Southern France - WSET L3 in Wines

Question 1

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

Answer 1

Languedoc, Roussillon, and Provence.

Question 2

What is the climate of Southern France?

Answer 2

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

Question 3

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

Answer 3

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

Question 4

What are the two major winds affecting Southern France?

Answer 4

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

Question 5

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

Answer 5

Grenache.

Question 6

What role does Carignan play in blends?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

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

Answer 7

Picpoul, producing wines with high acidity and citrus flavors.

Question 8

What is the main IGP wine designation in Southern France?

Answer 8

Pays d’Oc IGP.

Question 9

What are the four main black grape varieties in Languedoc?

Answer 9

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan.

Question 10

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

Answer 10

Cooler temperatures produce more elegant and lighter-bodied wines.

Question 11

What is the largest appellation in Provence?

Answer 11

Côtes de Provence.

Question 12

What distinguishes rosés from Provence?

Answer 12

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

Question 13

What makes Bandol unique in Provence?

Answer 13

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

Question 14

What are the primary white grape varieties in Southern France?

Answer 14

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

Question 15

How does the soil in Languedoc vary?

Answer 15

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

Question 16

What is the main style of wine from Corbières?

Answer 16

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

Question 17

What is Minervois known for?

Answer 17

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

Question 18

What is the significance of La Livinière in Minervois?

Answer 18

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

Question 19

What distinguishes Fitou wines?

Answer 19

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

Question 20

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

Answer 20

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

Question 21

What is Muscat de Rivesaltes?

Answer 21

A fortified sweet wine made from Muscat grapes in Roussillon.

Question 22

What distinguishes Limoux whites?

Answer 22

Premium oaked Chardonnays and sparkling wines influenced by altitude.

Question 23

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

Answer 23

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

Question 24

What are the characteristics of Mourvèdre in Southern France?

Answer 24

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

Question 25

How does Syrah perform in Languedoc and Roussillon?

Answer 25

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

Question 26

What role does Cinsault play in Southern French rosés?

Answer 26

Adds red fruit flavors and freshness.

Question 27

What makes Côtes de Provence rosés unique?

Answer 27

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

Question 28

How do strong winds benefit Southern French vineyards?

Answer 28

Reduce humidity and disease, especially in Roussillon.

Question 29

What is the style of wines from Picpoul de Pinet?

Answer 29

Crisp, refreshing whites with high acidity and citrus flavors.

Question 30

What are the typical characteristics of Bandol reds?

Answer 30

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

Question 31

What is the role of Grenache in Southern French blends?

Answer 31

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

Question 32

How does altitude influence Languedoc wines?

Answer 32

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

Question 33

What is the primary style of wine produced in Roussillon?

Answer 33

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

Question 34

What distinguishes Languedoc AC wines?

Answer 34

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

Question 35

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

Answer 35

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

Question 36

How does Rolle contribute to Southern French whites?

Answer 36

Adds aromatic qualities, freshness, and structure.

Question 37

How are Languedoc reds typically fermented?

Answer 37

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

Question 38

What are the characteristics of Carignan in Southern French wines?

Answer 38

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

Question 39

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

Answer 39

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

Question 40

How do cooling influences impact Picpoul de Pinet?

Answer 40

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

Question 41

Name the key black grape varieties grown in Southern France?

Answer 41

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and Cinsault.

Question 42

Name the key white grape varieties grown in Southern France?

Answer 42

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

Question 43

Name the sub-appellation of Corbieres?

Answer 43

Boutenac.

Question 44

Name sub-appellation of Minervois?

Answer 44

La Liviniere.

Question 45

Name two appellations in Roussillon

Answer 45

Côtes du Roussillon and Côtes du Roussillon Villages.

Question 46

Name three appellations in Languedoc.

Answer 46

Minervois, Corbières, and Picpoul de Pinet.

Question 47

What are the primary grape varieties used in Minervois wines?

Answer 47

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

Question 48

Name three departments of Languedoc?

Answer 48

Aude, Herault and Gard

Question 49

Name white grape of Limoux?

Answer 49

Mauzac.

Question 50

Name white grape variety of Roussillon?

Answer 50

Maccabeu.