FWS Sommelier Johann > Provence > Flashcards

Provence Flashcards

(57 cards)

Study These Flashcards
1
Q

What are the Geographic Designations within the Côtes de Provence AOC

A

Total 4

Sainte-Victoire, Fréjus, La Londe, Pierrefeu

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Which AOCs in France mandate Oak-aging?

A
  • Bandol Rouge AOC; 18 months in wood
  • Palette Rouge AOC; 18 months in wood
  • Cotes de Provence ‘Frejus’ Rouge AOC; Min. 6 months in oak, may not be released until November 1 of the year following the harvest
  • Banyuls Grand Cru AOC
    o Banyuls Grand Cru: Min. 30 months in barrel, not to be released until June 1 of the third year following the harvest
    o Banyuls Grand Cru “Hors d’Age”: Wines may not be released until September 1 of the fifth year following the harvest
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What Provence AOC produces more red wine than rosé?

A

Les Baux de Provence AOC

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is Provence’s Cru Classé?

A

A ranking of 18 estates within the Cotes de Provence AOC

**1955 Provence Classification
- 18 estates (Originally 25, but 5 are not in operation anymore)
- Originally, classification was based on the vineyards / ‘Cru Classe’ wine could only be made from the classified vineyard area (i.e. Estates Cannot acquire new vineyard / grapes in Cru Classe wine)
 Today, Like 1855 Bordeaux Classification, the Provence classification ranks the *Estate rather than vineyards
- Never been revised or modified

Château Minuty (Gassin)
Château Sainte-Roseline (Les Arcs-sur-Argens)
Château Sainte Marguerite (La Londe-les-Maures)
Domaine de la Clapière (Hyères)
Domaine de l’Aumérade (Hyères)
Clos Cibonne (Pradet)
Domaine de Rimaurescq (Pignans)
Domaine de Castel Roubine (Lorgues)
Château du Galoupet (La Londe-les-Maures)
Château de Saint-Martin (Taradeau)
Château de Saint-Maur (Cogolin)
Clos Mireille (La Londe-les-Maures, part of Domaine Ott)
Château de Selle (Taradeau, part of Domaine Ott)
Château de Brégançon (Bormes-les-Mimosas)
Domaine de Mauvanne (Salins d’Hyères)
Domaine de la Croix (la Croix-Valmer)
Domaine du Noyer (Bormes-les -Mimosa)
Domaine du Jas d’Esclans (la Motte)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Rolle is a synonym for what grape?

A

Vermentino

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What grapes are allowed in Côtes de Provence AOC red and rosé?

A

They must contain at least two of the primary grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsualt and Tibouren

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What AOC in Provence is known for organic and biodynamic farming?

A

Les Baux de Provence AOC

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the only AOC in Provence that permits Chardonnay?

A

Bellet AOC

Blanc:
Principal Variety: Min. 60% Vermentino (Rolle)
Accessory Varieties: Chardonnay, Clairette, Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, plus a max. 5% combined Bourboulenc, Blanqueiron, Mayorquin, and Ugni Blanc (Roussan)

Rosé:
Principal Varieties: Min. 60% combined Braquet and Fuella Nera
Accessory Varieties: Grenache, max. 15% Cinsault, max. 10% combined Clairette and Vermentino, plus a max. 5% combined Bourboulenc, Blanqueiron, Mayorquin, and Ugni Blanc

Rouge:
Principal Varieties: Min. 60% combined Braquet and Fuella Nera
Accessory Varieties: Grenache and max. 15% Cinsault

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What AOC is responsible for 75% of all wine produced in Provence?

A

Côtes de Provence AOC

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the climate of Provence?

A

Mediterranean, with some continental and/or alpine influence in the north

  • Some interior areas shows continental climate & alpine influence
  • 3,000 hours of sunshine / exceptional amount
  • Dry / Hot Summer + Moderating influence from the Mediterranean Sea
  • Inland; Cool Nights, especially at higher elevations
  • Like the other Mediterranean region, Most of the rainfall happens during the *winter
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What Provence AOC is known for indigenous grapes like Braquet and Folle Noire?

A

Bellet AOC

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What civilization first planted vines in Provence?

