South France Flashcards
(121 cards)
1
Q
How many ha of vine is planted in Northern Rhône?
A
Less than 4,000 ha
2
Q
How many ha of vine is planted in Southern Rhône?
A
66,000 ha
3
Q
Rhône méridionale in French is known in English as?
A
northern Rhône
4
Q
Rhône septentrionale in French is known in English as?
A
southern Rhône
5
Q
What is the climate in Northern Rhône?
A
Moderate continental climate with cold winters, warm summers and adequate rainfall falling mainly in the autumn and the winter
6
Q
What effect has cold Mistral wind on the vineyards in Northern Rhône?
A
It reduces the incidence of fungal disease. It is also decreases vine vigour and leads to lower yields and higher concentration in the wines, but lower production.
7
Q
What is the climate in Southern Rhône?
A
Warm, Mediterranean climate with mild winters and very warm, dry summers. Drought can be problem, irrigation is permitted.
8
Q
Describe Northern Rhône Syrah?
A
Deep ruby in colour, medium to pronounced intensity aromas and flavours of violet, plum (red plum in cooler years and sites, black plum in warmer years and sites), blackberry with black pepper and herbal notes. Acidity and tannins range from medium to high.
9
Q
What Syrah adds to Southern Rhône blends?
A
Syrah adds structure, fruit and colour to Southern Rhône blends
10
Q
What Grenache Noir adds to Southern Rhône blends?
A
It contributes pale ruby colour, ripe red fruit (strawberry, red plum, red cherry), spicy and herbal notes, high alcohol, low to medium tannins and low acidity.
11
Q
What Mourvèdre adds to Southern Rhône blends?
A
Mourvèdre contributes deep ruby colour, intense aromas of blackberries, blueberries and violets, high alcohol and high, firm tannins.
12
Q
Why is Grenache Noir suitable for producing Vin Doux Naturel?
A
The grapes can accumulate high sugar levels quickly, which can be an issue in dry wines but makes it very suitable for producing Vin Doux Naturel.
13
Q
What Cinsault adds to Southern Rhône blends?
A
Small part of the red blend, contributes light ruby colour, medium to medium (+) intense aromas of fresh red fruit (raspberry, red cherry), high alcohol and low to medium tannins. Highly suitable for early drinking reds and rosés.
14
Q
Describe wines produced from Viognier?
A
Medium lemon in colour with pronounced aromas and flavours of honeysuckle, apricot and peach, with medium to high alcohol and low acidity.
15
Q
Describe wines produced from Marsanne?
A
Medium lemon in colour, sometimes gold, with light intensity honeysuckle, lemon and apricot fruit, an oily texture, medium acidity, full bodied and medium to high alcohol.In the Northern Rhône, it is either made as a varietal wine or blended with Roussanne. In the southern Rhône, it is usually part of a blend.
16
Q
Describe wines produced from Roussanne?
A
Medium lemon in colour, sometimes gold, medium to medium (+) intensity aromatics of pear with herbal notes, medium to medium (+) acidity and medium to high alcohol. It is similar in colour and structure to Marsanne but the wines tend to age quicker.
17
Q
What Roussanne adds to a blend with Marsanne?
A
Roussanne add finesse, fruit and crisp acidity. It is considered higher quality grape but gives lower yields and is susceptible to rot and resist wind poorly.
18
Q
How many ha of vine is planted in Côte Rôtie?
A
250 ha
19
Q
What grape varieties are allowed in Côte Rôtie?
A
Only production of red wines made from Syrah, with up to 20 per cent of Viognier permitted in blends, though in practice this is often zero. When both grape varieties are used, they must be co-fermented.
20
Q
What is the style of Côte Rôtie wines comparing with neighbouring appellations?
A
Stylistically the wines are known for their pronounced aromas and are typically softer and less full-bodied than the wines of the other top appellations
21
Q
Name two slopes of Cote-Rotie?
