Chapter 19 - The Northern Rhône

Question 1

Climatic conditions in Northern Rhône

Answer 1

• Most vineyards are located on steep slopes between Vienne and Valence next to the River Rhône. Moderate climate like Beaujolais, colder than Southern Rhône
• Valleys protect from Mistral

Question 2

Black grape varieties

Answer 2

• Syrah: only black grape permitted in Nothern Rhône. Very northernly limit where it can ripen successfully. Best wines from southerly exposed areas
• Deeply coloured, medium to high levels of tannin. Black fruit, black pepper or flora aromas. Use of oak dependent on the winemaker
• Fermenting with white varities common in crus in the past, not so much today. Viognier can add an extra aromatic intensity to the wine

Question 3

White grape varieties

Answer 3

• Viognier: full-bodied white wines with perfumed aromas of blossom, apricots, flavours of stone fruit
• Low acidity, high alcohol, late ripeness, high level of sugar, some used, but not to overwhelm flavours. Dry wines, some off-dry form late-harvested grapes
• Marsanne/Roussanne: Northern Rhône, blended together. Marsanne has richness and weight, Roussanne acidity and perfumed fruit characteristics. Wines can age well

Question 4

Most important regions in Nothern Rhône

Answer 4

• Côtes du Rhone appellation is very broad. Cru appellation typically from tiny land parcels
• Côte Rôtie: only red wines, max 20% Viognier can be added. Deeply coloured, fully-bodied, spicy, aromatic, floral freshness, textural elegance
• Condrieu: white wine from Viognier grape from low-yielded old vines. Château-Grillet is a single property appellation
• Saint-Joseph: most reds are from Syrah. Some whits made fro Marsanne and Roussanne. Best wines come from terraced vineyards near Tournon. Large volume of light-bodied wines
• Hermitage: reds are the fullest-bodied wines from Nothern Rhône. 1/5 of production are whites from Marsanne/Roussanne
• Crozes-Hermitage: most important appellation in terms of volume. Lighter wines from south, more concentrated ones from the north. Some expensive wines matured in oak. Weaker reputation than Hermitage and Côte-Rotie
• Cornas: most southerly and warmest area. 100% Syrah mandatory. Deeply coloured, full-bodied and a style similar to Hermitage