A

The ancient Phocaeans (Greeks from Asia Minor) beat the Romans, making Provence the oldest winemaking region in France.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is Maquis?

A

A mix of reinous herbs that grow on schist soils

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are the two main soil types found in Provence?

A

Calcerous limestone and quartz-rich schist

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are the four geographic designations of the Côtes de Provence AOC?

A

Sainte-Victoire, Fréjus, La Londe and Pierrefeu

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is “vin cuit”?

A

A wine produced in Palette AOC by cooking grape must

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is the principal red grape of the Bandol AOC?

A

Mourvèdre

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

The term “restanques” refers to:

A

Terraced stone walls in vineyards, especially in Bandol

o Low and Man-made Walls of River Stone
o Supporting Terraced Vineyards

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What Provence AOC produces mainly white wine?

A

The Cassis AOC. 70% of production is white.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What Provence AOC is known for wines from Mourvèdre?

A

Bandol

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What Provence AOC surrounds the city of Nice?

A

Bellet AOC

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What Provence AOC has strong alpine influences?

A

Coteaux de Pierrevert AOC

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is the Hercynian Trend?

Study These Flashcards
A

A deformation in the earth’s crust which is responsible for creating the mountains and massifs of Provence and Languedoc

24
Q

What is Provence’s smallest AOC by size?

