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French Wine Scholar COPY Donahue > Provence > Flashcards

Provence Flashcards

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1
Q

What are the designations of the IGP’s in Provence?

A
  1. IGP Méditerranée The largest and most general designation.
    - Shared with the Rhône Valley and Corsica
  2. There are 6 Departmental Designations
  3. The most specific are the 8 zonal IGP designations
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2
Q

What are the stats on the Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence AOC?

A

Located in Northwest Provence
Production is mostly rosé with some red and a little white

NOTE: It is the second largest AOC in Provence, heavily impacted by the Mistral

Reds and rosé: GSM blends with Cinsault, Counoise, Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon

Whites: 50% Rolle (Vermentino) with Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Ugni Blanc as principle blending partners

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3
Q

What are the Stats on the Les Baux de Provence AOC?

A

Located south/southeast of Avignon
Production majority red, close behind is rosé very little white

NOTE: This is a stronghold of organic and biodynamic producers

Reds: Primarily GSM requiring 1 year of aging

Rosé: Primarily Grenache, Syrah Cinsault blends

Whites Clairette, Grenache Blanc, and Rolle blends

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4
Q

Where is the 1 pocket of volcanic porphyry located in Provence?

A

Between St Tropez and Cannes around Fréjus

Volcanic mountain - Massif l’Esterel

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5
Q

What are the vegetation types that grow on the 2 primary soils of Provence?

A

Garrigue - A composite of resinous herbs like lavender and rosemary that grow on the calcareous limestone

Maquis - A woody coastal scrub vegetation that grows on crystalline schist

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6
Q

What is the climate of Provence?

A

Mediterranean
With 2 Seasons
A mild wet winter and a hot and dry summer

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7
Q

What are the coastal/inland influences on the climate?

A

The sea moderates the temperatures along the coast
Inland temperatures are less balmy with cool nights especially at elevation

Some interior areas have alpine influences

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8
Q

How do the mountains affect the climate of Provence?

A

They cause colder winters and cooler summer nights

For the vine in summer these diurnal temperature swings preserve the grapes natural acidity

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9
Q

How much sunshine does Provence receive per year?

A

Almost 3,000

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10
Q

What is the effect of the Mistral in Provence?

A

It chases humidity
Can blow up to 60 mph for up to 150 days per year
Although a northerly wind the mountains in Provence channel it in a southeasterly direction

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11
Q

What is the Via Domitia?

A

A roman road connecting Italy to Spain through Provence

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12
Q

Where is the volcanic porphyry found in Provence?

A

In Fréjus

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13
Q

Where is the crystalline schist found?

A

Eastern Provence

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14
Q

What are the stats on the Bandol AOC?

A

Located west of Toulon and east of Cassis
Majority rosé, some red and a little white
All grapes must be hand harvested

NOTE: Only hillside vineyards, most of which are terraced and face south in amphitheater fashion

Rosés: minimum 20% Mourvèdre plus Grenache & Cinsault

Reds: 50 - 95% Mourvèdre with Grenache & Cinsault - minimum aging 18 months in oak

Whites: Clairette plus Bourboulenc & Ugni Blanc

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15
Q

Where is the clay/limestone soil found in Provence?

A

Northern and western Provence

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16
Q

T or F? Provence’s coastal vineyards experience huge diurnal temperature swings?

A

False

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17
Q

When does most of the rain fall in Provence?

A

Winter

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18
Q

Which mountain vineyards lie within cultural Provence but make wine under the Rhône AOC?

A

Mont Ventoux

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19
Q

What mountain blocks the Mistral and forms a suntrap for its vineyards?

A

Montagne Saint Victoire

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20
Q

Where is the Massif l’Esterel located?

A

It is a volcanic mountain range running between Frejus and Cannes

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21
Q

What are the stats on the Cassis AOC?

A

Located 12 miles east of Marseille
Produces mostly white

NOTE: Terraced vineyards sheltered from the Mistral by the Calanques

Whites: Primarily Marsanne with Clairette as a blending partner

Reds & rosés: Cinsault, Grenache & Mourvèdre dominant
Rosés may incorporate up to 20% whites

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22
Q

What mountain range was formerly volcanic?

A

Massif de l’Esterel

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23
Q

Where is the Massif des Maures located?

A

Coastal range that runs along the mediterranean between Hyères and Fréjus

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24
Q

What mountain range runs between Hyères and Fréjus?

