France - South Rhône

Question 1

What is the general climate?

Answer 1

Warm Mediterranean with mild winters and very warm, dry summers.
Overall rainfall is adequate for grape growing, though drought is an increasing issue in some summers. As a result, irrigation is permitted if drought is severe, within strict rules.

Question 2

What is the general topography, and hie does this influence vine training?

Answer 2

The land is flatter than the north Rhône, leaving little protection from the Mistral. As a result low bush-trained vines are common for suitable varieties, especially Grenache Noir, the most planted variety in the south. Syrah is usually grown tied to wires on trellises to offer protection.

Question 3

What is the appellation hierarchy?

Answer 3

-Cotes du Rhone AOC
-Cotes du Rhone Villages AOC
-Cotes du Rhone Villages AOC + the named village, currently there’s 22, eg Séguret
-Individual appellations for the top villages of the Southern Rhône, known as cru: CNDP, Gigondas, Cairanne.

Outside this hierarchy there’s other appellations, eg Ventoux

Question 4

What is the general AOC requirements for permitted varieties? Which appellations stands out from this?

Answer 4

Red wines are Grenache dominant blends, with Mourvedre and Syrah alongside other permitted varieties eg Carignan and Cinsault.
The exception is CNDP

Question 5

What are the common AOC regulations for red, white and rose wines?

Answer 5

-Distinguish between principal, complementary (main blending varieties) and other permitted varieties.
-State the minimum proportion of principal (and, where applicable, complementary) varieties which must be used. Some AOCs distinguish between a minimum percentage of a variety in the vineyard and in the final blend, giving the producer some flexibility. Eg CdR AOC requires 70% of the principal varieties in the vineyard, but only 60% in the final blend.