25
What is garrigue?
A term used to describe limestone soils and the wild herbs that grow upon it
26
What IGP covers Provence and is shared with the Rhone Valley and Corsica?
IGP Méditerranée
27
Which of the following doesn't border Provence? Cote d'Azur Mediterranean Sea Rhone River Costa Brava
Costa Brava 241-322 km wide / 161 km north to south West; Bordered by the Rhone River (and Languedoc) East; Bordered by the Cote d’Azur (and Italy) North; Bordered by the Durance River South; Mediterranean Sea
28
Where's the Northernmost AOC region in provence?
Coteaux de Pierrevert AOC (lies on the northern bank of the Durance River)
29
What's does the 'Mistral' stand for?
Cold & Dry Northerly Wind; o Although it blows from North to South, it blows from Avignon to the area west of Aix => *channeled by the mountains => blows in a southeasterly direction across the whole area of Provence o Chases Humidity / Drops temperature during the summer months o As strong as 96 kmh / 180kmh in Toulon and Nice
30
What does the 'Camargue' stand for?
A Salt Marsh (A salt marsh or saltmarsh, also known as a coastal salt marsh or a tidal marsh, is a coastal ecosystem in the upper coastal intertidal zone between land and open saltwater or brackish water that is regularly flooded by the tides. It is dominated by dense stands of salt-tolerant plants such as herbs, grasses, or low shrubs) - The Rhone Delta spreads and floods => forming a vast salt marsh known as the Camargue
31
Who introduced formal viticulture to Provence?
Phocaeans; Greeks from Asia Minor - In 6th Century, Founded the City of Massalia (today’s Marseille) => became an important Port / Command center for the region - Brought vines / began to cultivate the grape their the colony - Established settlements in Nice, Arles, Cannes => Spread viticulture throughout the south of France
32
How many hours of sunshine does Provence receive?
3,000 hours of sunshine (exceptional amount)
33
In Provence, Most of the rainfall happens during the (____)
Winter
34
Identify the 4 sub-regions of Cote de Provence, in order from 1 to 4
1. Sainte Victoire 2. Frejus 3. La Londe 4. Pierrefeu
35
How do the mountains affect the climate of Provence?
- Cool Air descends from the mountain peak in the evening hours => significant diurnal temperature swings => preserve the grapes natural acidity - The Mistral wind (Cold & Dry Northerly Wind) is channeled by the mountains => blows in a southeasterly direction across the whole area of Provence (Although it blows from North to South, it blows from Avignon to the area west of Aix) => Chases Humidity & Drops temperature during the summer months - Some peaks (e.g. **Sainte-Victoire) => Block the Mistral => Sun-trap for the vineyards nestled within its flanks
36
T or F? Aix-en-Provence AOC is the largest AOC in Provence
False Cotes de Provence AOC is the Largest appellation in Provence
37
Which is the only Provencal AOC with a classification system? Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence Les Baux de Provence Coteaux Varois en Provence Cotes de Provence
Cotes de Provence
38
What does Calitor stand for?
A red French wine grape variety. It was previously widely cultivated in southern France, in particular in Provence, but is now very rare, almost extinct. Historically used as mainly a blending variety, Calitor gives high yields and produces a light-bodied and lightly colored wine.
39
Where's the only AOC where Marsanne is the primary grape for its white production?
Cassis AOC
40
T or F? Cassis AOC produces more white than rose
True (67% White) - Uniquely **produces more White Wines than Rose. - Only appellation where **Marsanne is the primary grape
41
Where's the Newest AOC in Provence and which year was it established?
Coteaux de Pierrevert AOC / 1998
42
T or F? Coteaux de Pierrevert grows mostly Bordeaux varieties.
False None of the Red Bordeaux varieties are authorized - White; Grenache Blanc, Rolle - Rose; Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah - Red; Grenache, Syrah
43
What's the soils of the each region?
1. Limestone / Clay 2. A mingling of Crystalline Schist and Limestone / Clay 3. Crystalline Schist
44
Where can you find Limestone + Clay soil?
- Most of Coteaux Varois en Provencee - Eastern half of Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence - Northwestern part of Cotes de Provence (including Sainte-Victoire)
45
Where can you find Quartz-rich Schist soil?
- Close to the southeast coast, running nalong the coast from Toulon to St-Tropez - La Londe & coastal part of Frejus region in Cotes de Provence
46
Where can you find the Volcanic Soils and Pocket of Porphyry?
- Around the ancient volcanic Massif de L’Esterel - Extends North from St-Tropez to Cannes - Most of Frejus region in Cotes de Provence
47
Which provencal AOC experiences a 15-30 day harvest differential between the northern and southern ends of the appellation? Coteaux Varois en Provence Palette Coteaux de Pierrevert Bellet
Coteaux Varois en Provence
47
What river runs through the Provence AOC of Pallet?
The Arc River
48
Where in Provence was Cabernet Sauvignon first planted?
Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence
49
T or F? Those estates classified as Cru Classes in 1955 may incorporate the fruit of any new vineyards purchased since then in their Cru Classe bottlings.
False Cru Classe’ wine could only be made from the classified vineyard area (i.e. Estates Cannot acquire new vineyard / grapes in Cru Classe wine)
50
T or F? Provence Rose is allowed to contain up to 1% (10 g/l) residual sugar.
False up to 0.4% (4 g/l)
51
What's the most common method of Rose production in Provence?
Direct Press
52
What are the benefits of the direct press method of rose production?
Explosive aromatics | Minimal tannins
53
T or F? The Saignee Method of vinification can deliver two wine products from the same batch of grapes.
True Rose from Saignée is a by product of the red winemaking process
54
Which of the following Provencial AOCs possess aging requirements? ``` Bellet Coteaux de Pierrevert Les Baux de Provence Palette Bandol Cotes de Provence Frejus ```
Les Baux de Provence (see below) Palette (18 months in barrel) Bandol (18 months in barrel) Cotes de Provence Frejus (see below) Les Baux de Provence; Blanc: The wine may not be released until April 15 of the year following the harvest Rouge: The wines may not be released until October 1 of the year following the harvest Cotes de Provence + subzones; "Fréjus" Rouge: Min. 6 months in oak, may not be released until November 1 of the year following the harvest "Sainte-Victoire" Rouge: May not be released until September 1 of the year following the harvest "La Londe" and "Notre-Dame des Anges" Rouge: May not be released until September 1 of the year following the harvest
55
What's the dominant grape variety for Bandol Blanc?
Clairette (50-95%) + Ugni Blanc, Bourboulenc
56
What's the dominant grape variety for the white wines from Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence and Coteaux Varois en Provence?
Vermentino *Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence; Principal Variety: Min. 50% Vermentino Complementary Varieties: Min. 30% combined Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Ugni Blanc *Coteaux Varois en Provence; Min. 30% Vermentino; plus Grenache Blanc, Clairette, max. 30% Sémillon, and max. 25% Ugni Blanc
FWS Sommelier Johann
flashcards
Decks in class (13)
# Cards
Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2026 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions