France - Rhone Flashcards
What is the typical profile of reds from the North Rhône?
Syrah is the only black variety.
Deep ruby in colour, medium to pronounced intensity violet, plum (red in cooler years and sites, black in warmer years and sites), blackberry with black pepper and herbal notes.
Acidity and tannins range from medium to high
What does Syrah bring to southern Rhône blends?
Structure, fruit and colour
What does Grenache bring to the blend in South Rhône?
Typically the major part of the blend. Pale ruby colour, ripe red fruit (strawberry, plum and cherry), spicy and herbal notes, high alcohol, low to medium tannins and low acidity.
How is Mourvedre used in the southern Rhône, and what does it bring to the blend?
Almost always used as parts of the blend. Typically aged in old oak, adding to cost.
Deep ruby, intense aromas of blackberries, blueberries and violets, high alcohol and high, firm tannins.
How is Cinsault often used in the southern Rhône?
Typically as a small part of the blend and made in a way that preserves the fruit flavours (mid-range fermentation temperatures, aged briefly in steel).
Contributes light ruby colour, medium to + intensity fresh red fruit (raspberry, red cherry), high alcohol and low to medium tannins. These lifted aromas are most prominent in the first year after the wine is made, making it highly suitable for early drinking reds and rosés.
How is Voignier used in the Rhône, and what is its typical profile?
Up to 20% is allowed in some northern red wines.
Medium lemon with pronounced aromas and flavours of honeysuckle, apricot and peach, medium to high alcohol and low acidity
How is Marsanne often used in the Rhône, and what does it contribute to the blend?
In the North, either as a varietal wine or blended with Roussanne. In the south, as part of a blend.
Medium lemon, sometimes gold in colour with low intensity honeysuckle, lemon and apricot fruit, an oily texture, medium acidity, full bodied and medium to high alcohol.
How is Roussanne often used in the Rhône, and what does it contribute to the blend?
Normally blended with other varieties, Marsanne in the North, Clairette and Grenache Blanc in the south, though single varietal wines are made in both.
Medium lemon sometimes gold in colour, medium to + intensity aromas of pear and herbal notes, medium to + acidity and medium to high alcohol.
Similar in colour and structure to Marsanne but tends to age quicker.
How is Grenache Blanc often used in the Rhône, and what does it contribute to the blend?
Grown almost exclusively in the south for dry white blends and some VDNs where its possibility to reach high alcohol is a benefit.
Contributes low intensity ripe green fruit with some floral notes, high alcohol and low acidity.
How is Clairette often used in the Rhône, and what does it contribute to the blend?
Principally goes into southern blends, adding freshness and fruit, with white flower, fennel, apple and grapefruit notes. It has high alcohol and low medium - acidity.
How is Bourboulenc often used in the Rhône, and what does it contribute to the blend?
Typically used in southern white blends contributing lemon flavour, medium + acidity, and medium alcohol.
As it grows well in warm, dry conditions, it’s well suited to the southern Rhône
What is the general climate of the Northern Rhône?
Moderate continental with cold winters, warm summers and adequate rainfall falling mainly in the autumn and winter.
How does the Mistral affect grape growing?
The cold wind blows from North to south.
It reduces the incidence of fungal diseases while also decreasing vine vigour and leads to lower yields and higher concentration in the wines, but lower production.
What distance does the Northern Rhône encompass?
65km from North to South, resulting in better ripening in the southern part.
What is the general topography of vineyard sites in the northern Rhône?
The better vineyards are on steep slopes that increase the perception of sunlight and promote better drainage. This means most work has to be done by hand and adds to cost.