A

Massif des Maures

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25
Where are the Massif de Calanques located?
They run along the coast between Marseille and Cassis
26
What mountain range runs between Marseille and Cassis?
Massif de Calangues
27
In the Saignée method what happens after the maceration stage?
Fermentation Stage Juice is allowed to settle Yeast is added; alcoholic fermentation begins Malolactic fermentation is avoided
28
What are the key points of production of the Saignée method?
Rosé de Saignée: A by product of the red winemaking process Freerun and press juice are not blended together They are vinified as 2 distinct wine products from 1 batch of grapes
29
What are the characteristics of the 4 primary red/rose grapes of Provence?
Cinsault: moderate to low pigment, low tannin, moderate acidity - from SW France Syrah: High pigment and tannin, moderate acidity and alcohol - from SW France Mourvèdre: High pigment, tannin, acidity and alcohol - from Spain Grenache: High alcohol, low acid - from Spain or Sardinia
30
What are the stats on the Coteaux Varois en Provence AOC?
Located between the 2 largest parts of the Côtes de Provence AOC The area is sheltered by limestone hills and mountains Production vast majority rosé some red and very little white NOTE: Vines grow at an average elevation of 1,200' with continental influences This results in rosés of structure, freshness and balance Rosés & reds: GSM & Cinsault blends Whites: 30% Rolle (Vermentino) with Clairette and Grenache Blanc
31
What is the pruning method in Provence?
Older vineyards Gobelet style | Newer vineyards Guyot with trellising to support the vines from the Mistral
32
What time of day is the fruit harvested?
At night or early morning to bring cool fruit into the winery?
33
What are the 2 rosé production methods?
Direct press: This makes a pale rosé with explosive aromatics and minimal tannins Saignée: More concentrated color and tannin with less complex aromatics
34
What is the maceration like in the Saignée method?
Grapes are crushed Juice is in contact with skins for 8 - 24 hrs to extract tannin and pigment After this period of maceration, the liquid is pulled of the solids without pressing - this is called freerun Solids are then pressed for more juice Often the press fraction is blended with the freerun
35
What are the 4 primary grapes used for rosé production in Provence?
Grenache Cinsault Syrah Mourvèdre
36
The term "Restanques" refers to?
The terraced stone walls in the vineyards, especially Bandol
37
"Rolle" is a synonym for what grape?
Vermentino
38
What is Provence's smallest AOC by size?
Palette AOC
39
What is the only AOC in Provence that permits Chardonnay?
Bellet AOC
40
What are the stats on the Coteaux de Pierrevert AOC?
Northernmost AOC in Provence Majority rosé, with red and small amount of white NOTE: Vines are at an average elevation of 1,500' with alpine influences; diurnal temperature swings are the highest in Provence Rosés: Primarily Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah with up to 20% white Reds: Grenache/Syrah dominant blends with Cinsault, Carignan and Mourvèdre with up to 10 white Whites: Grenache Blanc and Rolle
41
What AOC in Provence is known for organic and biodynamic farming?
Les Baux de Provence AOC
42
What Provence AOC is known for wine from Mourvèdre?
Bandol
43
What is Maquis?
A mix of resinous herbs that grow on crystalline schist soils
44
What Provence AOC is known for indigenous grapes like Braquel and Folle Noir?
Bellet AOC
45
What Provence AOC has strong alpine influences?
Coteaux de Pierrevert AOC
46
What is the principal red grape of the Bandol AOC?
Mourvèdre
47
What civilization first planted vines in Provence?
The ancient Phoceans (Greeks from Asia Minor) beat the romans, making Provence the oldest winemaking region in France
48
What is Provence's Cru Classé?
A ranking of 18 estates within the Côtes de Provence AOC
49
What Provence AOC produces mainly white wine?
The Cassis AOC - 70% of production is white
50
What are the stats on the Palette AOC?
2 non-contiguous growing areas on both sides of the Arc river, just east of Aix-en-Provence NOTE: smallest AOC in Provence with 1/2 production bottled by Chateau Simone All grapes are hand harvested Makes Vin Cuit Uses Obscure grapes Red aging: 18 months in oak White aging: 8 months Rosé aging: 8 months
51
What is Garrigue?
A term used to describe limestone soils and the wild herbs that grow on them
