Northern Rhone Flashcards
What is the climate of the Northern Rhône?
Moderate continental
What are the main soil types in the Northern Rhône?
・Granite/Volcanic/Schist: In the northern portion, in Côte-Rôtie + Condrieu, plus a pure granite outcropping in Cornas
・Alluvial/Clay: In the mid-to-southern portion, in Saint-Joseph + Crozes-Hermitage.
Which 2 cities delimit the Northern Rhône Valley?
・Vienne
in the north
・Valence
in the south
Name the AOPs of the Northern Rhône Valley.
From north to south:
Côte-Rôtie
Condrieu
Saint-Joseph
Crozes-Hermitage
Hermitage
Cornas
Where are the prime vineyards of the Northern Rhône situated: on the valley floor or on steep slopes?
Northern Rhône’s prime vineyards are planted on steep slopes.
How do winemakers work on the steep slopes of the Northern Rhône?
Most of the work is done by hand as tractors cannot go over the small terrasses. Horses are sometimes used in Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie.
Romans built stone terraces which are still used today and require hand harvesting.
What is the only red grape allowed in the Northern Rhône?
Syrah
Name the white grapes grown in the Northern Rhône and in which white wine appellations you’ll find them.
・Viognier
Condrieu
・Roussanne
Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph
・Marsanne
Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph
What are the flavors and characteristics of Viognier?
・Full body
・High alcohol
・Low acidity
・Apricot + blossom aromas
What are the flavors and characteristics of Roussanne and Marsanne?
・Roussanne
Medium-to-full body
Medium acidity
Perfumed stone fruits
・Marsanne
Medium-to-full body
Fatty, rich texture
Slightly bitter; develops marizpan + hazelnut notes as it ages
Neither is as aromatic as Viognier
Name a white wine-only appellation in the Northern Rhône.
Condrieu AOP: 100% Viognier
Northern Rhône appellations that are allowed to make both still red and still white wines include:
・Saint-Joseph
・Hermitage
・Crozes-Hermitage
Is Condrieu more likely to be dry or sweet?
What about oak usage in Condrieu?
However, back in the 1940s, Condrieu was known for its sweet wine production. A few young winemakers today are experimenting with late harvest Viognier from the slopes of Condrieu.
What is the single vineyard appellation within Condrieu that makes a wine similar in style to Condrieu?
Château-Grillet
In terms of volume, what is the largest appellation of the Northern Rhône?
Crozes-Hermitage AOP