France - Southern Rhone Flashcards
1
Q
Overall climate
Other climatic influences (2) and their impact (2)
Topographic influences (1)
How to manage climatic / topographic influences (3)
A
- warm Mediterranean climate (mild winters and very warm, dry summers).
- other climatic factors: a) overall rainfall is adequate for grape growing; b) Mistral has a stronger influence in S Rhone.
- climatic impacts: a) drought is an increasing issue; b) more damage by the Mistral (wind damage, disruption during flowering / fruit set).
- topographic factors: a) overall, the terrain in S Rhone is flatter; b) Rhone river has less influence here (many regions are situated far from it).
- counteracting climatic / topographic influences: a) irrigation is permitted (strictly regulated); b) bush vines are common (mainly for Grenache); c) Syrah is usually tied to trellises.
2
Q
Hierarchy of appellations in S Rhone
Exceptions
A
- Cotes du Rhone AOC
- Cotes du Rhone Villages AOC
- Cotes du Rhone Villages AOC + named village: 20 villages
- Crus: individual appellations for the top villages of S Rhone.
There are other appellations outside this hierarchy, such as Ventoux.
3
Q
(This relates to permitted varieites and their proportion in blends)
Red wines: typical blending requirements and exception
Regulations for red, white and rose (2)
A
- red wines: regulations typically require that the blend is Grenache dominant, with Syrah and Mourvedre and other permitted varieties.
- exception: Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
- overview: a) distinguish between principal, complementary and other permitted varieties; b) state the total minimum proportion of principal and complementary varieties that must be used.
4
Q
Reach of this AOC (in principle and in practice)
Size of the appellation
Blending regulations for red & rose wines (yield, principal varieties (3) N Rhone and S Rhone, complimentary varieties)
Blending regulations for white wine (yield, principal varities (6), complimentary varieties.
Style
A
- covers all the vineyardd land in the Rhone Valley (in principle).
- in practice, most of the wine comes from S Rhone.
- largest appellation in France, after Bordeaux AOC (33,510 ha)
- red & rose wines: a) yield = 51 hL/ha; b) principal varieties = minimum of 60% GSM (together); c) if from S Rhone = min 30% Grenache and 20% of SM; d) Carignan, Cinsault, etc are also permitted.
- white wines: a) yield = 51 hL/ha; b) principal varieties = Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier = min 80% of final blend (together); c) Picpoul Blanc and other varieties are permitted.
- style (red): med ruby, med intensity of red plum and blackberry, no oak flavours, med acid, med tannin (or low = carbonic maceration), medium alc.
- quality: good
- price: inexpensive
5
Q
Reach of the AOC
CDR Villages = yield, blending rules (2)
CDR Villages + named village = yield, blending rules.
Style
Quality and price levels
A
- similar rules as Cote du Rhone AOC.
- covers production in 20 villages in S Rhone.
- CDR Villages: a) yield: 44 hL/ha; b) min 33% Grenache; c) plus min 33% of either Syrah or Mourvedre.
- CDR Village + named village: a) yield: 41 hL/ ha; b) blending rules are similar to CDR Villages.
- style: both CDR Villages and CDR Villages + named village are similar in style to CDR but with more concentration.
- quality: good - v. good.
- inexpensive to mid-priced.
6
Q
Location
Style (2) and varieties (3) permitted
Climatic (2) and topographic (3) factors
Yield
Challenges(1)
Style, quality and price levels
A
- located on the right bank of the Rhone River, northeast of CNDP.
- red & rose wines only.
- varieties: GSM.
- climatic factors: a) lower temp then Vacqueyras; b) cooling influence from Mistral.
- topographic factors: a) higher altitude than Vacqueyras (up to 600 m ASL); b) shaded by the Dentelles de Montmirail mountains (lowering temps in the morning); c) soil is rich in limestone.
- mesoclimatic impact: a) influence of Mistral + b) lower temp in the morning (Dentelles de Montmirail) = extends maturation period and flavour concentration.
