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WSET Diploma D3 - Wines of the World > Northern Rhône > Flashcards

Northern Rhône Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the climate in the Northern Rhône?

A

Moderate continental with warm summers and cold winters

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2
Q

How much rain does the Northern Rhône receive? When does it typically fall?

A

Enough for viticulture

Mostly in the autumn and winter

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3
Q

Are there any warming or cooling influences on the Northern Rhône? What effect does it have on viticulture?

A

The Mistral, a cooling wind from the north, sweeps through the valley. It reduces fungal disease, vigor, and yields, and also slows ripening. As a result, the grapes are more concentrated

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4
Q

What is the distance between the most northerly and southerly parts of the Northern Rhône?

A

40 miles, which leads to grapes in the southern area to ripening more reliably

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5
Q

What type of terrain are the better Northern Rhône vineyards planted on? How does this affect viticulture?

A

Steep slopes, which provide the vines with better sunlight interception and drainage. Because of the inclination, vines must be managed and harvested by hand

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6
Q

What are the appellations of the Northern Rhône from north to south?

A 
Côte-Rotie
Condrieu
Saint-Joseph
Crozes-Hermitage
Hermitage
Cornas
Saint-Peray
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7
Q

What types of wine are produced in Côte-Rotie AOC?

A

Still red wines only. The rules dictate 80% (min) Syrah and 20% (max) Viognier, though it is often 100% Syrah or no more than 8% Viognier

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8
Q

What type of terrain are the vineyards of Côte Rotie planted on?

A

Steep slopes, often terraced, facing east and southeast

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9
Q

How does the terroir of Côte Rotie affect the microclimate there?

A

The steep slopes with east and southeast exposure increase sunlight interception and heat. The vineyards are also protected from the Mistral by the northern hillsides. With rapid drainage and poor soils, the grapes are able to ripen fully.

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10
Q

What are the negative effects of the steep slopes of Côte Rotie?

A

Erosion is a major concern

Vines must be tended by hand

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11
Q

How are vines trained in Côte Rotie?

A

Single or double Guyot.

They are tied to one or two poles called échalas.

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12
Q

True or False

The terraced vineyards of Côte Rotie have been unchanged and unrepaired over the past century.

A

False. The terraces of Côte Rotie require regular repair

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13
Q

What happened to Côte Rotie AOC in the 1970s?

A

Many people left due to the hard work involved in maintaining vineyards. The appellation shrank to 70 ha under vine

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14
Q

Who was responsible for reviving the Côte Rotie appellation? How did it become popular?

A

Etienne and Marcel Guigal, who planted and produced wine from single vineyards (the first were La Mouline and La Landonne).

Robert Parker gave these wines high scores.

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15
Q

What is the current vineyard area in Côte Rotie?

A

250 ha

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16
Q

What is the typical quality and pricing of Côte Rotie wines?

A

Very good to outstanding

Premium to super premium

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17
Q

What is the most planted variety in Côte Rotie?

A

Syrah

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18
Q

What is the most commonly used rootstock in the Côte Rotie? Why?

A

3309

It is believed to be relatively productive and the vines produce grapes with good depth of color

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19
Q

What is the typical planting density in Côte Rotie? Why?

A

10,000 vines/ha. This increases competition between the vines, reduces yields, and concentrates the fruit

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20
Q

What is the maximum yield permitted in Côte Rotie?

A

40 hl/ha

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21
Q

True or False

In Côte Rotie, Viognier must be cofermented with Syrah if it is included in the wine.

A

True

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22
Q

What is the emphasis in winemaking in Côte Rotie? How does this affect the wine’s production?

A

The emphasis is on aromatic potential

Grapes are destemmed before pressing, cold soaked, and fermentation is done at warm temperatures

A portion of the stems may be included during fermentation

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23
Q

What does Viognier add to the wines of Côte Rotie?

A

Floral, fruity aromas

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24
Q

Do winemakers in Côte Rotie rely on cultured or ambient yeasts? Why?

A

Ambient (“Natural” per source material). These are believed to provide a greater expression of terroir

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25
Q

Is malolactic conversion permitted in Côte Rotie wines?

