Northern Rhône Flashcards
Learn the grape varieties, climate, soil, wine styles, and producers of the Northern Rhône.
What is the climate of the Northern Rhône?
Moderate continental
Which 2 cities delimit the Northern Rhône Valley?
Vienne
- in the north
Valence
- in the south
Name the 7 AOPs of the Northern Rhône Valley from north to south.
From north to south:
- Côte-Rôtie
- Condrieu
- Château-Grillet
- Saint-Joseph
- Crozes-Hermitage
- Hermitage
- Cornas
Château-Grillet AOP is a single property appellation within Condrieu AOP.
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
- Côte-Rôtie
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, stone fruits + 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
- Rich, weighted texture
- Slightly bitter; develops 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?
Today Condrieu is famous for being dry and aged in oak barrels.
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
On p.100 of the WSET textbook, it is specified that Château-Grillet is its own AOP. It lies within the boundaries of Condrieu.
In terms of volume, what is the largest appellation of the Northern Rhône?
Crozes-Hermitage AOP
Name the grape varieties used in the production of Crozes-Hermitage AOP.
Red:
- Syrah
- Can be blended with a max 15% combined Marsanne and Roussanne.
White:
- Marsanne
- Roussanne