- final blend: min 50% Grenache for at least one of SM.
- yield: 35 hL/ha (same as CNDP)
- challenges: a) recent rise in temp has resulted in higher alc levels in Grenache.
- style: med purple in colour, med to med intensity, red plum, blackbery fruit, spice notes, med acid, med alc, med to med(+) tannins (it bears similarities with CDNP).
- quality: good to v. good.
- price: mid-priced to premium
7
Q
Location
Style (3) and varieties (3) permitted
Climatic (1) and topographic (2) factors
Yield
Challenges(1)
Style, quality and price levels
A
- located on the right bank of the Rhone, northeast of CNDP.
- style permitted: red, white (very little) and rose.
- climatic factors: a) warmer than Gigondas.
- topographic factors: a) lower altitude (up to 400m ASL); b) less limestone in the soil.
- varieties permitted: min 50% of Grenache + at least of SM.
- yield: 35 hL/ha.
- style: similar to Gigondas, but with less concentration and more rustic.
- quality: good - v. good.
- price: mid-priced to premium.
8
Q
Location
Style (1) and varieties (3) permitted
Climatic (3) and topographic (4) factors
Yield
Style, quality and price levels
A
- right bank of Rhone river; the most northerly of the S Rhone crus.
- red wines only (50% Grenache + at least of of the SM).
- climatic factors: a) Mediterranean climate; b) less influence of Mistral; c) less influence from the Rhone river.
- topographic factors: a) some sites benefit from altitude (200 - 500m ASL); b) stony soils, with marl and sandstone; c) orientation = south / southeast; d) slopes offer protection agains the Mistral.
- yield: average 29 hL/ha.
- style: med ruby in colour, med to med(+) intensity of red plum, blackbery fruit, spice notes, med acid, med alc, med to med(+) tannins.
- quality level: good to v. good.
- price level: mid-priced to premium.
9
Q
Location
Style (2) and varieties (3) permitted
Climatic (3) and topographic (4) factors
Challenge
Yield
Style, quality and price levels
A
- right bank of the Rhone river, north of Gigondas.
- 1,000 ha.
- styles: red and Vin Doux Naturel.
- grapes permitted: 50% Grenache + at least 1 of the SM.
- climatic factors: a) less influence from Mistral; b) less influence from the Rhone river.
- topographic influence: a) low altitude = 100m; b) enclave protects the region from Mistral; b) stony soils (cobbles) composed of clay, limestone and sandstone.
- yield: average 30 hL/ha.
- challenges: drought can be a challenge so irrigation is permitted (under strict regulations).
- style: med ruby in colour; med(+) to pronounced intensity of ripe red plum and blackberry fruit, spice notes and oak tones; med acid, high alc, med to med(+) in tannins; rivals Chateauneuf-du-Pape in style.
- quality: good to v. good.
- price: mid-priced to premium.
10
Q
Location
Style (2) and varieties (3) permitted
Climatic (2) and topographic (4) factors
Challenge
Yield
Style, quality and price levels
A
- right bank of the Rhone river, west of Rasteau, north of Gigondas / Vacqueyras.
- 96% red and 4% white (very small amount).
- varieties permitted: 40% Grenache and at least 1 of SM.
- climatic factors: a) more influenced by the Mistral; b) cooler climate than Rasteau.
- topographic factors: a) high plateau; b) less protection from the Mistral; c) not as steep as Gigondas; d) soil: pebbles, clay and sand.
- challenges: damage caused by the Mistral = a) strutural damage to the vines; b) disruption to flowering / fruit set.
- yield: average 27 hL/ha.
- style: ripe fruit in character; usually fruit forward and youthful.
- quality: good - v. good
- price: mid-priced to premium.
11
Q
Location
Style (1) and varieties (3) permitted
Climatic (1) and topographic (4) factors
Yield
Style, quality and price levels
A
- right bank of the Rhone river, south of Gigondas.
- 600 ha in size.
- red wines only.
