide cooler temperatures, resulting in wines with more acidity and finesse.

33
Q

What is the primary style of wine produced in Roussillon?

A

Concentrated, full-bodied reds, along with fortified sweet wines like Muscat de Rivesaltes.

34
Q

What distinguishes Languedoc AC wines?

A

A generic appellation covering a wide range of red, white, and rosé wines with varied styles.

35
Q

What is the Tramontane wind, and how does it affect vineyards?

A

A dry, cooling wind that reduces disease risk and moderates temperatures.

36
Q

How does Rolle contribute to Southern French whites?

A

Adds aromatic qualities, freshness, and structure.

37
Q

How are Languedoc reds typically fermented?

A

Some producers use semi-carbonic maceration to soften tannins in Carignan.

38
Q

What are the characteristics of Carignan in Southern French wines?

A

High tannin, acidity, and color, but it can lack finesse unless from old vines.

39
Q

What is the primary focus of wines labeled as Pays d’Oc IGP?

A

Varietal wines with ripe, fruity flavors, offering value for money.

40
Q

How do cooling influences impact Picpoul de Pinet?

A

Sea breezes help retain the grape’s natural high acidity.

41
Q

Name the key black grape varieties grown in Southern France?

A

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and Cinsault.

42
Q

Name the key white grape varieties grown in Southern France?

A

Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Rolle (Vermentino), Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier, and Picpoul.

43
Q

Name the sub-appellation of Corbieres?

A

Boutenac.

44
Q

Name sub-appellation of Minervois?

A

La Liviniere.

45
Q

Name two appellations in Roussillon

A

Côtes du Roussillon and Côtes du Roussillon Villages.

46
Q

Name three appellations in Languedoc.

A

Minervois, Corbières, and Picpoul de Pinet.

47
Q

What are the primary grape varieties used in Minervois wines?

A

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan for reds; various white grapes for whites.

48
Q

Name three departments of Languedoc?

A

Aude, Herault and Gard

49
Q

Name white grape of Limoux?

A

Mauzac.

50
Q

Name white grape variety of Roussillon?

A

Maccabeu.

WSET Level 3 in Wines - Thirsty and Wise (41 decks)

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