A

Yes. It typically takes place in cask

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26
Q

How are the wines of Côte Rotie matured? Why?

A

In small, 225L Barriques. Guigal’s single vineyard wines started this model in Côte Rotie.

Larger oak vessels, such as 500-600L demi-muids, are favored for less obvious oak notes in wines to be consumed young

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27
Q

How does the style of Côte Rote wines compare to the wines of other Northern Rhône appelations?

A

The wines have pronounced aromas and are typically softer and less full bodied than the others, especially Hermitage and Cornas.

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28
Q

Where is Condrieu located?

A

Just south of Côte Rotie in the northern part of the Northern Rhône area.

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29
Q

What types of wines are made in Condrieu?

A

White wines made from 100% Viognier

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30
Q

What is the maximum yield permitted in Condrieu? Why?

A

41 hl/ha to ensure good flavor intensity

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31
Q

What aspect do the vineyards of Condrieu typically have? Why?

A

A southern exposure, due to the Rhône river’s turn to the southwest in this area

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32
Q

What type of soil are the vineyards of Condrieu planted on? What challenges exist for winemakers?

A

Steep, low fertility slopes with rocky soils that are often terraced

Soil erosion and wind are a major problem

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33
Q

How large is the Condrieu appellation?

A

197 ha

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34
Q

True or False

There are two single-estate AOCs in Condrieu

A

False.

Ch. Grillet AOC is the only single estate appellation in Condrieu. It covers 3.5 ha. The estate has been active since at least the 1830s.

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35
Q

How is Condrieu typically fermented?

A

In stainless steel or large wooden vessels, though some may choose more expensive small wooden vessels to enhance texture and flavor

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36
Q

Is malolactic conversion typically allowed in Condrieu AOC?

A

Usually yes, though producers may decide not to depending on the vintage

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37
Q

Do Condrieu wines experience batonnage?

A

The wines are typically on the lees for 10-12 months, during which the lees are often stirred

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38
Q

What is the typical quality and pricing of Condrieu wines?

A

Very good to outstanding

Premium to super premium

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39
Q

Where is Saint-Joseph AOC located?

A

It runs 30 miles through the center of the Northern Rhône, north of Cornas.

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40
Q

Where is the heart of the Saint-Joseph appellation?

A

The lieu-dit named Saint-Joseph, located in the sothern part of the appellation across the Rhône from Tain l’Hermitage

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41
Q

What happened in 1994 to the Saint-Joseph AOC? Are there any effects of the event today?

A

The borders were extended to include vineyard area that is not located on hillsides and produce lower quality wine. Confidence in Saint-Joseph has grown, so there is discussion on whether to reduce the boundaries exclusively to hillsides.

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42
Q

Which two producers have worked to elevate the status of Saint-Joseph?

A

Jean Louis Chave and Domaine Gonon

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43
Q

What types of wines are made in Saint-Joseph?

A

Dry, still red and white wines, though red production is 90%

Red wines must be at least 90% Syrah with 10% of Marsanne and/or Roussane permitted, though the use of white grapes is rare

White wines may be made with any amount of Marsanne and/or Roussane

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44
Q

What fermentation vessels are used in the production of red Saint-Joseph wine?

A

Stainless steel and large wooden tanks

45
Q

How are the wines of Saint-Joseph typically matured?

A

Larger wood tanks, large barrels, and occasionally barriques

46
Q

What are the quality and pricing of Saint-Joseph wines?

A

Good to outstanding

Mid-priced to premium

47
Q

Where is Hermitage AOC located?

A

Above the village of Tain l-Hermitage in the southern part of the Northern Rhône. It is on the western side of the Rhône River

48
Q

How long has winemaking existed in the Hermitage AOC?

A

Since the Greco-Roman era

49
Q

How did Hermitage receive its name?

A

The 12th century crusader Gaspard de Stérimberg lived in seclusion there at the end of his military career

50
Q

How large is the Hermitage appellation?

A

137 ha, nearly all of which is planted

51
Q

What types of wine are made in Hermitage?

A

Dry, still red and white wines. White wines are 1/3rd of production

Red wines are 100% Syrah

White wines are typically a majority of Marsanne with some Roussanne, or 100% Marsanne

52
Q

In which direction does the appellation face? How does this affect the climate there?