- varieties: min 50% of Grenache Noir + Syrah and Mourvedre.
- climatic factors: a) much warmer temps then its neighbours.
- topographic factors: a) vineyards planted on slopes: b) shaded by the Dentelles de Montmirail; c) protected from the Mistral by the Dentelles; d) soil types: calcareous (limestone) clay and marl.
- yield: average 32 hL/ha.
- style: spicy, with blackberry fruit; med ruby in colour; high alc, med to med(+) tannins, med to med(+) acid.
- quality: good to v. good.
- price: mid-priced to premium.
12
Q
Location
Style (2) and varieties (overview) permitted
Climatic (2) and topographic (3) factors
Yield
Style, quality and price levels
Challenges (4)
A
- right bank of the Rhone, north of Avignon.
- first AOC in France, created by the Baron de Roy in 1923.
- style: 90% red and 10% white.
- permitted varieties: a) black: 13 varieties, but mainly made from Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah; b) white: Grenach Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Roussanne and other local varieties (Marsanne and Viognier are not permitted).
- climatic factors: a) cooling effect from Mistral; b) tempering effect from the Rhone.
- topographic factors: a) large concentration of gallet roulet (pudding stones) on the top soil radiate heat back to the vineyard at night; b) soils: limestone, clay, sandstone; c) soils are poor in fertility and fast draining, with a clay seam that helps retaining water.
- yield: 35 hL/ha (average = just under 30 hL/ha).
- style (red): med ruby in colour, med(+) to pronounced intensity of ripe red plum, blackberry, spices, oak tones; med acid, high alc, med(-) to high tannins (depending on blend).
- quality: good - outstanding.
- price: mid-priced - super premium.
- challenges: a) climate change has raised the annual average temp, raising potential alc in the grapes; b) because of that, the importance placed on gallet roulets has diminished; c) Mourvedre is attracting more interesting due to the rising temps; d) quality and price can very widely from producer to producer.
13
Q
Location
Style (3) and varieties (overview) permitted
Climatic (2) and topographic (3) factors
Yield
Style, quality and price levels
A
- located on the left bank of the Rhone, west of CNDP, northwest of Avignon.
- 85% red, 10% white and 5% rose.
- Varieties: Grenache Noir, Syrah Mourvedre and Cinsault together = min 90% of the final blend.
- climatic factors: a) Mediterranean climate; b) some influence from the Mistral.
- topographic factors: a) less influenced by the Rhone river; b) high sunlight hours; c) soil type: limestone plateau, with red clay and pebbles.
- Yield: 30 hL/ha (average)
- style: med ruby in colour, med(+) to pronounced intensity of black and red fruits; med to me(+) tannins, med to med(+) acidity.
- quality: good to v. good.
- price: mid-priced to premium.
14
Q
Location
Style (1) and varieties (overview) permitted
Climatic (3) and topographic (2) factors
Yield
Style, quality and price levels
A
- left bank of the Rhone river, south of Lirac and west of CNDP.
- rose only.
- final bled must inclued Grenache Noir; none of the principal varieties can amout to more than 60%. (12 permitted varieties, including white).
- climatic factors: a) Med climate; b) low rainfall; c) heavily influenced by the Mistral.
- topographic factors: a) less influence from the Rhone river; b) soil types: vary throughout the appellation, with limestone marls on top of the terraces and alluvial soils cover mid - lower terraces.
- yield: 46 hL/ha.
- style: medium pink-orange colour, med to med(+) intensity, strawberry and raspberry, med(+) to full body, med alc.
- quality: good to v. good.
- price: mid-priced to premium.
15
Q
Location
Style (3) and varieties (overview: black / whtie) permitted
Climatic (1) and topographic (2) factors
Yield
Style, quality and price levels
A
- South-east of the SR, split in two areas: a) west of Beaumes-de-Venise; b) further south from the first part, north of Luberon.
- 56% red, 38% rose, 6% white.
