FWS Rhône Flashcards
Where is the Rhône Valley located?
Southeastern France
- Lyon and Beaujolais to N
- Languedoc and Provence to S
What is the Rhône Valley known for in terms of wine production?
It is the second largest AOC wine producer in France, with half its wine bottled under the regional Côtes du Rhône AOC.
What are the two main regions of the Rhône Valley?
Northern Rhône and Southern Rhône.
What has caused shifts in wine production in the Rhône Valley?
Declining red wine sales and increasing rosé wine sales due to changing consumer preferences.
What was the role of the Roman Catholic Church in the Rhône wine industry?
It played a pivotal role, especially during the 14th century when the Papal Palace moved to Avignon.
What are the major topographical features of the Northern Rhône?
Rugged terrain with steep slopes, granite subsoils, and pockets of clay and loess.
What characterises the climate of the Northern Rhône?
Predominantly continental with some Mediterranean influences, colder winters, and hotter summers.
What is the effect of the Mistral wind on vineyards?
It cools vineyards and prevents disease by drying the vines.
What is the primary red grape variety in the Northern Rhône?
Syrah.
Fill in the blank: The main red grape in the Southern Rhône is _______.
Grenache.
What are the main soil types found in the Northern Rhône?
Granite and schist soils, with pockets of clay and loess.
Which 6 grape varieties are commonly used in Southern Rhône white blends?
Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier.
How has global warming affected viticultural practices in the Rhône?
- Earlier harvests
- higher alcohol levels
- lower acidity.
Which AOCs cannot produce under the Côtes du Rhône AOC?
Larger, more distinctive Crus outside of the Côtes du Rhône production zone.
What does the Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC represent vs the CdR AOC?
A higher quality designation with stricter regulations for wines produced.
Name three notable Crus from the Northern Rhône.
Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Hermitage.
What types of wines does the Southern Rhône produce?
A variety of styles, including powerful reds, aromatic whites, and increasingly popular dry rosés.
What is Vin Doux Naturel and how is it produced?
A fortified wine produced by adding alcohol during fermentation to preserve sweetness.
Which grapes are used in Côte-Rôtie AOC?
Syrah, with up to 20% Viognier.
What are the main characteristics of wines from the Hermitage AOC?
Long-lived, collectible, powerful wines with aging in wood.
What is the main grape variety in Clairette de Die Méthode Ancestrale?
Muscat à Petits Grains Blanc (and Clairette).
Fill in the blank: The Southern Rhône features _______ soil types.
five.
galets, garrigue, sandstone, clay and loess
What is the significance of the Mistral wind in the Southern Rhône?
It helps cool vineyards and can prevent disease.
What grape variety is known for being high in alcohol and prone to oxidation in the Southern Rhône?
Grenache.
