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

Question 16

Explain why the best vineyards are all located in South facing slope in Northern Rhone.

Answer 16

1. south facing slop gets better sun exposure and warmth = achieve better ripeness
2. mistral = damage the wine // South facing slope can protect it
3. soil on steep slope tend to have better drainage as well