A
The Cote Blonde and the Cote Brune
22
Q
Name two Guigal`s single-vineyards bottlings in Cote Brune (Cote-Rotie)?
A
La Landonne and La Turque
23
Q
Name the only one Guigal`s single-vineyard bottlings in Cote Blonde (Cote-Rotie)?
A
La Mouline
24
Q
How many ha of vine is planted in Hermitage AOC?
A
137 ha
25
What varieties are used for Hermitage AOC white wines?
Typically a blend of a majority of Marsanne with some Roussanne or pure Marsanne.
26
Chapoutiers Chante Alouette Hermitage is produced from which grape?
Marsanne
27
What are the most important producers in Hermitage AOC?
Négociant houses of Chapoutier and Jaboulet, with significant holdings owned by the cooperative Cave de Tain and by Jean-Louis Chave
28
What is the largest of the northern Rhone appellations?
Crozes-Hermitage, nearly 1,700 ha
29
What is the climate in Cornas AOC?
Unlike other parts of Northern Rhone, climate here is warm Mediterranean because it is the most southerly appellation in N. Rhone.
30
What reputation have wines from Cornas AOC?
Reputation for tannic intensity. While some producers use small barrels to soften tannins, the current trend is back towards robust and long-lived wines.
31
What North Rhone appellation doesn't allow blending white varieties in their red wines?
Cornas AOP. Only Syrah, no white varieties allowed.
32
What kind of wine is produced in Saint-Péray AOC?
Only white, Marsanne accounts for the vast majority of plantings, with some Roussanne. In addition to still wine, traditional method sparkling wine is made from the same varieties, though it is increasingly rare.
33
What kind of wine is produced in Collines Rhodaniennes IGP?
Red, white and rosé wines made from grapes grown outside of the AOCs in the northern Rhône. It can be made from other grape varieties than those allowed by the AOC rules.
34
Name Northern Rhône appellations that can produce red wines and white wines?
Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, St.-Joseph
35
Name Northern Rhône appellations that can produce only red wines?
Côte Rôtie and Cornas
36
Name Northern Rhône appellations that can produce only white wines?
Condrieu, Chateau Grillet, Saint-Péray
37
Name the only producer of Chateau Grillet?
Neyret-Gachet
38
What is the largest appellation in Northern Rhône?
Crozes-Hermitage
39
Name appellation that typically produce the boldest and most tannic of all the Northern Rhône Syrah wines?
Cornas
40
Name the best known merchants in Northern Rhône?
Jaboulet, Chapoutier, Delas, and Guigal.
41
At what age is Condrieu best drunk?
It is best drunk young, at between two and four years in general.
42
Good alternative to red Châteauneuf-du-Pape is found in what appellation?
Gigondas
43
What is the typical southern Rhône red wine blend?
Grenache-dominant blends with Mourvèdre and Syrah, along with other permitted varieties, for example Carignan and Cinsaut. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is exception.
44
What is the second largest appellation by hectares planted in France, after Bordeaux AOC?
Côtes du Rhône AOC
45
What is the reason that huge majority of Côtes du Rhône AOC wines are coming from Southern Rhône?
Producers in the north can usually sell their wines under more valuable appellations.
46
What are the principal varieties for red and rose Côtes du Rhône wines?
Grenache Noir (min. 30 per cent), Mourvèdre and Syrah (combination min 20 per cent), all three together min 60 per cent of the blend. Many local minor varieties are permitted including Carignan and Cinsaut.
47
What are the principal varieties for white Côtes du Rhône wines?
Principal varieties for white wines are: Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier together must make up 80 per cent of the final blend. Many local minor varieties are permitted including Piquepoul Blanc.
48
Describe typical red Côtes du Rhône AOC wines?
Medium intensity ruby, medium intensity red plum and blackberry fruit, no oak flavours, medium acidity, medium tannin (or low tannin if made by carbonic maceration), medium alcohol. The wines are typically good quality and inexpensive in price.