A

It faces south, receiving high levels of sunlight and receiving protection from the Mistral from the hilltop

53
Q

Where are the most famous climats in Hermitage located? What makes them special?

A

They are in the western part of the appellation. This area is typically the warmest

54
Q

What type of flavor intensity do wines from Hermitage have? Why?

A

Pronounced intensity as a result of the hot, dry vineyards and thin, stony soils

55
Q

How are the vineyards of Hermitage maintained and harvested?

A

By hand, due to the inclination of the slopes

56
Q

What are the maximum permitted yields in Hermitage AOC?

A

40 hl/ha red

45 hl/ha white

These are rarely achieved. Many producers also use old vines which provide naturally low yields and highly concentrated fruit

57
Q

Is white wine or red wine the traditional style of Hermitage?

A

Red wine

58
Q

What do winemakers do in ripe vintages to balance their wines?

A

Include a proportion of stems during fermentation

59
Q

What fermentation temperatures are used in Hermitage? Why?

A

Warm temperatures to maximize extraction of flavors and tannins

60
Q

How are the red wines of Hermitage matured?

A

Used, medium to large sized oak barrels are common. A proportion of new oak is common but not always used.

12-18 months is the typical aging range.

61
Q

How is the fermentation for white Hermitage wines carried out?

A

In old wood vats, new or old oak barrels, or stainless steel

62
Q

How are the white wines of Hermitage matured?

A

Depending on the style sought, it could be stainless steel or oak with a small proportion of it being new

10-12 months of maturation on the lees is typical

63
Q

How do the white wines of Hermitage develop after long periods of bottle aging?

A

The best can develop rich, creamy, and nutty flavors with outstanding complexity

64
Q

What is Vin de Paille?

A

A sweet wine made in Hermitage AOC by drying white grapes off of the vine. It is rare and only made in very ripe years

65
Q

Who are the primary holders of vineyard area in Hermitage AOC?

A

Chapoutier (négociant)

Jaboulet (négociant)

Cave de Tain (cooperative)

Jean-Louis Chave (estate)

66
Q

How much vineyard area in Hermitage is controlled by the cooperative Cave de Tain?

A

15%

67
Q

Which producer in Hermitage AOC is a long-standing believer in blending across appellation? Which producer believes in the value of single vineyard productions?

A

J.L. Chave is an advocate for blending

Chapoutier has pioneered an approach to single vineyard/parcel production

68
Q

What is the quality and pricing of both red and white wines from Hermitage?

A

Very good to outstanding

Super premium

69
Q

How big is Crozes-Hermitage compared to the other Northern Rhône appellations?

A

It is the largest with 1,700 ha in its boundaries

70
Q

Where is Crozes-Hermitage located?

A

Surrounding the town of Tain l’Hermitage on the east bank of the Rhône River

71
Q

What is the climate in Crozes-Hermitage?

A

In the northern part, it is continental with alpine influences. Winters can be extremely cold with heavy effects from the Mistral

The southern part is more temperate and can experience heavy rainfall in the autumn

72
Q

When was the Crozes-Hermitage AOC created? How did it develop?

A

It was created in 1937 and extended in 1956 in the same way Saint-Joseph AOC was

73
Q

What is the difference in the terrain between the northern and southern parts of the Crozes-Hermitage AOC?

A

The area north of Tain is comprised of relatively steep slopes

The area to the south is flatter and was formerly orchards and farmsteads

74
Q

What is the character of the grapes grown in the northern part of Crozes-Hermitage?

A

Moderate sugar and fresh acidity

75
Q

Are the soils in Crozes-Hermitage shallower or deeper than in Hermitage?

A

Deeper and more fertile, leading to less concentrated wines

76
Q

What is the maximum yield in Crozes-Hermitage?

A

45 hl/ha

77
Q

What viticultural methods are available in the southern part of Crozes-Hermitage that helps to reduce cost?

A

Mechanization due to the flatter land

78
Q

What is the typical quality and pricing of Crozes-Hermitage Rouge?