52
What Provence AOC surrounds the city of Nice?
Bellet AOC
53
What Provence AOC produces more red wine than rosé ?
Les Baux de Provence AOC
54
What are the 4 Geographic Designations of the Côtes de Provence AOC?
1. Sainte-Victoire 2. Fréjus 3. LaLonde 4. Pierrefeu
55
What is the climate of Provence?
Mediterranean with some continental and alpine influences
56
What are the 2 main soils types found in Provence?
Calcareous Limestone | Quartz Rich Schist
57
What is "Vin Cuit"?
A wine produced in the Palette AOC by cooking the grape must
58
What AOC is responsible for 75% of all wine production in Provence?
Côtes de Provence AOC
59
What grapes are allowed in the Côtes de Provence AOC red and rosé ?
They must contain at least 2 of the following primary grapes: ``` Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre Cinsault Tibouren ```
60
What are the stats on the Bellet AOC?
Surrounds the city of Nice Equal proportions of red, white and rosé NOTE: On terraced vineyards above the Var River at 660-990' Chardonnay is permitted but Bordeaux Varieties are not Whites: Primarily Rolle (Vermentino) with Chardonnay and Clairette Reds and rosés: Primary Braquet and Folle Noir with Grenache
61
What is the Hercynian Trend?
A deformation in the earth's crust. | It is responsible for forming the mountains and massifs of Provence and Languedoc
62
T or F? Provence is the oldest winemaking region on mainland France...
True, the Phoceans in 600 BC
63
T or F? Provence was the first Roman province outside of Italy...
True | It takes its name from the Roman "Nostra Provencia" meaning our Provence in english
64
T or F? Provence is the only wine making region in the world to focus on rosés?
True
65
What is the principal red grape of the Bandol AOC?
Mourvèdre
66
What rosé production method does Provence focus on?
Direct press | This produces pale pigmented highly aromatic rosé
67
Where did the Phoceans first settle in Provence in 600 BC?
Massalia which became Marseille
68
When did Provence become part of the Roman Empire?
In the 2nd century BC Provence aligned itself with Rome to protect itself from the Etruscans, Carthaginians and Celts
69
What is the principal white grape of Provence?
Marsanne
70
Where are the Maritime Alps located?
They run along the Italian border
71
What is the Hercynian Trend?
It is an ancient line of crustal deformation | It runs under the Mediterranean from the Pyrénées along Languedoc to the Esterel Massif in Provence
72
What is the soil type of Northern and Western Provence?
Limestone and clay
73
What are the 2 principle soil types in Provence?
1. Crystalline (quartz) Schist | 2. Limestone and clay
74
What is the soil type of eastern Provence?
Crystalline Schist
75
What is the soil type in the interior valley from Les Arcs to Toulon?
This is the dividing line where the 2 soil types (crystalline schist and clay/limestone) meet and mix
76
When did the Romans found Aix-en-Provence?
122 BC
77
After Rome fell who invaded Provence?
Barcelona, The Kingdom of Burgundy and the Holy Roman Empire Each influenced wine with new grapes or production methods Finally, the Monostatic Orders brought stability to the region
78
When did Provence become part of France?
Late 1400's
79
When did Phylloxera hit Provence?
Late 19th century
80
What was the first Provence area to receive AOC status?
Cassis in 1936
81
What one wine area in Provence lies above its northern border the Durance River?
Coteaux de Pierrevert
82
What is the relationship of the mountain Sainte-Victoire to Provence?
Located within the Côtes de Provence AOC | It blocks the Mistral and creates a suntrap for the vineyards within its flanks
83
Where is Provence located?
In the SE quadrant of France along the Mediterranean Sea The Rhône River and Languedoc to the west The Durance River to the North
84
What is the topography of Provence?
The eastern portion is the most mountainous Southwest near Arles & Marseille is flatter In the west is the Rhône Delta a vast salt march known as the Camargue
85
What is the relationship of Mont Ventoux in the Rhône Valley to Provence?
Mont Ventoux is 38 miles NE of Avignon and part of the Rhône Valley Culturally part of Provence
86
What is the relationship of the Les Alpilles to Provence?
It is a chain of low mountains south of Avignon | The Les Baux de Provence AOC is located on its northern and southern slopes
87
Where is the mountain range Sainte Baume?
They stretch from Toulon to Marseille
88
