Northern Rhone Flashcards
1
Q
Mistral
A
- cold north winds
- Pros: prevents pests and disease
- Cons: disrupt flowering > cause couloure (shedding blossom), destroy vines
- vines planted in lateral valleys to river for protection
- stakes used on vines for support against
- cooling effect
2
Q
Climate
A
moderate Continental
3
Q
Syrah
A
- deep color
- high acid
- medium to high tannin
- medium to full body
- black fruit (black berry, black cherry, black plum), black pepper, clove, floral
- oak
- when blended with Viognier > aromatic intensity
- fermented with Marsanne and Roussanne to stabilize color extraction
4
Q
Viognier
A
- adds aromatic intensity to fermentation/blending with Syrah
- full body
- high alcohol
- low acid
- perfumed aromas (orange blossom, jasmine, honeysuckle), stone fruit (peaches, apricot, nectarine)
- rich, waxy, oily character
- handled with care to avoid overtly oily character
- oak handled with care
- slow ripening > must be picked late
- some late harvest style
- susceptible to mildew, botrytis
5
Q
Marsanne and Roussanne
A
- stabilizes red color extraction to fermentation/blending with Syrah (not as common)
- Marsanne: richness and weight
- Roussanne: high acid and perfumed fruit
- blended together
- ageworthy > hazelnut
- not as aromatic as Viognier
6
Q
Cote Rotie
A
- red only (Syrah) > up to 20% Viognier
- deep color
- full body
- spicy, aromatic freshness
7
Q
Condrieu
A
- white wine only
- Viognier
- low yielding old vines
- Chateau Grillet (own AOC)
8
Q
Saint Joseph
A
- red (Syrah)
- white (Marsanne and Roussane)
9
Q
Hermitage
A
- blends
- lieux dits (single vineyard)
- red (Syrah) > up to 15% Marsanne and Roussane
- white (Marsanne and Roussane)
- Red Hermitage: fullest body in Northern Rhone
- ageworthy
10
Q
Crozes Hermitage
A
- highest volume
- up to 15% Marsanne and Roussane
11
Q
Cornas
A
- 100% Syrah
- deep color
- full body
- high alcohol
12
Q
Massif Central
A
- western mountain range
- vineyards on steep slopes
