20 - Southern Rhone [D]

Question 1

How does the terrain in S Rhône compare to N Rhône

Answer 1

Much flatter, Rhône valley opens out south Valence

Question 2

Soil type of best sites in S Rhône are typically… which helps with…

Answer 2

Very stony (galets), can completely cover the soil (eg in Cneuf-d-P)

Helps ripening (absorb suns heat)

Question 3

What is the climate in S Rhône. What climatic problems are there

Answer 3

Mediterranean - mild winters and warm dry summers.

Drought. Mistral when strong can damage vineyards (Nothern wind picks up speed in South). Light winds can be beneficial for limiting disease

Question 4

How do they protect vines in S Rhône from the mistral

Answer 4

Windbreaks are planted as fewer slopes to protect vines.

Grenache is bush trained (goblet method) low to the ground (also benefits from warmth from soil) - has strong and rigid wood unlike Syrah.

Syrah is supported by trellising (more prone to damage).

Question 5

Typical red grapes used in S Rhône

Answer 5

Often complex blends unlike N Rhône. Can be a dozen+ varieties

Granache dominates. Syrah, Mourvèdre Cinsault support.

Question 6

White grapes in S Rhône and typical style

Answer 6

Too warm for most whites. Use N Rhône varieties + Claudette, Grenache Blanc and Bourboulenc

Best whites rich texture, full body, high alc, low-med acid and subtle fruit. New oak rare

Question 7

Typical grenache character in S Rhône

Answer 7

Hot climate allows full ripening = concentrated red fruit. In hot years fruit can become baked and jammy

Similar to Gamay - can use carbonic / semi-carb maceration

Question 8

What do Syrah add to a blend with Grenache in S Rhône

Answer 8

Syrah adds colour and tannin (but can struggle in hottest sites, needs less heat than Grenache)

Question 9

Mourvèdre characteristics

Answer 9

Thrives in hot locations (S Rhône is northern limit).

Deep coloured and high tannins.

Dense black fruit (when fully ripe) and gamey / meaty

Question 10

Winemaking techniques in S Rhône and typical style

Answer 10

Vary greatly, have to manage high tannin and alcohol to balance. Often cheaper wines than N Rhone.

Usually blend wines fermented using different techniques.

Style varies from light fresh and fruity to full bodied tannic, slice, meat/earthy

Question 11

Difference between Cotes du Rhône and Cotes du Rhône Village

Answer 11

CdR - most med body fruity, simple (Beaujolais look a like, confected sweets…)

CdRV - min alcohol and max yields, greater % GSM. More body, structured and spiced red fruit

Question 12

Appellation tiers in S Rhône

Answer 12

Regional (eg Cotes d Rhône - also N Rhone)
Village (eg CdR Villages Cairanne - only S Rhone)
Crus (eg Chateauneuf du Pape)

Question 13

If Cote du Rhône Village has name of village on label, what must the wine be

Answer 13

100pc from the named village. The named villages can apply for cru status

Question 14

Where is the largest crus in Rhône valley

Answer 14

Chateauneuf du pape. On east bank of Rhône

Also is the first appellation controllee area

Question 15

Chateauneuf du Pape typical style

Answer 15

Full bodied, rich texture, concentrated red fruit balances high alcohol

Question 16

Chateauneuf du Pape soil type and influences and grape types

Answer 16

Galets can cover soil. Range of soil types

Flat area = small variations in aspect have big impact on performance of Syrah / Mourvèdre

13 grapes allowed = diversity

Grenache dominates (some are 100pc)
Some use gamey/meaty quality of Mourvèdre

Question 17

What are Tavel and Lirac known for

Answer 17

Southern Rhône crus famous for rose. Grenache and Cinsault. Full bodied vs Provence style (develop complexity w age)

Tavel is only rose. Lirac also produces red and white in style of CndP

Question 18

Two crus in the hills to the east of Chateauneuf d P

Answer 18

Gigondas and Vacqueyras

Red wines similar to CndP (and many are as good)

Question 19

Style of wine from Beaumes de Venise in S Rhône

Answer 19

Fortified Muscats

Question 20

What are galets and what do they do

Answer 20

Pudding stones than can cover the soil in S Rhone. Absorb warmth and heat and reflect it back onto the wine

Question 21

What does Cinsault add to a blend (typically with Grenache) in S Rhone

Answer 21

Cinsault adds red fruit (but best known for fruity rose blended with Grenache) and acidity. High yielding but resistant to drought