South of France Guide for Intro Level 1 Sommeliers: Regions, Grapes & Styles

The South of France is a diverse and important wine region to study for the Intro Level 1 Sommelier exam. Below is a structured breakdown of what you should know about the South of France:

Key Topics for the South of France

1. Climatic Influences

• Mediterranean climate: Warm, sunny, and dry, ideal for ripening grapes.

• Mistral wind: Affects some areas, cooling the vineyards and reducing disease pressure.

• Proximity to the sea: Coastal areas benefit from cooling breezes, which moderate temperatures.

• Mountain influences: The Pyrenees and Massif Central create microclimates in certain areas.

2. Principal Wines and Regions

The South of France includes several key wine regions, each with unique characteristics:

1. Provence:

• Known for rosé wines (accounts for 90% of production).

• Key appellations: Côtes de Provence, Bandol, Cassis.

• Grapes: Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Rolle (Vermentino).

1. Languedoc:

• One of the largest wine-producing regions in France.

• Key appellations: Languedoc AOP, Minervois, Corbières, Picpoul de Pinet, La Clape.

• Grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cinsault, Picpoul (white).

1. Roussillon:

• Known for fortified wines (Vin Doux Naturel).

• Key appellations: Rivesaltes, Banyuls, Maury.

• Grapes: Grenache (red and white), Macabeu, Muscat.

1. Southwest France (Sud-Ouest):

• Includes regions like Bergerac, Cahors, Madiran, and Jurançon.

• Grapes: Malbec (Cahors), Tannat (Madiran), Petit Manseng (Jurançon), Gros Manseng, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc.

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3. Varietals Used in Principal Wines

• Red Grapes:

• Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre (GSM blends).

• Carignan, Cinsault, Malbec, Tannat.

• White Grapes:

• Rolle (Vermentino), Picpoul, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier, Muscat, Petit Manseng, Gros Manseng.

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4. Styles/Qualities of Wines Produced

• Rosé Wines: Provence is the global benchmark for dry, pale rosé wines.

• Red Wines: Full-bodied GSM blends, rustic Carignan-based wines, and structured Malbec from Cahors.

• White Wines: Crisp whites like Picpoul de Pinet and aromatic whites from Rolle and Muscat.

• Fortified Wines: Vin Doux Naturel (e.g., Banyuls, Rivesaltes, Maury).

• Sweet Wines: Jurançon (Petit Manseng).

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5. VDN and VDL Wines of Southern France

• Vin Doux Naturel (VDN):

• Fortified sweet wines made by adding grape spirit to stop fermentation.

• Examples: Banyuls, Maury, Rivesaltes, Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise.

• Vin de Liqueur (VDL):

• Fortified wines made by adding grape spirit to unfermented grape juice.

• Example: Floc de Gascogne.

6. Vin de Pays Districts and Locations

• Vin de Pays d’Oc (IGP Pays d’Oc):

• Covers the entire Languedoc-Roussillon region.

• Known for varietal-labeled wines (e.g., Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah).

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Tips for Studying the South of France

1. Focus on the diversity of styles:

• From dry rosés in Provence to fortified wines in Roussillon, the South of France offers a wide range of wine styles.

1. Memorize key appellations and their specialties:

• Example: Bandol = Mourvèdre-based reds and rosés, Cahors = Malbec.

1. Understand the role of fortified wines:

• VDN wines like Banyuls and Rivesaltes are unique to this region.

1. Practice map identification:

• Be able to locate Provence, Languedoc, Roussillon, and Southwest France on a map.

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Sample Quiz Questions

1. Multiple Choice:
   Which of the following is NOT a key grape variety in the South of France?
   a) Grenache
   b) Syrah
   c) Pinot Noir
   d) Mourvèdre

2. True/False:
   Provence is best known for its production of fortified wines.

3. Fill-in-the-Blank:
   The fortified sweet wine made in Roussillon is called .

4. Matching:
   Match the appellation to its primary wine style:

• Bandol →

• Picpoul de Pinet →

• Banyuls →

1. Scenario-Based:
   A guest asks for a dry, pale rosé. Which region in the South of France would you recommend, and why?