C19 - The Northern Rhone /checked Flashcards
What are the best location for vineyards in the Northern Rhone? (2)
- Steep slopes
2. Southerly facing aspect
What is the general location/situation of the Northern Rhone’s best vineyards?
In LATERAL VALLEYS that feed into the Rhone
What is the benefit of the best vineyards of the Rhone being in lateral valleys?
WIND PROTECTION
The vines are better protected from the cold northerly winds
What is the name of the cold northerly wind in the Rhone valley which can damage vines?
The MISTRAL
How are vines typically supported in the Northern Rhone?
By individual stakes or TEPEE-like arrangements of stakes
What is the climate of the Northern Rhone?
How does it compare to Southern Rhone?
- Moderate continental
- Similar to Beaujolais. Noticeably warmer in the Southern Rhone
What is the only red grape permitted in the Northern Rhone?
Syrah
It is the only permitted red grape variety
Describe the Syrah wines of the Northern Rhone
colour, tannins, aroma/flavour
- Deeply coloured
- Medium to high tannins
- Black fruit and sometimes black pepper or floral aromas
What is the role of oak in Northern Rhone based Syrah wines?
It is dependant on the winemaker
Some use new oak for heir best wines
Some use older oak or larger barrels
What is the role of white grapes when fermented with Syrah in the Northern Rhone? (2)
- It can help to stabilise the colour extraction from the red grapes
- It can add an aromatic intensity to the grapes (Viognier particularly)
Describe wines made from Viognier in the Northern Rhone
body, acidity, alcohol, flavours
- Full bodied whites
- Low acidity
- High alcohol
- Flavours of blossom and apricots/stone fruits
Why do Viognier grapes need very careful handling in the winery?
So that they do not develop an OVERTLY OILY character that can overwhelm the varietal aromas
What is the ‘other’ style of Viognier made in the Northern Rhone?
Some are made in an off-dry style from late-harvested grapes
Aside from Viognier, which main other white grapes are grown in the Northern Rhone? (2)
- Marsanne
2. Rousanne
How are Marsanne and Rousanne usually used in the Northern Rhone?
They are usually BLENDED together
What characteristics do Marsanne and Roussanne individually offer to a wine?
Marsanne: Richness and weight
Roussanne: Acidity and perfumed fruit
How are Marsanne/Roussanne blends generally characterised?
aroma, ageing, aroma
They are not as aromatically intense as Viognier wines, but can age well and develop complex hazelnut aromas
Which typically Southern Rhone wine can also be made in the Northern Rhone?
Cotes du Rhone
Is Cotes du Rhone made in Northern Rhone?
Yes, but most Northern Rhone wines come from one of the cru appellations
What are the 2 Northern Rhone crus which cover a significant area?
- Saint-Joseph
2. Crozes-Hermitage
Around which town are the vineyards of Cote Rotie?
AMPUIS
What is the most northerly appellation of the Northern Rhone?
Cote Rotie
What colour wines can be produced in Cote Rotie?
Reds only
Which varietals are used in Cote Rotie? (2)
- Syrah
2. Viognier