Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 Award in Wine Practice Exam

Southern France has a higher percentage of plantings dedicated to red grapes, making it the correct answer. The region is renowned for producing a diverse range of red wines, particularly from varieties such as Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. This emphasis on red grape cultivation is influenced by the climate and terroir of southern France, which are well-suited for red grape varieties that thrive in warm, sunny conditions.

While white varieties are also grown in southern France, they make up a smaller proportion of the total vineyard area compared to reds. The region does produce notable white wines, often from varietals like Viognier, Roussanne, and Picpoul, but their collective area is not as extensive as that of the red grapes.

The idea of equal amounts could be tempting given the diversity of wines produced in the region, but the significant dominance of red grape plantings makes this option less accurate. Furthermore, while regional variations can lead to differing proportions of red and white plantings in specific areas, the overall trend across southern France still leans heavily towards red grape production. Thus, the best understanding is that southern France is predominantly red grape-centric in terms of vineyard plantings.