Grapes and wine of the Northern Rhone Flashcards
What is the climate of the Northern Rhone?
Moderate continental (similar to Beaujolais), noticeably cooler than Southern Rhone
Describe the vineyard area of Northern Rhone
Narrow and steep valley: vineyards mainly planted close to the Rhone river
Best sites occupy steep slopes with south-facing aspect, usually in lateral valleys feeding into the Rhone which offer protection from the mistral i.e. the cold north winds
Describe general vineyard management practices of the Northern Rhone
Vines are supported either by an individual stake or by a tepee-like arrangement of stakes
What is the only black variety permitted in the Northern Rhone? Where (in terms of vineyard location, not appellation) are its best plantings found?
Syrah - it is at its most northerly limit of ripening here due to the latitude and cooling effect of the mistral, so the best examples are found on very steep slopes with southerly aspects
Describe a typical Northern Rhone Syrah
Deeply coloured
Medium to high levels of tannin
Black fruit, sometimes black pepper or floral aromas
Use of oak depends on winemaker: can use a high proportion of new oak for best wines while others prefer old oak or larger barrels
What is unique about traditional fermentation practices with Syrah in the Northern Rhone?
Can be fermented with white varieties, traditionally used to help stabilise the colour extraction e.g. with Viognier (which also adds extra aromatic intensity), or Marsanne and Roussanne.
Not as widely practiced now.
What white varieties are used in Northern Rhone?
Viognier
Marsanne
Roussanne
Describe a typical Northern Rhone Viognier
Full-bodied
Perfumed aromas of blossom and apricots
Flavours of stone fruits
Low acidity, high alcohol (grapes do not develop signature aromas until late in the season, by this stage they have achieved a high level of sugar ripeness)
Describe typical Viognier winemaking
Careful handling to avoid developing an overtly oily character which could overwhelm the varietal aromas
New oak is increasingly used, but also need to be careful not to overwhelm primary aromas
Some styles are made off-dry from late-harvested grapes
What do Marsanne and Roussanne offer to a wine? Describe their characteristics.
Usually blended together:
Marsanne has richness and weight
Roussanne has acidity and a perfumed fruit characteristic
Can age well and develop complex hazelnut aromas
Describe Côte Rôtie and associated wine
Slopes exposed to the sun
Only red wines produced (Syrah), with the possibility of adding up to 20% Viognier (although it is rare to add more than a small percentage)
Deeply coloured, full-bodied, spicy. Best examples have an aromatic, floral freshness and textural elegance that distinguishes them from Hermitage.
What is Condrieu wine? Where would the best examples come from?
Only Viognier
Best examples are from low-yielding old vines grown on steep, well-exposed, terraced vineyards
What wines are produced in Saint-Joseph?
Vast majority are Syrah
Also produce Marsanne and Rousanne whites
Best examples are from terraced vineyards near Tournon (similar flavour structure and intensity to Hermitage). Also excellent wines just south of Condrieu.
Large volumes of lighter-bodied wines from fertile valley floors and plateau above slopes often with elements incorporating carbonic maceration. = lightest bodied of Northern Rhone with pepper-perfumed aspects.
Where would I find the best examples of Syrah in Saint-Joseph?
Best examples are from terraced vineyards around Tournon, with a similar flavour intensity and structure to those from Hermitage.
Also great examples from just south of Condrieu.
Where could I find some of the lightest-bodied Syrah in the Northern Rhone?
Large volumes of lighter-bodied and more pepper-perfumed examples come from flatter and fertile sites on valley floor in Saint-Joseph, often incorporating elements from carbonic maceration.