A

Good to very good

Mid-priced to premium

There are a few examples of outstanding, premium priced wines

79
Q

True or False

Carbonic and semi-carbonic maceration may be used for younger-drinking wines in Crozes-Hermitage

A

True, and though it enhances fruitiness it is rarely used today

80
Q

How are grapes for red wine fermented in Crozes-Hermitage?

A

Destemming is widely practiced and fermentation on the skin is common in ageable wines. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel or concrete

81
Q

How are the red wines of Crozes-Hermitage matured?

A

In the concrete or stainless steel tanks in which they are fermented, or in large oak barrels.

82
Q

Are the red wines of Crozes-Hermitage made with long bottle maturation in mind?

A

No. The wines are generally made for early consumption and have medium tannins

83
Q

What percentage of wine production in Crozes-Hermitage is white wine?

A

9%

84
Q

What types of wines are made in Crozes-Hermitage?

A

Dry, still red wines made from Syrah. 15% of Marsanne and Roussanne may be added but typically are not

Dry, still white wines made from Marsanne and Roussanne

85
Q

Between Marsanne and Roussanne, which is more planted in Crozes-Hermitage?

A

Marsanne

86
Q

How are the top examples of Crozes-Hermitage Blanc matured?

A

In old wood, sometimes with a proportion of new oak

87
Q

What is the typical quality and pricing of Crozes-Hermitage Blanc?

A

Good to very good with some outstanding

Mid-priced to premium

88
Q

Where is Cornas situated?

A

On the west side of the Rhône River, south of Saint-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage, in a natural amphitheater with some steep slopes that faces south and east

89
Q

What is the climate in Cornas AOC?

A

Warm Mediterranean

90
Q

True or False

Cornas is the second red wine appellation to be harvested in the Northern Rhône

A

False. It is often first due to its protection from the Mistral, the warm Mediterranean climate, and its excellent aspect

91
Q

What types of wine are produced in Cornas?

A

Dry, still red wine made entirely from Syrah

92
Q

What is the maximum yield in Cornas?

A

45 hl/ha

93
Q

What is the size of Cornas?

A

145 ha, most of which is planted

94
Q

What is the historic style of Cornas? What has been the recent trend?

A

A wine with high tannic intensity.

Some producers use small barrels to smooth the wine out, but the current trend is to create robust, long lived wines

95
Q

What are the significant Domaines of Cornas AOC?

A

Alain Voge

Vincent Paris

Auguste Clape

96
Q

What is the typical quality and pricing of Cornas wines?

A

Very good to outstanding

Premium to super premium

97
Q

Where is the Saint-Péray AOC located?

A

South of Cornas, touching its southern border

It is the most southerly of the Northern Rhône appellations

98
Q

Is the climate cooler or warmer in Saint-Péray than in neighboring appellations?

A

Slightly cooler

99
Q

What types of wines are made in Saint-Péray?

A

Dry, still white wine

Traditional method white wine, though it is rare

100
Q

What types of soil can be found in Saint-Péray? What qualities does the soil have that are beneficial to grapes in the Northern Rhône?

A

Limestone and granitic soils are common. They retain water and permit drainage

101
Q

What grapes comprise the majority of plantings in Saint-Péray?

A

Marsanne is the most widely planted, followed by Roussanne

102
Q

What is the maximum yield permitted in Saint-Péray?

A

45 hl/ha

103
Q

How are the wines of Saint-Péray fermented?

A

In stainless steel or oak barrels

104
Q

How are the wines of Saint-Péray matured?

A

In the same vessels in which they are fermented, or in large oak vessels

High quality wines may spend 10-12 months on the lees with some producers using batonnage

105
Q

What is the typical quality and pricing of Saint-Péray wines?

A

Good to very good

Mid-priced to premium

106
Q

What is ‘Collines Rhodaniennes’?

A

An IGP for red, rosé, and white wines in the Northern Rhône made with grapes grown outside the AOCs. Grapes not permitted for use in the AOCs may be used and maximum yields are higher (80 hl/ha)

107
Q

What is the benefit of Collines Rhodaniennes IGP?

A

Top Rhône producers may offer less expensive wines to improve their portfolio

108
Q

What is the typical pricing of Collines Rhodaniennes wines?

A

Mid to premium

WSET Diploma D3 - Wines of the World (97 decks)

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