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Flashcards in Southern France Deck (38)
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1
Q

What is the climate of S France

A

Warm mediterranean. Summer temps of 30 C + Mild winters. Low rainfall esp in growing season

2
Q

What are some of the best areas for growing quality grapes in S France

A

The inland regions in the foothills of the surrounding mountains are somewhat cooler with less fertile well drained soils

3
Q

What 2 winds are a factor in S France and where do they blow

A

Mistral is the north wind that blows through the Rhone valley
Tramontane blows through the gap between the Massif Central and the Pyrenees.

4
Q

What is the biggest problem for growing grapes in S France. What problem does the region experience less of than any other place in France

A

Drought. Disease Pressure

5
Q

What are the main black grapes of S France

A

Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault, Mourvedre, Cabernet, Merlot

6
Q

What is the profile of Carignan

A

High in color, tannin and acid but lacks finesse and fruit

7
Q

How are S France wines made from the international varietals Cabernet and Merlot labelled

A

Pays D’Oc

8
Q

In S France what winemaking technique can play an important part in softening the tannins of Carignan

A

Carbonic Maceration

9
Q

What are the 2 most widely planted white grapes in S France and what designation of wines are they used for

A

Chardonnay and SB are used for IGP wines

10
Q

In addition to Chardonnay and SB what other white grapes are planted in S France

A

Viognier, Muscat, Grenache Blanc, Picpoul, Mauzac, Maccabeu, Rolle, Clairette

11
Q

Where specifically in S France are the local varietals of Picpoul, Mauzac, Maccabeu, Rolle and Clairette grown

A
Picpoul - Pinet
Mauzac - Limoux
Maccabeu - Roussillon
Rolle - Provence
Clairette - Languedoc and Provence
12
Q

In S France what is Muscat used for. What is the profile of Grenache blanc

A

Sweet fortified wines but also dry wines with aromatic grapey aromas
Grenache blanc is dry wines with soft peachy fruitiness, full body and low acid. Can oxidize easily

13
Q

What kind of wine does Picpoul make in the S France

A

Refreshing dry, high acid, green fruit and citrus

14
Q

What “departements” make up what are traditionally called Languedoc and Roussillon. How much of the wines of S France come from these places

A

Roussillon - Pyrenees-Orientales
Languedoc - Aude, Herault and Gard
Most of it

15
Q

Describe the terrain of Languedoc - Roussillon

A

Large coastal plain between Beziers and Montpellier. Inland and towards the Spanish border the terrain is hilly and rugged

16
Q

From where to where does the generic appellation of Languedoc extend

A

From the Spanish border to Nimes ( ie it covers all of Languedoc and Roussillon )

17
Q

What may the best sub regions of Languedoc do in terms of wine labelling. Give and example

A

Put their name on the label alongside Langeudoc AC.

Pic-St-Loup

18
Q

What are 2 of the more geographically specific appellations within Languedoc AC

A

Minervois and Cotes de Roussillon

19
Q

What is an example of a sub appellation within Minervois and Cotes de Roussillon

A

Minervois La Liviniere

20
Q

What is a typical Languedoc red composed of

A

Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Mourvedre

21
Q

why are the wines of Languedoc so diverse. What is the typical profile of the best

A

Large area, different soils and aspects, wide array of grapes.
Concentrated spicy red fruit sometimes with oak aromas

22
Q

Which area of Languedoc is likely to produce the best Syrah with some elegance and lighter tannin

A

The cooler areas

23
Q

What is the terrain of Cotes du Roussillon, describe the wines from there

A

More rugged and mountainous than other areas. Bright sun, low rainfall and strong winds produce concentrated wines.

24
Q

Where are the best vineyards of Cotes du Roussillon and what designation do they qualify for. Give

A

In the north

Cotes du Roussillon Villages

25
Q

What are the appellations to the North of Cotes du Roussillon Villages

A

Fitou, Minervois, Corbieres

26
Q

What is a subdivision of Minervois that has its own AC

A

La Liviniere

27
Q

Describe the geography and wines of Fitou

A

Warm coastal strip that produces fuller bodied wines and a cooler inland area at altitude that produces lighter wines

28
Q

What is a sub division of Corbieres that has its own AC. How many sub divisions are there

A

Boutenac AC

11

29
Q

Describe the geography of Corbieres

A

Warm coastal sites and others at altitude cooled by the Tramontane

30
Q

Describe the geography of Minervois

A

On the slopes of the Massif Central - does not extend to the sea

31
Q

Where in the Languedoc is known for Picpoul. What about the location makes it suited to the grape

A

Picpoul de Pinet. Cooled by sea breezes preserving the high acidity of the grape

32
Q

Which premium white wine is made in Limoux. What geographic feature assists in this

A

Oaked Chardonnay grown at altitude

33
Q

What designation of wine does Languedoc-Roussillon produce more of than any other area in France. What makes this possible

A

IGP. Regulations allow a wider variety of grapes, varietal labelling. The warm sunny climate allows high volume production of ripe fruity wines relatively easily meaning the wines are good value for money

34
Q

What is the effect of the many prominent ranges of hills in Provence

A

Protection from the Mistral and provides a wide variety of site climates and soils

35
Q

What style of wine accounts for the vast majority of production in Provence. What is there typical profile

A

Rose. very pale, light bodied and dry. Delicate flavors of grapefruit and red fruit.

36
Q

describe the reds of Provence

A

Range from light and fruity to more full bodied barrel matured

37
Q

What are some of the best Provence whites made from

A

Rolle and Clairette

38
Q

What is the most important of the coastal appellations of Cotes de Provence. Describe the wines from there

A

Bandol. Mourvedre ripens reliably on the S facing slopes. Dark full bodied, powerful tannins, bramble, meat and liquorish spice