Provence Pt 5 -AOC Cotes de Provence

Question 1

Which is the biggest AOC in Provence?

Answer 1

Cotes de Provence (CdP)AOC.

Question 2

How many DGCs in CdP AOC?

Answer 2

Five.

Question 3

When was Cotes de Provence AOC awarded? Styles?

Answer 3

Awarded 1977 for Dry White, Rose and Red.

Question 4

Which are the primary grapes in CdP White wines?

Answer 4

Clairette, Semillon, Ugni BLanc, Vermentino.

Question 5

Which are the primary grapes in CdP Red/Rose wines?

Answer 5

Cinsaut, Grenache, Syrah,Mourvedre, Tibouren.

Question 6

How large is CdP AOC planting?

Answer 6

84 communes;
50,000 ac/ 20,000 ha.

Question 7

How much Rose production is from CdP AOC?

Answer 7

91%

Question 8

How much of total Provence production is from CdP AOC?

Answer 8

72%

Question 9

Why is there so much diversity in CdP wines?

Answer 9

It consists of five non-contiguous areas. Some coastal impacted by the Med. Sea. Others inland with continental or alpine influence.

Question 10

Which part of CdP AOC has crystalline schist soils?

Answer 10

Eastern parts of the AOC.

Question 11

Which part of CdP AOC has volcanic soils?

Answer 11

Between Frejus and Cannes.

Question 12

Which part of CdP AOC has limestone soils?

Answer 12

The western parts of teh AOC.

Question 13

Which part of CdP AOC has mixed limestone and crystalline schist soils?

Answer 13

The interior valley which runs from Toulon to Les Arcs

Question 14

What is the blend requirement for White wines in CdP AOC?

Answer 14

None. It can be made from any of the authorised white grapes. No blend formula nor number of grapes is prescribed.

Question 15

What is the blend requirement for Red and Rose wines in CdP AOC?

Answer 15

They must be crafted from at least two red grapes - one must be primary and primary grapes must account for the majority of the blend.
Rose can contain up to 20% of white grapes.

Question 16

What are the two distinct types of wine made in CdP AOC?

Answer 16

Vin de Soif and Vin de Gastronomie.

Question 17

What is Vin de Soif?

Answer 17

Thirst quenching wines which are light-bodied, crisp and refreshing for serving as an aperitif.

Question 18

How might a vin de soif be made?

Answer 18

Shorter maceration time (for the reds);
Slightly higher yielding vines;
Without oak.

Question 19

What is Vin de Gastronomie?

Answer 19

Gastronomic wines which are deeper in colour, fuller-bodied and more structured. Meant for food.

Question 20

How might a vin de Gastronomie be made?

Answer 20

More select grapes and/or free run juice;
May be aged in oak.

Question 21

What is vin de garde?

Answer 21

Another name for Vin de Gastronomie.

Question 22

What are the five DGCs of CdP?

Answer 22

Frejus, La Londe, Saint-Victoire,Notre-Dame de Anges. Pierrefeu

Question 23

Which DGC of CdP is authorised to craft white wine?

Answer 23

Only La Londe. All others must bottle their white wine as CdP AOC. Thye can only make red and rose wines.

Question 24

What can a DGC of CdP do on its label?

Answer 24

If it complies with the production standards it can add its name to the label alongside CdP. Each varies slightly between primary grapes and combination in the blend.

Question 25

Which DGC can use carbonic maceration for reds?

Answer 25

Only Saint-Victoire

Question 26

Which DGC reds must spend six months in oak barrels or foudres?

Answer 26

Frejus.

Question 27

On which dates are red wines of the DGCs of CdP released?

Answer 27

Frejus and Pierrefeu - October 15 in year after harvest;
Saint-Victoire, Notre-Dame des Anges and La Londe - August 15 in year after harvest.

Question 28

What is the classification system in CdPAOC?

Answer 28

Created in 1955 it consists of only one level - Cru Classe. There are currently 18 estates.

Question 29

What does the Cru Classe system in CdP classify?

Answer 29

The estates, as in Bordeaux.Classification has never been modified or revised.

Question 30

What are the restrictions on the Cru Classe of CdP?

Answer 30

The vineyard area originally classified cannot be added to. Wine can only be made from fruit from the original area.

Question 31

Which organisation has a charter of excellence for Cru Classe wines in CdP?

Answer 31

Club des Cru Classes des Cotes de Provence, created in 2000 for the classified properties of which 14 are members.