The Treasures of Southern France: Intro 1
In the world of wine, Southern France is a fascinating region. Renowned for its diversity, this locale offers a fantastic range of unique flavors and styles, with each wine zone reflecting its distinct character. From the Mediterranean hues of Provence, Languedoc, and Roussillon to the lush landscapes of Bergerac, Madiran, and Cahors, this region promises a delightful journey for the most discerning palate.
The Climatic Influence
Before delving into the nuances of the principal wines, we must touch upon the significant influence of climate in shaping the character of Southern French wines. The region boasts a predominantly Mediterranean climate, featuring hot summers and mild winters, although the specific climates can vary substantially between areas. This, coupled with the diverse geographical and soil conditions, creates a broad array of microclimates, each contributing to the distinctive nature of the wines produced.
The Principal Wines of Southern France
Provence
Synonymous with rosé, Provence is the world’s leading rosé wine producer. The warm, sunny climate and dry soil foster the growth of several grape varietals, such as Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, and Tibouren. The wines are often noted for their bright, fruity flavors and a beautiful balance of acidity.
Languedoc
Languedoc, one of the largest wine regions globally, is known for its red wines. The primary grape varietals include Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre (collectively called GSM), and Carignan. The wines are typically rich, full-bodied, and brimming with dark fruit flavors.
Roussillon
Close to the Spanish border, Roussillon is recognized for its fortified sweet wines and also its reds. The varietals used include Grenache, Carignan, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, producing wines noted for their robust flavors and velvety textures.
Bergerac
Nestled in the southwest, Bergerac produces both red and white wines. For reds, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon are common, while white wines are typically crafted from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle, resulting in wines with diverse styles and flavor profiles.
Madiran
Madiran is acclaimed for its powerful red wines, predominantly made from the Tannat grape, often blended with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. These wines are noted for their high tannin content, deep color, and potential to age.
Cahors
Famed for its "Black Wine," Cahors uses Malbec (locally known as Auxerrois or Côt) as the dominant grape varietal, often blended with Merlot and Tannat. The wines are rich and tannic, with a beautiful dark color, perfect for aging.
VDN and VDL Wines of South France
The South of France is known for its Vin Doux Naturel (VDN) and Vin de Liqueur (VDL) wines. VDN wines, such as those from Banyuls and Maury in Roussillon, are fortified wines where fermentation is halted to preserve the grapes' natural sugar. The result is a deliciously sweet wine that pairs perfectly with desserts or cheeses.
VDL wines are different from VDN in the production process. They are produced by adding a spirit or alcohol to the unfermented grape juice, resulting in a sweet, aromatic, and high-alcohol wine. Examples include Pineau des Charentes and Floc de Gascogne.
Vin de Pays Districts and Locations
"Vin de Pays" or "Country Wine" is a level in the French wine classification system, a notch above table wine but below Appellation d'Origine Protégée (AOP). These wines offer a wonderful way to explore lesser-known yet quality wines of the region. Some key districts include Vin de Pays d'Oc (Languedoc-Roussillon), Vin de Pays du Comté Tolosan (South West), and Vin de Pays de Méditerranée (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur), among others.
In conclusion, the wines of Southern France present an eclectic mix of styles influenced by the distinctive climatic conditions and grape varietals used. For a sommelier, understanding these nuances offers an opportunity to introduce customers to this region's delightful diversity.
Questions
What is the dominant climate type in Southern France?
Name three principal grape varietals used in Provence's rosé wines.
Which wine region in Southern France is known for its red wines and uses the GSM blend?
Roussillon shares a border with which country and what wine type is it particularly known for?
In Bergerac, which grape varietals are commonly used for producing white wines?
Madiran is known for its powerful red wines. What is the primary grape varietal used?
Cahors is renowned for its "Black Wine." Which grape varietal is typically dominant in these wines?
What are Vin Doux Naturel (VDN) wines, and how are they made?
How does the production process of Vin de Liqueur (VDL) differ from that of VDN?
What does "Vin de Pays" translate to in English, and where does it rank in the French wine classification system?
Can you name a key Vin de Pays district in Languedoc-Roussillon?
Which grape varietals are most common in Languedoc's red wines?
What are the key characteristics of wines from Madiran?
Which grape varietals are predominantly used in Cahors wine production?
How does the soil in Provence contribute to the character of its wines?
What are the typical flavor profiles of wines from Bergerac?
Can you name an example of a Vin Doux Naturel (VDN) wine from Roussillon?
How does the Mediterranean climate influence the grape growing season in Southern France?
What makes the "Black Wine" of Cahors unique?
Why might a sommelier want to recommend a Vin de Pays wine to a customer?
