France - Northern Rhône Flashcards
What are the two regions of the Rhône Valley?
Northern Rhône (Rhône septentrionale)
Southern Rhône (Rhône méridionale)
When was the Southern Rhône first hit by phylloxera?
1863 (First quality winegrowing region in France to be affected)
When did Châteauneuf-du-Pape achieve AOP status?
1936 (First in France)
What is the climate of the Southern Rhône?
Mediterranean
What is the climate of the Northern Rhône?
Continental
What is the Mistral?
A strong south-blowing wind that affects both areas of the Rhône Valley. It is strong enough to strip vines. It also keeps vineyards dry (preventing the formation of mold and mildew)
What is the general soil composition of the Northern Rhône?
Granite and schist
What is the predominate soil type in Côte-Rôtie?
Granite and schist
What is the predominate soil type in Condrieu?
Granite and schist
What is the predominate soil type in Hermitage?
Granite and schist
How does soil composition change as one moves towards St-Joseph/ Crozes-Hermitage/ and St-Peráy?
Clay content increases
What is the primary grape of the Northern Rhône?
Syrah
What is a foudre in the Rhône Valley?
A large wooden vat used for aging wine. Much larger than a barrique
What are the appellations for Syrah in the Northern Rhône?
Hermitage AOP
Crozes-Hermitage AOP
Cornas AOP
Côte-Rôtie AOP
St-Joseph AOP
What color(s) of wine are permitted in Hermitage AOP?
Red
White
Vin de paille
What is the encépagement requirement for white wine in Hermitage AOP?
Marsanne and/or Roussanne (either in any proportion)
What is the encépagement requirement for red wine in Hermitage AOP?
Minimum 85% Syrah
Maximum 15% Marsanne and/or Roussanne
What is the encépagement requirement for vin de paille in Hermitage AOP?
Marsanne and/or Roussanne (either in any proportion)
What color(s) of wine are permitted in Crozes-Hermitage AOP?
Red
White
What is the encépagement requirement for white wine in Crozes-Hermitage AOP?
Marsanne and/or Roussanne (either in any proportion)
What is the encépagement requirement for red wine in Crozes-Hermitage AOP?
Minimum 85% Syrah
Maximum 15% Marsanne and/or Roussanne
What color(s) of wine are permitted in Cornas AOP?
Red
What is the encépagement requirement for red wine in Cornas AOP?
100% Syrah
What color(s) of wine are permitted in Côte-Rôtie AOP?
Red