Northern Rhone

Question 1

What is the key challenge of Northern Rhone in natural factors?

Answer 1

Mistral
- cold north winds that damage the vines

Question 2

Which direction is the best site of Northern Rhone?

Answer 2

steep south-facing slope
- protect wind from mistral
- vines are supported by individual or tepee-liked stake

Question 3

Name the appellation that needs 100% Viognier

Answer 3

1. Condrieu (low-yield old vines)
2. Chateau-Grillet (single property appellation)

Question 4

Describe Viognier

Answer 4

1. full-bodied, aromatic, low acidity. high alcohol
2. need to reach a very high level of sugar ripeness to develop signature aromas

Question 5

What can Marsanne and Rousanne give?

Answer 5

• blend together
• Marsanne: weight and richness
• Rousanne: higher acidity and perfumed fruit character

Question 6

Why do we need co-fermentation?

Answer 6

1. stabilize colour extraction
2. add extra aromatic profile

Question 7

Appellation that make only red wine

Answer 7

1. Cote Rotie (max 20% Viognier)
2. Cornas (100% Syrah)

Question 8

Appellation with red and white

Answer 8

1. St.Joseph (Marsanne and Rosanne)
2. Hermitage
3. Crozes-Hermitage
   (2&3 red: max 15% Roussane and Marsanne / white: Marsanne and Rosanne)

Question 9

Describe Syrah

Answer 9

1. Only black grape permitted in Northern Rhone
2. deeply-coloured and medium-high tannin+ black fruit flavour = ageing potential + thick skin variety
3. southerly exposure and on very steep slope in cooler region = continental climate

Question 10

Name Syrah wine-making technique

Answer 10

1. co-fermentation
2. carbonic fermentation = pepper-perfumed of Syrah
3. high proportion of new oak
4. large and old barrels

Question 11

What is Brettanomyces?

Answer 11

• plastic / animal aromas, smoke meat, leather
• 100% wine frog

Question 12

Premium region of red in Northern Rhone

Answer 12

Cote-Rotie
Hermitage

Question 13

Cheap region of red in Northern Rhone

Answer 13

Crozes-Hermitage

Question 14

Alternative choice for Crozes-Hermitage

Answer 14

Saint-Joseph

Question 15

How might growers reduce the risk of mistral?

Answer 15

1. vines are supported by individual or tepee-like stake
2. vines planting on steep slope with a south-facing aspect. It serves as a protection from the mistral