France - Rhône

Question 1

What is the general climate of each part of the Rhône, and their typical varieties?

Answer 1

North: continental, Syrah, viognier, marsanne and roussanne
South: Mediterranean, Grenache noir, cinsault, mourvedre, syrah, and blends usually based around Grenache.

Question 2

What is the distance between the two regions?

Answer 2

50km, with relatively few planted vines.

Question 3

What is the general topography of each region?

Answer 3

Northern appellations are close to the River Rhône, with vines planted on slopes above the river itself, creating a range of aspects depending on the course of the river.
The south, first of all, is considerably larger (66,000ha versus under 4000ha) with many vineyards at considerable distances from the river.

Question 4

How does the AOC system compare between North and south?

Answer 4

The North is made up of several clearly defined AOCs (known as cru), whereas the south has individual AOCs, eg Châteauneuf-du-Pape, while also providing large volumes of basic Cotes du Rhone AOC and IGP wine

Question 5

Which appellations make up 60% of production?

Answer 5

Côtes du Rhône AOC and Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC

Question 6

What was the breakdown of styles of AOC wine produced in 2018, How much of the total vineyard area is certified organic, and what volume of wine was produced as AOC and IGP in 2018?

Answer 6

74% red, 16% rose, and 10% white.
Côtes du Rhône AOC 46%
Côtes du Rhône Villages 11%
S Rhône crus 8%
N Rhône crus 6%
Other Rhône AOCs 24%

8% organic.

AOC: 2.5m hL, 70%
IGP: 1.1m hL, 30%