France: Rhône Valley Flashcards
How much vineyard land is planted in the southern Rhône as compared to the northern?
66000 ha vs 4000ha
Why is grenache typically fermented and aged in neutral vessels?
It is prone to oxidation and loss of color
What can be done to combat reduction in syrah?
Pumping over often, oak aging
What technique is used to process large volumes of fruit quickly?
Flash détente/thermovinification
What is the climate in the northern Rhône?
Moderate continental (cold winters, warm summers, adequate rainfall)
What role does the Mistral wind play in the northern Rhône?
Reduces fungal diseases risk
Decreases vigor, leads to lower yields and higher concentration in wines
Where are the best vyds planted in the northern Rhône?
Steep slopes to intercept sunlight and promote drainage
Work must be manual labor
Who was responsible for the revival of the Côte Rôtie appellation in the 1970s?
Etienne and Marcel Guigal
Discuss the vineyard layout of Côte Rôtie
Steep, terraced slopes
East and southeast facing
Protection from wind and good exposure
Erosion and manual labor, repairing terraces and training poles
What wines are permitted in Côte Rôtie?
Only red; minimum 80% syrah and up to 20% viognier (rarely practiced)
What is done to ensure good quality wines from Condrieu?
Low yields, max 41hl/ha
Vyds are south facing to ensure good ripeness
Name two highly regarded producers making wine in St-Joseph
J.L. Chave
Domaine Gonon
What percentage of wines from St-Joseph are red?
90%
How much vyd land in Hermitage is dedicated to white grapes?
1/3
Where will you find Le Méal?
Western end of the hill of Hermitage; known for highest temps in N. Rhône
What is the name of the cooperative in Hermitage?
Cave de Tain (owns 15% of appellation)
Which two negociant houses dominate holdings in Hermitage?
Chapoutier
Jaboulet
Which is the largest appellation within the northern Rhône?
Crozes-Hermitage
What wine is permitted in Cornas?
Only red; 100% Syrah
What reputation does Cornas have for its wines?
Tannic intensity, very long lived and robust
What types of wine are produced in Saint-Péray?
Mainly white and some sparkling, usually from Marsanne and Roussanne
What types of wines are maxes for Collines Rhodaniennes IGP?
Red, white and rosé
Max 80hl/ha
Grapes grown outside of the N Rhône AOCs
Allows for grapes other than reqd grapes in AOCs, less expensive
Describe the climate of the southern Rhône.
Warm Mediterranean with mild winters and warm, dry summers
Why are low bush-trained vines common in the southern Rhône?
The land is flatter than in northern Rhône, so this protects vines from Mistral
How many villages can append their name to Côtes du Rhône Villages?
20
What is the second largest appellation by hectares planted in France?
Côtes du Rhône AOC
What is Gigondas characterized by?
At the base of the Dentelles so reduces temps and extends maturation; cooling effects of Mistral
Which notable AOCs recently got promoted to being crus in the southern Rhône in the last 15 years?
Vinsobres, 2006 (most northerly)
Rasteau, 2010 (along with VDNs)
Cairanne, 2015 (gentle hills; fruity wines)
Beaumes-de-Venise, 2015 (VDNs)
Who was responsible for setting up the prototype for the AOC system in France in 1923?
Baron du Roy, Château Fortia
What is the rule for grape percentages in the final blend for CDP wines?
No rule—can be single variety, on up to using all 13 permitted
Characterize the different styles of CDP between sandy and stony soils.
Sandy: lighter, more finesse
Stony: more muscular, structured
Why do many producers blend across lieux dits for CDP and other wines?
More complexity
Commercially viable amounts for export
Which AOC lies just across the river from CDP?
Lirac
How many satellite appellations surround the CDR growing area? Name the top 4 producing ones
7 Ventoux Costières de Nîmes Luberon Grignan-Les-Adhémar
Which CDR satellite borders Provence?
Luberon
Which satellite AOC is closest to Vinsobres?
Grignan-Les-Adhémar
Which AOC satellite borders eastern Languedoc?
Costières de Nîmes
What grapes can make up IGP blends in the southern Rhône?
Rhône varieties or international ones
Is irrigation allowed in the Rhône?
Only with permission upon application, and under strict conditions
What cooperative is responsible for 40% of all Crozes Hermitage wine sales?
Cave de Tain
What has happened to cooperatives in the Rhône as the value of wine has risen?
Less prevalent, as more growers are making and bottling their own wines rather than selling off their grapes
