FRANCE - Northern Rhone

Question 1

What type of climate is the Northern Rhone?

Answer 1

Continental climate

Question 2

What wind is a prevalent climatic influence in Northern Rhone?

Answer 2

Mistral - originiate from The Massif Central

Helps prevent mildew & mold -> cold & dry

Question 3

What type of soil is predominantly found in the Northern Rhone?

Answer 3

Granitic and Schistous

These soils are known for good heat retention.

Question 4

What is the composition of the top soil in the Northern Rhone?

Answer 4

Sand and loess

This composition is prone to erosion, which is mitigated by terraced vineyards.

Question 5

List the white grape of Northern Rhone.

Answer 5

• Viognier
• Marsanne
• Roussane

Question 6

What is the primary red grape in Northern Rhone?

Answer 6

Syrah

Question 7

What is traditionally used to ferment and age wines in Northern Rhone?

Answer 7

In large oak foudres

Question 8

What is co-fermentation with white grapes used for?

Answer 8

Helps stabilize color and moderate tannins

Question 9

Which is the northernmost appellation of Northern Rhone?

Answer 9

Côte-Rôtie

Question 10

What is the blending % allowed in Côte-Rôtie red?

Answer 10

≤ 20% Viognier

Question 11

What are the two slopes of Côte-Rôtie and theirs styles?

Answer 11

• Cote Blonde (N): soft and alluring
• Cote Brune (S): muscular and assertive

Near the commune of Ampuis

Question 12

Name some renowned producers of Côte-Rôtie.

Answer 12

E. Guigal - Especially known for the cru bottle ‘La Ladonne’.
Rene Rostaing
Domaine Jamet

Question 13

What type of wine is Condrieu?

Answer 13

White wine from 100% Viognier

Question 14

What is the characteristic soil type in Condrieu?

Answer 14

Rich thin topsoil composed of decomposed mica (arzelle)

Question 15

Name some renowned producers from Condrieu.

Answer 15

Georges Vernay
Andre Perret
Yves Cuilleron

Question 16

What wines does Saint-Joseph allow?

Answer 16

Reds and whites

Question 17

What % blending is permitted for Saint-Joseph red?

Answer 17

≤ 10% Marsanne & Roussane

Question 18

What notable producers are known for Saint-Joseph?

Answer 18

• Domaine Gonon
• Pierre Gonon

Question 19

What is the primary grape variety used in Hermitage red wines?

Answer 19

Syrah

Question 20

What unique dessert wine is allowed in Hermitage?

Answer 20

Vin de paille

Produced from dried grapes - Marsanne & Roussane

Question 21

What are some notable climats in Hermitage?

Answer 21

• L’Hermite -> Contains a historical hillside chapel of Gaspard de Stérimberg.
• Le Méal
• Les Bessards
• Gréffieux
• Les Beaumes
• Péléat
  (H M B G B P)

Question 22

Name 4 dominating producers in Hermitage.

Answer 22

• Jean-Louis Chave (monopole)
• Delas
• M.Chapoutier
• Jaboulet

Question 23

What type of wines does Crozes-Hermitage produce?

Answer 23

Lighter wines, both reds and whites

Question 24

What is the blending % allowed in Crozes-Hermitage reds?

Answer 24

≤ 15% Marsanne & Roussane

Question 25

Which grape variety is exclusively used in Cornas?

Answer 25

100% Syrah

Question 26

List the notable lieux-dits in Cornas.

Answer 26

* Les Reynards * La Côte * Les Chaillot * Les Mazards (R-ated C-ockiest C-on-M-an)

Question 27

What is the climate like in Saint-Péray?

Answer 27

Cooler climate

Question 28

What types of wine are exclusively produced in Saint-Péray?

Answer 28

Whites from Marsanne & Roussanne; still & sparkling styles

Question 29

What is the traditional sparkling style in Saint-Péray?

Answer 29

Mousseaux style (slightly sparkling)

Question 30

What is the composition of the wine in Coteaux de Die?

Answer 30

100% Clairette

Question 31

What type of wine does Clairette de Die produce?

Answer 31

Two sparkling styles: * Méthode traditionnelle: 100% Clairette → brut style * Méthode Dioise ancestrale: min. 75% Muscat à Petit Grains

Question 32

What is a characteristic feature of the Méthode Dioise ancestrale?

Answer 32

- Wine is bottled without dosage before fermentation concludes - Must contains min. 75% Muscat a Petit Grains

Question 33

What grape varieties are used in Châtillon-en-Diois AOP?

Answer 33

* Gamay (reds) * Aligote & Chardonnay (whites)