20 - The Southern Rhone

Question 1

Key characteristics of Southern Rhone climate and grape growing conditions?

Answer 1

Mediterranean climate (mild winters, warm dry summers).
drought can be issue.
many of the best sites have stony soils. in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, stones or galets completely cover soil surface.
mistral can be an issue. Grenache is bush-trained low to protect from wine. Syrah trellised to prevent damage from wine

Question 2

Key black grape varieties of Southern Rhone?

Answer 2

Grenache: most widely planted in S Rhone. concentrated, spiced fruit. in hot years fruit flavors baked and jammy
Syrah: along with mourvedre, plays supporting role to Grenache in blends. Syrah adds color and tannin.
Mourvedre: deep, high tannin. can also develpo meaty gamey flavors that is prized in Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Cinsault: can perform supporting role in red wine blends. adds red fruit flavors. blending partner to Grenache in rose.

Question 3

Most widely planted variety in Southern Rhone?

Answer 3

Grenache

Question 4

T/F? Southern Rhone varieties are usually blended

Answer 4

True

Question 5

T/F: Southern Rhone red blends are made using variety of winemaking techniques to produce variety of styles

Answer 5

True. manage potentially high tannins and high alcohol levels is common to all S Rhone wines. but techniques vary from cold -re-fermentation maceration and storage in stainless steel, to warm extractive fermentations and maturation in old oak.
usually blends are made from wines fermented using diff techniques
styles vary from light to medium body fresh fruity, to highly tannic full bodied reds with spice, meat, and/or earth.

Question 6

T/F: Cultivation of white grapes is a minority concern in S Rhone

Answer 6

True. N Rhone varieties are grown here along with Clairette, Grenache Blanc and Bourboulenc. Whites are rich, full bodied, high alc, low to medium acid and subtle fruit. new oak rarely used.

Question 7

What are the regional, village, and crus appellations in the Southern Rhone?

Answer 7

Generic appellations:
Cotes du Rhone: more than half of prouction of appellation wines in Southern Rhone. Medium body, fruity, simple. roses and whites also made under the Cotes du Rhone appellation
Cotes du Rhone Villages: villages entitled to call their wines by this appellation. minimum level alcohol and maximum yield must be met.