Southern France Flashcards
(42 cards)
Where are the vineyards of Southern France located?
Along the Mediterranean coast from Italy in the East to the Spanish border in the West.
What are the three broad areas of the Southern France vineyards?
Languedoc and Roussillon to the west of the Rhone and Provence to the east.
What is the climate of Southern France?
Warm Mediterranean with mild winters and low rainfall especially during the growing season. Therefore ideal for grape growing.
Why are vineyards on the inland foothills better suited to grape growing than those on the coastal plain?
Noticeably cooler and have less fertile, well drained soils.
What winds impact Southern France?
Cool, dry winds from the north; mistral blows down the Rhone Valley; tramontane through the gap between the Massif Central and the Pyrenees.
What is their biggest grape growing challenge?
Drought. They do have occasional summer floods but fungal disease is generally not a problem.
Which varieties, black or white, account for the majority of the plantings?
Black.
What are two of the most important black varieties?
Grenache and Syrah. Grenache is well suited to the warm, dry summer climate. Syrah performs better in the cooler climates.
Why is Carignan also used?
High in tannin, acidity and color. Can lack fruit or finesse. Although old vine on poor soil can produce quality wines.
Why is Cinsault used in Provance?
Used in rose or to add red fruit flavors to red blends.
Why is Mouvedre used?
Adds richness, color and complexity. Only ripens in the warmest climates.
Name two international varieties that are used in the production of IGP wines?
Cabernet and Merlot.
What technique is used to soften the tannins in Carignan?
semi-carbonic maceration.
What are the two most widely planted white varieties?
Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
What other white variety is widely used?
Vigonier.
What are the most widely planted local white varieties?
Muscat and Grenache Blanc.
What is the Muscat grape utilized for?
Sweet fortified wines but is also used to make dry wines with aromatic grapey aromas.
Describe wines made with Grenache Blanc?
Dry white wines that have a soft, peachy fruitiness, full body and low acidity, but tend to oxidize easily.
What are some of the other local varieties utilized?
Picpoul in Pinet, Mauzac in Limoux, Maccabeu in Roussillon, Rolle in Provence and Clairette in Languedoc and Provence.
Which of the other local varieties is best known and for what characteristics?
Picpoul for refreshing high acidity, green fruit and citrus flavors.
What region do the majority of wines from the south of France come from?
Languedoc, a generic appellation that covers all the appellation vineyards from the Spanish border to Nimes.
Most appellations permit the production of reds, whites and roses, but the vast majority are red and based on what four red grapes?
Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, and to a lesser extent Mourvedre.
Which areas produce the best Syrahs?
Cooler areas, with more finesse and lighter tannins.
What varietal is best in the warmer areas?
Mouvedre. Greater body and some meaty, gamey flavors.
