Chapter 9: The Rhône Valley

Question 1

Location of the Rhône Valley

Answer 1

Begins 20 miles/32 km south of the city of Lyon, extends to the city of Avignon – straddles the Rhône River

Question 2

Cold, strong wind that affects the Rhône Valley

Answer 2

Mistral (affects other areas, including Languedoc and Provence as well)

Question 3

Approximate length (north to south) of the Rhône Valley

Answer 3

120 miles/193 km (with a 30-mile/48-km gap between the North and the South)

Question 4

Grapes allowed for use (1 red, 3 white) in Northern Rhône AOCs

Answer 4

1. Syrah 2. Viognier 3. Marsanne 4. Roussanne

Question 5

Terroir of the Northern Rhône

Answer 5

Steep-sided, terraced vineyards planted along the river as it passes between the Massif Central and the Alps; Mostly continental climate (hot summers/cold winters)

Question 6

(5) Red wine appellations of the Northern Rhône

Answer 6

1. Côte-Rôtie 2. Cornas 3. Hermitage 4. Crozes-Hermitage 5. Saint-Joseph

Question 7

Typical assemblage of Northern Rhône red wines

Answer 7

Based on Syrah; most allow for a small percentage of white grapes

Question 8

Required assemblage of Cornas AOC

Answer 8

100% Syrah

Question 9

White wine appellations of the Northern Rhône

Answer 9

1. Condrieu 2. Château-Grillet 3. Saint-Péray (Saint-Joseph, Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage produce both white and red)

Question 10

Grape variety of Condrieu

Answer 10

100% Viognier

Question 11

Styles of wine produced in Saint-Péray

Answer 11

Still and sparkling wines using a blend of Marsanne and Roussanne

Question 12

Terroir of the Southern Rhône

Answer 12

Broad lowlands; Mostly Mediterranean climate (warm summers, abundant sunshine, minimal precipitation during growing season)

Question 13

Well-known component of Southern Rhône topsoils

Answer 13

Galets (rounded river stones)

Question 14

Most widely planted red grape of the Southern Rhône

Answer 14

Grenache

Question 15

Typical assemblage of Southern Rhône reds

Answer 15

Typically blends; many are Grenache-focused and may also contain Syrah, Carignan, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault (among others)

Question 16

Typical assemblage of Southern Rhône whites

Answer 16

Typically dry blends based on Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Viognier, Ugni Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, Muscat, and others

Question 17

Southern Rhône AOC that produces rosé exclusively

Answer 17

Tavel AOC

Question 18

Muscat-based vin doux naturel of the Southern Rhône

Answer 18

Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise

Question 19

Grenache-based vin doux naturel of the Southern Rhône

Answer 19

Rasteau

Question 20

Famous wine of the Southern Rhône produced just north of Avignon

Answer 20

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Question 21

Grapes allowed for use in Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Answer 21

1. Grenache – Noir, Gris, and Blanc 2. Mourvèdre 3. Syrah 4. Cinsault 5. Counoise 6. Bourboulenc 7. Roussanne 8. Brun Argenté (Vaccarèse) 9. Clairette 10. Clairette Rosé 11. Muscardin 12. Picardan 13. Piquepoul – Noir, Gris, and Blanc 14. Terret Noir

Question 22

Appellations of the Diois

Answer 22

1. Châtillon-en-Diois 2. Clairette de Die 3. Coteaux de Die 4. Crémant de Die

Question 23

Northern-most appellation of the Southern Rhône

Answer 23

Grignan-les-Adhémar AOC

Question 24

Two appellations (known mainly for red wines) located adjacent to Beaumes-de-Venise

Answer 24

1. Gigondas AOC 2. Vacqueyras AOC

Question 25

Appellation (mainly known for red wines) located adjacent to Rasteau

Answer 25

Cairanne AOC

Question 26

Six appellations located along the edges of the Southern Rhône Valley (outside the boundaries of the Côtes du Rhône AOC)

Answer 26

1. Ventoux AOC 2. Costières de Nîmes AOC 3. Luberon AOC 4. Duché d’Uzèz AOC 5. Côtes de Vivarais AOC 6. Clairette de Bellegarde AOC

Question 27

Regional appellations of the Rhône Valley

Answer 27

1. Côtes du Rhône AOC 2. Côtes du Rhône-Villages AOC