- principal varieties (red wine): Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault and Carignan (min 50% together; min 2 varieties must be included).
- principal varieties (white): Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Bourboulenc.
- climate: moderate mediterranean climate.
- topographic factors: Mount Ventoux = a) altitude: vineyards planted up to 450m ASL; b) cool air comes down from the mountain, moderating the climate.
- yield: 60 hL/ ha (max).
- some wine can be quite light (concentration, intensity, body, acidity, tannins and alc); better wines are produced with altitude, where Syrah ripeness can lead to more elegant wines.
- quality: good to v. good
- price: inexpensive to mid-priced.
16
Q
Location
Style (3) and varieties (overview: black / whtie) permitted
Climatic (3) and topographic (2) factors
Yield
Quality and price levels
A
- southwest limit of the Rhone appellation, between SR and eastern Languedoc.
- style: almost 2/3 red, 1/3 rose and very small proportion of white.
- principal black varieties: Grenache Noir, Mourvedre and Syrah.
- principal white varieties: Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Bourboulenc.
- climate: a) mediterranean climate; b) cool breezes from the Med (southern part); c) Mistral influence (northern part).
- topographic factors: a) vineyard orientation: south-west facing slopes; b) soil type: generally uniform, with layers of clay, sand and pebbles.
- yield: 60 hL/ha.
- Quality: good - v. good.
- Price: inexpensive to mid-priced.
17
Q
Location
Style (3) and varieties (overview: black / whtie) permitted
Climatic (1) and topographic (2) factors
Yield
Quality and price levels
A
- souht-east of the Rhone valley on the border with Provence.
- approx 2/4 rose, 1/4 red and 1/4 white.
- principal varieties: a) black: Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvedre b) white: Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc.
- reds: GSM must be min 50% of the blend (singly or together).
- climate: Mediterranean.
- topographic factors: a) cooling effect from the Alps (cool breezes); b) altitude (Alps); c) soil types: sandy soil at lower elevation and limestone on the foot of the Alps.
- Yield: 55 hL/ha (red).
- quality: good - v. good.
- price: inexpensive to mid-priced (a few premium).
18
Q
Location
Style (3) and varieties (overview: black / whtie) permitted
Climatic (2) and topographic (1) factors
Yield
Quality and price levels
A
- northern end of the Southern Rhone, on the right bank, north of Cairanne.
- styles: 2/3 red and almost equal proportions of white & rose.
- climate: a) Mediterranean climate; b) heavily influenced by Mistral.
- topographic factors: a) soils types = clay / limestone or sand (subsoils); stony or gravely topsoils.
- yield: 36 hL/ha (average).
- quality level: good - v. good.
- price: inexpensive to mid-priced.
19
Q
Area where it’s produced
Most popular international varities
A
- mostly produced in the SR.
- these could include international varieties.
- Merlot is the 3rd most grown variety.
- Cab Sav is the 5th most grown variety.
20
Q
Changes in rules regulating irrigation (3).
A
- grape varieties & yields = individual AOC’s.
- Irrigation: general prohibition has been ammended:
a) proof of H2O stress to vines is required.
b) no irrigation after veraison.
c) can’t be used to exceed the max yield allowed by individual AOC’s.
21
Q
Coops / negociants (location / business reach)
In which region are coops more important?
Exception?
Sales: domestic (channels) x export
What’s the immediate result in growth of sales / value of Rhone wines? (2)
A
- many of large coops / negociants are based in the north but operate accross the whole region.
- coops are much more important in SR than NR.
- Exception: Cave de Tain (Tain l’Hermitage) = sells 40% of Crozes Hermitage wines.
- Sales: a) 67% domestic (32% in supermarkets, 29% in hospitality / retail shops and 6% in discounters); b) 33% export (USA, UK and Belgium = by volume).
- witn increased sales and value, more growers are bottling their own wines rather than selling to coops (grapes) or negociant (wine for bottling).
- there’s a small en-primeur / investment market for the top wines (Cote Rotie, Hermitage, CNDP).
