Provence Flashcards
What are the designations of the IGPs in Provence?
Méditerranée IGP
The largest and most general designation; shared with the Rhône Valley and Corsica.
What are the characteristics of the Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence AOC?
- located in northwest Provence
- 85% rosé
- second largest AOC in Provence, heavily impacted by the Mistral
- wines require at least two varieties in the blend
- whites are Vermentino-dominant
- rosés and reds generally use G, M and/or S
- Counoise and Cinsault often added
What are the characteristics of the Les Baux de Provence AOC?
- located south of Avignon
- overlays n/w of Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence
- 90% red or rosé
- stronghold of organic and biodynamic producers
- all wines are blends of at least 2 primary varieties
- Reds: Primarily GSM requiring 1 year of aging
- Rosé: Primarily Grenache, Syrah, and/or Cinsault
What is the small chain of volcanic coastal mountains between Fréjus and Cannes?
Massif de L’Esterel
What are the vegetation types that grow on the 2 primary soils of Provence?
Garrigue - resinous herbs that grows on alkaline soils, like limestone
Maquis - resinous scrub grows on acidic soils, like quartz-rich schist
What is the climate of Provence?
Mediterranean
some interior areas have some alpine or continental influences due to elevation
summers: dry and hot, winters: most of rainfall
What are the coastal/inland influences on the climate?
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.
How do the mountains affect the climate of Provence?
They cause colder winters and cooler summer nights.
preserve the grapes’ natural acidity
How much sunshine does Provence receive per year?
Almost 3,000 hrs/year
What is the effect of the Mistral in Provence?
- similar to Rhône Valley
- Provence’s many mountain chains channel in a southeasterly direction.
Where is the crystalline or quartz-rich schist found?
eastern parts of Provence
What are the characteristics of the Bandol AOC?
- located near coast, west of Toulon
- 75% rosé and red, white declining
- All grapes must be hand harvested
- most vineyards face south, toward the sea, in the form of a natural ampitheater
- rosés and reds: Mourvèdre (Grenache & Cinsault)
- whites: Clairette plus Bourboulenc and Ugni Blanc
Where is the clay/limestone soil found in Provence?
hills and ranges along the western boundaries
What effect does the Mediterranean Sea have on temperatures along the coast?
it moderates temperatures
When does most of the rain fall in Provence?
winter
Which mountain vineyards lie within cultural Provence but make wine under the Rhône AOC?
Mont Ventoux
Which mountain is famous thanks to Cézanne?
Montagne Sainte-Victoire
What are the characteristics of the Cassis AOC?
- located 12 miles east of Marseille
- Produces mostly white (71%)
- terraced vineyards sheltered from the Mistral by the Calanques
- only appellation in Provence to produce more white wine than red or rosé
- whites: Primarily Marsanne with Clairette as a blending partner
- reds and rosés: Cinsault, Grenache, and/or Mourvèdre dominant
- rosés may incorporate up to 20% whites
What mountain range runs between Hyères and Fréjus?
Massif des Maures
Where are the Massif de Calanques located?
They run along the coast between Marseille and Cassis.
What are the characteristics of the 4 primary red/rose grapes of Provence?
Grenache: Thin skin and light color; high alcohol, low acid (from Spain or Sardinia)
Cinsault: moderate 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)
What are the characteristics of 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
- Relatively high elevation approx. 1200ft.
- This results in rosés of structure, freshness and balance
- Rosés & reds: Grenache, Mourvèdre, and/or Syrah-dominant
- Whites: 30% Rolle (Vermentino) with Clairette and Grenache Blanc
What is the pruning method in Provence?
Older vineyards Gobelet style; newer use Guyot with trellising to support vines from Mistral
What time of day is the fruit harvested?
At night or early morning to bring cool fruit into the winery
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 off the solids without pressing - this is called freerun
- Solids are then pressed for more juice
- Often the press fraction is blended with the freerun
What are the 4 primary grapes used for rosé production in Provence?
Grenache
Syrah
Mourvèdre
Cinsault
The term restanques refers to?
The terraced stone walls in the vineyards, especially Bandol.
“Rolle” is a synonym for what grape?
Vermentino
What is Provence’s smallest AOC by size?
Palette AOC
What is the only AOC in Provence that permits Chardonnay?
Bellet AOC