49
What appellation lies across the river from Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
Lirac AOC
50
Name only appellation in France only for rose wines?
Tavel
51
What grape varieties are allowed for Gigondas AOC?
Appellation for red and rose wines only made from Grenache Noir (at least 50 per cent) and at least one of Syrah or Mourvèdre.
52
Name most important Gigondas AOP rules?
Gigondas shares Châteauneuf's low maximum yield (35 hl/ha), high minimum natural alcoholic strength (12.5 per cent) and a compulsory triage to eliminate imperfect grapes.
53
What kind of wine is produced in Vacqueyras AOC?
Mostly reds based on Grenache Noir (at least 50 per cent) and at least one of Syrah or Mourvèdre. Small amount of white and rose.
54
What kind of wine is produced in Vinsobres?
Only for red wines. Minimum 50% Grenache and at least 25 per cent of either Syrah or Mourvèdre. More planting of Syrah in recent years, contributing flavour intensity, structure and colour.
55
What nearby appellation can provide good-value alternatives rose wines to Tavel?
Lirac
56
What kind of wine is produced in Beaumes-de-Venise AOC?
Only red wines, principal variety is Grenache Noir which with Syrah must together make up 50 per cent of the blend. Best known for its Vin Doux Naturel.
57
What are grape varieties used for red Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines?
There are 18 of them, without distinction between red and white wines but the most important variety is Grenache. Other important are Mourvedre and Syrah. It is possible to make single varietal wines.
58
What are grape varieties used for white Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines?
Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, and Roussanne. Very rare. Note that Marsanne and Viognier, two major white varieties of the Northern Rhône, are not permitted for AOC wines.
59
Name most famous single varietal Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc?
Château de Beaucastel’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes
60
How many ha are planted with vines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
More than 3,000 ha
61
For what is famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape soil?
For large pebbles (galets roulés) which radiate heat at night, adding to the warming effect. In the past, this warming effect was valued but it is less so now as a warming climate is contributing to high sugar levels.
62
Describe red Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine?
Medium ruby in colour, medium (+) to pronounced intensity of ripe red plum and blackberry fruit with spice notes and sometimes new oak notes. The wines have medium acidity, high alcohol and tannins vary from medium (-) to high, depending on varietal mix, winemaking style and vintage.
63
What is the recent trend considering the style of white Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine?
To make the wines lighter, more floral and fresher in style.
64
What kind of wine is produced in Lirac AOC?
Most are red wines (85 per cent), rose wines are important and small amount of white wines.
65
What grape varieties are used for production of red Lirac AOC wines?
Principal varieties are Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsaut which together must make up a minimum of 90 per cent of the final blend.
66
What are some characteristic of Tavel AOC wines?
Deep pink color and higher tannin levels.
67
What are grape varieties used for Tavel AOC?
Grenache Noir is the dominant grape variety, but may not exceed 60 per cent of the blend. Cinsault is the second most important, then Syrah and Clairette.
68
Describe typical Tavel AOC wine?
Medium intensity pink/orange in colour, much darker than most other rosés, with medium to medium (+) intensity of strawberry and raspberry fruit, medium (+) to full body and medium alcohol but at the top end of that band (e.g. 13.5% abv).
69
Name two appellation in Rhone Valley which make sweet Vin doux Naturel?
Golden Muscat version in Beaumes-de-Venise, and very varied colours and styles in Rasteau
70
How many ha are planted with vines in Languedoc?
220,000 ha, more hectares under vine than the individual countries of Chile, Australia or South Africa.
71
What region has the lowest yields for AOC wines of all French regions?
Languedoc-Roussillon, due to low rainfall and a warm, windy climate (causing high rates of evapotranspiration).
72
Name most planted white wine variety in Languedoc?
Chardonnay
73
Name most planted red wine varieties in Languedoc?
Carignan (declining), Grenache (the second most planted), Cinsault (useful for roses) and especially Syrah (third most planted variety) and the much rarer Mourvedre.
