Provence Pt 1 - General, Viticulture History, Location, Climate Flashcards
Which Rhone Valley area population consider themselves a part of Provence?
Lirac, Tavel, Chateauneuf, Gigondas, Luberon and Ventoux even though they are appellations of the Rhone.
Why is the Provence viticulture region different to the cultural region?
The wine producing region is smaller than those areas which consider themselves part of Provence by virtue of their landscape, cuisine, culture.
Where does the Provencal wine region lie?
Within the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur administrative region but does not fill it.
What factors must the vineyards compete with in Provence?
Urbanisation;
Coservation of forests laws; these make it difficult for vineyards to expand.
What makes Provence unique among French and world wine regions?
It is the only one to focus primarily on Rose wine. It is its legacy and its future?
How long has Provence been pefecting the craft of making rose wines?
Around 2,600 years.
What is the Rose research centre in Provence called?
Centre du Rose. It is the only one in the world to focus on Rose wine.
Why is Rose so important in Provence?
90% of its total production is Rose and worldwide growth in consumption makes it a wise investment.
What are producers now doing with Rose wines in Provence?
Thye are hoping ocnsumeres will move beyond the super-fresh roses and and towards more elegant , gastronomic and spphisticated wines.
What is “Grand Rose” and “rose a conservir”?
These are wines which will improve with ageing.
Why is there a growing number of DGCs in Provence?
Rose can express terroir so nuanced wines which express a place (terroir) are being produced.
What product are Provence winemakers hoping to get permission to make?
Sparkling Rose.
Who brought wine culture to Provence in 6th Century BCE?
The Phocaeans who founded Massalia. Their alliance with Rome gave them access to trade their lighty coloured wine with the Roman Empire.
How was the wine industry of Provence affected by the decline of the Roman Empire?
There were a series of invaders who brought their own grapes and methods. However the commercial wine industry ceased to exist.
Who took over viticulture during the chaos of the Middle Ages?
The church and monasteries.