Appellations and Legislation - Northern Rhone Flashcards
The Northern Rhone accounts for what amount of overall production? What amount of Cru production does it account for?
- 5% of total production
- 30% of Cru production
Which appellations produce the most wine in the Northern Rhone? How much?
- St. Joseph - 50%
- Crozes Hermitage - 30%
What is the location and soil type of Cote-Rotie?
South of the town of Vienne around the town Ampuis. The soils are schist.
Describe the positioning of the vineyards of Cote-Rotie.
On extreme slopes where the river takes a bend allowing them to be south facing for maximum exposure and protection from the destructive Mistral.
What is unique about the vineyards of Cote-Rotie?
They are planted on slopes that make them some of the steepest vineyards in France. This makes it impossible to use mechanisation. Vines are staked in teepee fashion to avoid damage by the Mistral.
What are the two main slopes of the Cote-Rotie and what styles of wine do they produce?
Cote Blonde - Light wines for immediate drinking.
Cote Brune - Firmer more powerful wines that have more longevity.
What are the permitted grape varieties of Cote-Rotie
Syrah is the only permitted black variety and up to 20% Viognier is permitted to be co-fermented with the Syrah.
What is minimum alcohol and rendement de base for Cote-Rotie?
- 10% Alcohol
- 40hl/ha
What are the white only appellations of the Northern Rhone and what is the one permitted grape variety?
- Condrieu AOP
- Chateau Grillet AOP
Viognier for both.
Describe the geographical placement of Condrieu and the and how this effects the aspect of its vineyards.
South of Cote-Rotie benefiting from the same bend in the river as Cote-Rotie on the western bank of the Rhone. This means that its vineyards enjoy a southerly aspect maximising their exposure to the sun and gives protection from the damaging mistral.
What is rendement de base for Condrieu and Chateau Grillet AOP’s?
37hl/ha
Describe the geographical placement of St-Joseph AOP.
Occupying a long stretch of the western bank of the Rhone south of Condrieu, down to Cornas. Its vineyards generally face east meaning it loses the sun two hours earlier during the crucial ripening period.