74
What is the predominantly blend in majority red Languedoc wines?
Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre
75
What kind of wine is produced from Carignan variety?
Wines that are high in acidity and tannins. Winemakers will often seek to soften these characteristics, for example, by using carbonic maceration or by blending with other varieties. The wines, other than those from very old vines, are typically unoaked, medium ruby in colour with simple blackberry fruit, high acidity and tannins.
76
What percentage of wine production is dedicated for IGP wines in Languedoc?
IGP represents nearly 70 per cent of the production in the Languedoc.
77
What is IGP Pays d’Oc?
It is regional IGP, covering the whole of the Languedoc-Roussillon region. IGP Pays d’Oc is by far the biggest producer of IGP wine in France, producing between 10–15 per cent of all French wine depending on the vintage.
78
What is the style of IGP Pays d’Oc wines?
The wines are typically fresh, fruity expressions of the variety being used with little or no use of oak for maturing the wine. They are good to very good in quality and inexpensive to medium-priced.
79
What are the top four grape varieties grown and used for single variety wines in IGP Pays d’Oc?
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Syrah
80
Name two Languedoc appellations where Carignan is a principal grape variety?
In Corbières AOC and Fitou AOC, Carignan is a principal grape variety and in nearly all other appellations it is an option.
81
Name three tiers in new Languedoc classification?
From the bottom: Languedoc; Grands Vins du Languedoc; and the highest is Grands Crus du Languedoc.
82
What is the biggest AOP found in Languedoc, apart from regional appellation?
Corbières AOP
83
Name first appellation in Languedoc?
Fitou AOP
84
What kind of wine is produced in Corbières AOC?
Huge majority is red produced from the principal grape varieties (Carignan, Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre and Syrah), with the remainder from other permitted varieties including Cinsaut (maximum 20 per cent).
85
What kind of wine is produced in Minervois AOC?
Extensive appellation with a range of climatic zones based on altitude and proximity to the sea. Great majority is Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre red blends. Small production of rose and white wines.
86
Name Languedoc AOP red varieties?
Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre (50% minimum), together with Cinsault and black Carignan.
87
Name Languedoc AOP white varieties?
White Grenache, white Clairette, Bourboulenc, white Piquepoul, Roussanne, Marsanne, Tolle and Tourbat
88
What grape varieties are used for production of Saint-Chinian AOC?
Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre (minimum 50 per cent in the blend). Production of red and rose wines.
89
What grape varieties are used for production of Fitou AOC?
Carignan (which must be 10–40 per cent of the blend) and Grenache (minimum 20 per cent)
90
Name two Languedoc appellations where Bordeaux varieties are grown alongside more typical Languedoc varieties?
Malepère AOC and Cabardès AOC
91
How many ha of vine is planted in Roussillon?
Around 21,000 hectares of vineyard, having reduced the area planted dramatically in recent decades. Around 70 per cent of the vineyard area is classified as AOC – there is no extensive flat, coastal plain here suited to high volume grape growing, as in the Languedoc. The majority of wines produced are red, followed by rosé with a small proportion of white wine.
92
What are the most important black varieties grown in Roussillon?
Grenache Noir, Syrah, Carignan and Mourvèdre for red and rosé wines
93
What are the most important white varieties grown in Roussillon?
Macabeu (Viura) for still wines and the Muscats for fortified wine
94
What grape varieties are used for production of red Côtes du Roussillon AOC?
The wines must be made from a minimum of two varieties with a requirement that the variety with the highest percentage is limited to 80 per cent in the final blend. The principal varieties for red and rosé wines are Carignan, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah.
95
What grape varieties are used for production of red Côtes du Roussillon Villages AOC?
Only for red, Carignan, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah.
96
What is the most important wine style coming from Provence?
Pale pink rosé made principally from Cinsaut and Grenache Noir. Rosé accounts for around 90 per cent of Provence’s AOC wine, which in turn represents about 40 per cent of France’s AOC rosé wine.
