Provence Pt 1 - General, Viticulture History, Location, Climate Flashcards

1
Q

Which Rhone Valley area population consider themselves a part of Provence?

A

Lirac, Tavel, Chateauneuf, Gigondas, Luberon and Ventoux even though they are appellations of the Rhone.

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2
Q

Why is the Provence viticulture region different to the cultural region?

A

The wine producing region is smaller than those areas which consider themselves part of Provence by virtue of their landscape, cuisine, culture.

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3
Q

Where does the Provencal wine region lie?

A

Within the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur administrative region but does not fill it.

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4
Q

What factors must the vineyards compete with in Provence?

A

Urbanisation;
Coservation of forests laws; these make it difficult for vineyards to expand.

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5
Q

What makes Provence unique among French and world wine regions?

A

It is the only one to focus primarily on Rose wine. It is its legacy and its future?

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6
Q

How long has Provence been pefecting the craft of making rose wines?

A

Around 2,600 years.

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7
Q

What is the Rose research centre in Provence called?

A

Centre du Rose. It is the only one in the world to focus on Rose wine.

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8
Q

Why is Rose so important in Provence?

A

90% of its total production is Rose and worldwide growth in consumption makes it a wise investment.

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9
Q

What are producers now doing with Rose wines in Provence?

A

Thye are hoping ocnsumeres will move beyond the super-fresh roses and and towards more elegant , gastronomic and spphisticated wines.

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10
Q

What is “Grand Rose” and “rose a conservir”?

A

These are wines which will improve with ageing.

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11
Q

Why is there a growing number of DGCs in Provence?

A

Rose can express terroir so nuanced wines which express a place (terroir) are being produced.

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12
Q

What product are Provence winemakers hoping to get permission to make?

A

Sparkling Rose.

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13
Q

Who brought wine culture to Provence in 6th Century BCE?

A

The Phocaeans who founded Massalia. Their alliance with Rome gave them access to trade their lighty coloured wine with the Roman Empire.

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14
Q

How was the wine industry of Provence affected by the decline of the Roman Empire?

A

There were a series of invaders who brought their own grapes and methods. However the commercial wine industry ceased to exist.

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15
Q

Who took over viticulture during the chaos of the Middle Ages?

A

The church and monasteries.

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16
Q

What made Provence wines more prestigous in the 14th and 15th Century?

A

Nobility and military leaders acquired and managed vineyards. The wines became associated with aristocracy.

17
Q

When did Provence officially become part of France?

A

In late 14th Cntury. The region slipped into agricultural slumber.

18
Q

How did Phylloxera and the railways impact Provence vineyards?

A

Vineyards were devastated. High volume vines were replanted to meet growing volumes for the tourists brought by the new railways to the region.

19
Q

How did wine production change in Provence in the 1930’s?

A

The older vnes were replanted with vines which would produce quality fruit rather than quantity.

20
Q

When did Provence receive its first AOC status?

A

In 1936 for Cassis followed in 1941 by Bandol and Bellet and Palette in 1948. These AOCs produced only a small % of the total region wine.

21
Q

Why might the wines of Provence not have received the same respect as other regions wines?

A

It might be due to the later elevation of their major production zones to AOC status in the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s.

22
Q

Where is Provence wine region located?

A

SE France. It is bordered by the Med. to the South, Italy to the East, and Languedpc and the Rhone River to the west.

23
Q

How larger is Provence wine region?

A

150-200 miles wide.
100 miles North - south

24
Q

What is the climate of Provence?

A

Predominantly Mediterranean with some continental or alpine influence on inland elevations.

25
Q

How much sunshine and rain does Provence get per annum?

A

Between 2700-3000 hours p.a. of sunshine. Summers are generally dry and hot.
Rain averages 600-900 mm p.a. and is mostly winter dominant.

26
Q

How is the heat mitigated in Provence?

A

By sea breezes on the coastal areas. Temperatures are less balmy and nghts are cooler. The Mistral winds also blow through Provence bringing cool air.

27
Q

Who is Frederic Mistral?

A

A Provencal poet who championed Provencal folk and art. Awarded Nobel prize for literature and Legion d’Honneur.