Southern France Flashcards

1
Q

What is the climate in southern France?

A

Warm mediterranean climate (temperatures in summer often above °C)
Mild winters and low levels of rainfall during the growin season

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2
Q

Where are vineyards of the best quality located at in southern France?

A

Foothills of mountains, on less fertile, well-drained soils

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3
Q

What is the biggest grape growing challenge in southern France?

A

Drought

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4
Q

What are the most important black GV in southern France?

A
Grenache
Syrah
Carignan
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Small plantings of Cinsault and Mourvèdre
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5
Q

What are the most important white GV in southern France?

A

Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Viognier

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6
Q

To what climate is Grenache the most well-suited for?

A

Warm, dry summer climate

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7
Q

To what climate is Syrah the most well-suited for (in southern France)?

A

Performs better in the cooler sites

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8
Q

What are the characteristics of Carignan?

A

High in tannins, acidity and color but can lack fruit or finesse
Old vine Carignan on quality soils can produce great quality

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9
Q

What is Cinsault used for in southern France?

A

For rosé production or in red blends (adds red fruit flavors)

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10
Q

To what climate is Mourvèdre the most well-suited?

A

Warmest sites only

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11
Q

Which GV (black and white) are mostly used for PGI wines in southern France?

A

Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon

Chardonnay & Sauvignon Blanc

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12
Q

What is Picpoul?

A

A white grape variety used in Pinet

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13
Q

Describe a wine made from Picpoul.

A

High acidity, green fruit, citrus flavors

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14
Q

What is the largest PGI appellation in southern France?

A

Pays d’Oc IGP

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15
Q

What is the largest PDO appellation in southern France?

A

Languedoc AOC

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16
Q

What are some of the sub-regions whose name can appear on the label in Languedoc?

A
Minervois
Fitou
Corbières
Picpoul de Pinet
Cotes du Roussillon & Cotes du Roussillon village
17
Q

Where can we find premium oaked chardonnay in Languedoc?

A

Limoux

18
Q

What is the main moderating influence in Provence?

A

Hills offering protection from the mistral + offering different site climates and soils.

19
Q

Describe a Provence rosé

A

Light in color, light-bodied, dry

Delicate grapefruit and red fruits

20
Q

What is the largest appellation in Provence?

A

Cotes de Provence - rosé = half the production

21
Q

What GV is used in Bandol?

A

Mourvèdre

22
Q

Describe a red Bandol

A

Premium Mourvèdre wines
Dark, full-bodied, powerful tannins.
Require bottle age before they show their full spectrum of bramble, meat and liquorice flavors