97
How many ha of vines are planted in Côtes de Provence AOC?
20,000 ha under vine and 90 per cent of the wine produced is rosé
98
What are principal grape varieties for the production of rosé Côtes de Provence AOC?
Cinsaut, Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Tibouren and the wines must be a blend of varieties
99
Describe typical Côtes de Provence rosé wine?
Pale pink-orange in colour, with light to medium intensity aromas of raspberry and red plum with herbal notes, medium acidity, medium body and medium alcohol.
100
What kind of wine is produced in Bandol AOC?
Red wines must be 50–95 per cent Mourvèdre, and rosés 20–95 per cent.
101
Name two largest producing appellations in the Dordogne?
Bergerac AOC and Monbazillac AOC
102
What grape varieties are used for production of Bergerac AOC red wines?
Most important is Merlot, then Cabernets.
103
What grape varieties are used for production of Bergerac AOC white wines?
Most important is Semillon, then Sauvignon and Muscadelle.
104
What kind of wine is produced in Monbazillac AOC?
Increasingly serious sweet white appellation made from Semillon, Sauvignon, and particularly successful here, Muscadelle grapes. The grapes may be affected by botrytis or simply late harvested.
105
What is the main variety in Cahors AOC?
Malbec (at least 70%) supplemented by the tannic Tannat and/or the supple Merlot. The top-quality wines are increasingly 90–100 per cent Malbec.
106
What is the main variety in Madiran AOC?
Tannat (60–80 per cent) supplemented by Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc
107
Describe Cahors AOC wines?
Typically deep ruby in colour, with medium to pronounced levels (depending on quality level) of violet, red and black plum fruit, medium to medium (+) acidity and medium (+) to high tannin. Very good and outstanding examples may be aged in French oak barriques (adding to cost) and so have vanilla and sweet spice notes.
108
Describe the best Madiran AOC wines?
Deep ruby in colour, with pronounced aromas and flavours of blackberry and blackcurrant plus oak flavours, high tannins, high acidity with a full body and alcohol that ranges from the top end of medium to high.
109
Name appellation in Dordogne département which can offer excellent value alternative to Bordeaux?
Bergerec AOC
110
What is the only appellation in France based on Malbec?
Cahors AOC
111
What is the name of Appellation which produce most serious red wines in Provence?
Bandol AOP. Like Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Bandol produces quintessentially Mediterranean red wines which are easy to appreciate in youth despite their longevity.
112
Name two most important Corsican Varieties?
Nielluccio and Vermentino are the important indigenous Corsican varieties
113
What kind of grape is Nielluccio?
Sangiovese of Toscana
114
Name French finest and certainly most complex Vins Doux Naturels appellation?
Banyuls AOP from Roussillon
115
Name Roussillon VDN?
Roussillon makes 90 per cent of all of France`s VDN and Rivesaltes is France`s most popular VDN by far. Others are Muscat de Rivesaltes, Banyuls, Banyls Grand Cru and Maury
116
What kind of wine is Frontignan AOP?
The most important of the Languedoc's four Muscats. First Vin Doux Naturel appellation to be officially recognized. Only Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains should be used. At least 15 per cent alcohol with a sugar content of at least 125 g/l.
117
What kind of wine is Rivesaltes?
Most popular French VDN from Roussillon produced from Grenache of all three forms (Blanc, Noir, and Gris) and the two Muscats.
118
Name appellation for Muscat-based sweet wines found in Roussillon?
Muscat de Rivesaltes
119
What kind of wine is Banyuls?
VDN from Roussillon produced exclusively from Grenache of all three forms (Blanc, Noir, and Gris). Grenache Noir is by far the dominant.
120
What is the difference between Rivesaltes and Banyuls?
Banyuls is better quality and also there is no Muscats only Grenache.
121
What is the most important variety for the production of Maury VDN wines?
Grenache Noir
