Climate & Geography

Question 1

Describe the general climate of the Northern Rhône.

Answer 1

The climate of the northern Rhône is:
Warm, continental.
It has greater seasonal temperature shifts
More rainfall
Less sunshine hours than the southern Rhône

Question 2

What is the ‘Mistral’?

Answer 2

The ‘Mistral’ is a cold, dry wind that blows down from the Massif Central and affects the Northern Rhône in winter and spring.

Question 3

What are the positive and negative affects of the Mistral on the Northern Rhône?

Answer 3

The Mistral wind can strip grape bunches off vines and leaves off of trees. The Mistral also dries the vines after rainfall preventing the spread of mold and mildew in the vines.

Question 4

What is the elevation of most Côte-Rotie AOP vineyards?

Answer 4

Most Côte-Rotie vineyards are situated between 180-325masl.

Question 5

How steep are are the slopes of the Côte-Rotie AOP?

Answer 5

The slopes of the Côte-Rotie AOP can exceed 60º.

Question 6

What is ‘La Bise? Where would you find it?

Answer 6

La Bise is a cold dry wind that blows from Switzerland towards the south west