Die

Question 1

Introduction of Die sparkling wine.

Answer 1

There are 3 different sparkling wines legally permitted in Die:

1) Clairette de Die
2) Clairette de Die Methode Dioise Ancestrale
3) Crémant de Die

Question 2

Location of Die sparkling wine.

Answer 2

Northern Rhône.

Question 3

Vineyard of Die sparkling wine.

Answer 3

High altitude vineyards, some up to 700m, with a chalk soil which is good for water retention in dry vintages.

Question 4

Grape varieties of Die sparkling wine.

Answer 4

• Clairette de Die: Clairette (100%)

* Clairette de Die Methode Dioise Ancestrale: Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains (at least 75%), Clairette.

Question 5

Winemaking of Die sparkling wine.

Answer 5

1) Clairette de Die
• Transfer method. Second fermentation in bottle. The yeast is removed by disgorgement and the wine is filtered under pressure from one bottle to another.
• Minimum lees ageing 9 months
• Maximum alcohol 13.5% abv
• RS equal to or less than 15g/L
• Minimum pressure of 3.5 bar

2) Clairette de Die Methode Dioise Ancestrale
• The must is partially cool fermented and bottled.
• Liqueur de tirage is forbidden.
• The same fermentation then continues in bottle.
• The wine must be on the lees for at least 4 months.
• Fermentation stops naturally.
• Yeast is removed by disgorgement, and the wine is filtered under pressure from one bottle to another.
• RS equal to or greater than 35g/L (liqueur d’expedition is forbidden).
• Most are sold at between 7-9% abv.
• Minimum pressure of 3 bar.
Key producer websites state that the fermentation stops in the bottle during Methode Ancestrale as a result of the build up of pressure. Yeast removal is the norm (for a large scale commercially successful wine where most consumers are unlikely to be tolerant of cloudiness).

Question 6

Important trade structures of Die sparkling wine.

Answer 6

Production is dominated by the dynamic Jalliance cooperative that is owned by 250 of the 300 growers in the region.