What is the direct press "Rosé de Press" process?
Grapes are harvested when cool (or cooled at the winery) and placed in the press whole 4 hour gentle pressing cycle and juice is extracted and pulled from the skins with minimal contact Juice is settled to remove fine particles Yeast is added to start fermentation Malolactic fermentation is avoided Creates a less pigmented and structured rosé, aromatics are heightened
89
What are the 2 rosé types made in Provence?
``` Vins de Soif (thirst-quenching) Vins Gastronomiques (made to be consumed with food) ```
90
What are the 2 bottle shapes found in Provence?
``` The Skittle (squeezed in at the bottom) The Saint-Tropez (tapered but not squeezed in near the bottom) ``` Both bottles are clear
91
What are the stats on the Côtes de Provence AOC?
``` 75% of Provence's total production Production numbers vast majority rosé with a little red and very small amount of white 5 Non-contiguous vineyard areas All soil types Varied climates ```
92
What grapes are in the Côtes de Provence AOC, red, white and rosé wines?
White: Clairette, Rolle (Vermentino), Semillon and Ugni Blanc Red & rosé: At least 2 of the following - GSM, Cinsault, Tiburon with Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignon as blending partners Rosé can contain a small % of Rolle, Ugni Blanc, Clairette and Semillon
93
What 4 geographic Non-AOC Designations can add their names to the Côtes de Provence AOC?
Sainte-Victoire Fréjus La Londe Pierrefeu Subject to lower yields, higher minimum ABV Only pertains to red and rosé
94
What is the Côtes de Provence AOC Cru Classé?
A classification system from 1955 Only 1 level: Cru Classé Originally applied to 23 estates but 5 are no longer making wine Ranks the original estate not the vineyard It can only be made from the originally classified vineyard area It has never been revised or modified
95
What are the 4 primary grapes used for rosé production in Provence?
Grenache Cinsault Syrah Mourvèdre
96
What are Restanques?
The terraced vineyards in Bandol AOC
97
Which is the northernmost AOC in Provence?
Coteaux de Pierrevert
98
Name the AOC's that do not permit Bordeaux varieties?
Bellet AOC | Coteaux de Pierrrevert
99
What are the AOC's with mandatory aging requirements?
Bandol AOC - R Les Baux de Provence AOC - R Palette AOC - R, Ro, W Côtes de Provence AOC Fréjus
100
What white grape dominates the Provence AOC of Cassis?
Marsanne & Clairette
101
Which Provence AOC produces more white than rosé or red?
Cassis
102
What Provence AOC is known for Vin Cuit (heated wine)?
Palette AOC
103
Which Provence AOC has a wide harvest differential north to south?
Coteaux Varois en Provence
104
What Provence AOC was previously part of Languedoc?
Les Baux de Provence
105
What river runs through the Provence AOC of Pallet?
The Arc River
106
What is the smallest AOC in Provence?
Pallet AOC
107
What is the 2nd largest AOC in Provence?
Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence AOC
108
How do the regulations of the 4 Côtes de Provence subregions differ from the main Côtes de Provence AOC?
Higher minimum ABV Lower yields For reds and rosés only
109
What are the 4 subregions of the Côtes de Provence AOC?
Sainte-Victoire Fréjus La Londe Pierrefeu
110
What 1 Provence AOC has a classification system?
Côtes de Provence AOC
111
Which Provence AOC produces the highest volume of wine?
Côtes de Provence AOC
112
Where is the volcanic Massif l'Esterel located?
From Cannes to Fréjus
113
Where is the Massif des Maures located?
From Fréjus to Hyeres
114
Where are the Mountains Sainte-Baume located?
From Toulon to Marseille
115
Where are the Calanques located?
From Cassis to Marseille
116
Where is the Mountain Sainte-Victoire located?
Northeast of Marseille
117
Where are the Mountains Les Alpilles located?
Northwest of Marseille
118
What are the 2 primary soils types in Provence and where are they located?
Crystalline Schist found in the east | Clay/Limestone found in the north and west
119
What is the name given to the resinous shrubs that grow on schist/quartz?
Maquis
120
Where is the 1 pocket of volcanic soil found in Provence?
In Fréjus , on the coast between Saint Tropez and Cannes
121
What mineral is found in the soils of Les Baux de Provence?
Bauxite
122
What is the northern border of Provence?
The Durance River | 1 AOC is north of the river Pierrevert AOC

French Wine Scholar COPY Donahue (15 decks)

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