Northern Rhône Valley Flashcards
What is the name of the wind that can damage vines in the Northern Rhone?
What is the other wind called?
The Mistral
The “tramontane” blows through the gap between the Massif Central and the Pyrenees.
What is the general style of Northern Rhone reds?
Full-bodied, firm, and savory.
Signature secondary aromas including smoke, grilled meat, olive, lavender, and peppercorn.
Who are the 4 main producers that dominate production of Hermitage wine?
Jean-Louis Chave.
Delas.
M. Chapoutier.
Jaboulet.
What are the 4 quarters, or “lieux-dits” of Cornas?
Les Reynards
La Côte
Les Chaillot
Les Mazards.
What is a “demi-muid”?
French term for a 600-liter barrel, traditionally used in the Rhone Valley.
Literally, “half-hogshead”
What kind of terrain are the highest-quality vineyards planted on in the Northern Rhone?
What does this landscape offer the vines protection from?
On steep slopes, close to the River Rhone, facing south, often in lateral valleys.
The valleys give protection from the cold northerly Mistral.
What is the primary grape for the following appellations?
- Cote Rotie
- Condrieu
- Chateaneuf-du-Pape
- Hermitage Blanc
- Tavel
- Gigondas
- Cornas
Cote Rotie: Syrah (up to 20% Viognier)
Condrieu: Viognier
CNdP: Grenache-based blend
Hermitage Blanc: Rousanne/Marsanne
Tavel: Grenache
Gigondas: Grenache
Cornas: Syrah
How did wines eventually reach England from the Rhone Valley?
In the 17th Century, traders transported the wines from the Rhone to the Loire Valley, and by the 18th Century from the Loire to England.
Which white varieties and in what % are allowed in the following appellations?
Cote-Rotie
St.-Joseph
Hermitage/Crozes Hermitage
Cote-Rotie: up to 20% Viognier.
St.-Joseph: up to 10% Marsanne/Roussanne.
Hermitage/Crozes Hermitage: up to 15% Marsanne/Roussanne.
What are the major differences between the Northern and Southern Rhone?
N. Rhone S. Rhone
Moderate Continental Warmer Mediterranean
Mistral warms the vines Mistral cools vines
Vines trained on stakes Vines bush-trained
Narrow/steep hillsides Flat/Gently rolling plains
syrah=only red grape syrah, grenache, mouvedre,
cinsault
marsanne, rousanne, white grapes=minority
viognier=white grapes
very stony soils, w/large galet stones.
Where is Chateau Grillet located?
Within Condrieu
What are the 3 wines from E. Guigal known as the “La La’s”?
La Ladonne
La Turque
La Mouline
What is the character of Roussanne?
Adds acidity and perfume, often blended with Marsanne, with age develops hazelnut aromas
In which 2 ways does the Rhone river moderate the climate of the Northern Rhone’s vineyards?
- Warms the adjacent slopes.
- Reflects sunlight up to vines.
List Northern Rhone Appellations from North to South
Cote Rotie
Condrieu
Saint Joseph
Crozes Hermitage
Hermitage
Cornas
St.-Péray
Clairette de Die
Chatillon-en-Diois
Alain Graillot produces wine in which commune?
Crozes-Hermitage.
What are the 2 main vineyard areas in St. Joseph and how can wines from them differ?
What is the general quality level of these wines?
From terraces - Full bodied
From valley floor - Lighter bodied
Basic quality level.
Chapoutier L’Ermite is associated with which wine/vineyard area?
Rhone North/Hermitage
Which black grapes are permitted in Northern Rhone?
Only Syrah is permitted
What is the typical style of Viognier?
What factors can change its profile?
Full bodied, low acid, high alcohol.
Honeyed lushness, intriguing floral aromas, and rich texture.
Use of oak and MLF can change flavor profile.
How is oak typically used in Northern Rhone wines?
What are some winemakers now experimenting with?
Typically fermented in large, oak foudres.
Some now experimenting with new barriques.
In which region does the E. Guigal estate primarily produce wine?
Northern Rhone
Identify the regions from North to South
Cote-Rotie
Condrieu (inc. Chateau Grillet.)
Condrieu/St. Joseph.
St. Joseph
Crozes-Hermitage
Hermitage
Cornas
St-Peray
Clairette de Die
Chatillon-en-Diois.
How does the terrain of Crozes-Hermitage differ? How does this influence the style of the red wines?
How do the wines of Crozes-Hermitage generally compare to those of Hermitage?
North of Hermitage - Slopes = complex and tannic, best are oaked
South - Flat plains = lighter style
Generally lighter and less-age-worthy.
What is “arzelle” soil and where is it found?
A thin topsoil that is rich with powdery, decomposed mica.
Found in the commune of Condrieu.
What is the climate and terrain like in Cornas?
What grapes are allowed and what is the general style of the resulting wine?
What type of soil is predominant here?
Most southerly appellation, sun baked south facing slopes.
100% Syrah only permitted - Deep colour, full body, similar to Hermitage.
Granite soil (“gore”)
Who is considered the standard bearer for traditional wines in Cornas?
What 2 choices are being made to make these wines different?
Auguste Clape.
- Whole cluster fermentation instead of de-stemming.
- Demi-muids instead of new oak barrels.
What is the character of Marsanne?
Adds richness and weight, often blended with Rousanne, with age develops hazelnut aromas
What is the climate like in Northern Rhone?
What are the main climatic differences between the Northern and Southern Rhone?
Moderate continental, similar to Beaujolais.
Northern: Continental, Higher rainfall, fewer hours of sunshine.
Southern: Mediterranean, drier, sunnier.
Which 2 slopes are considered to be the “heart” of Cote-Rotie?
How do their wines differ from each other?
Cote Brune and Cote Blonde.
Cote Brune: Stronger, more assertive.
Cote Blonde: Softer, more alluring.
Which is the highest output region of the Northern Rhone?
Crozes-Hermitage
Which white grapes are used in Northern Rhone?
Viognier
Marsanne
Rousanne
Who produces the wine below?
M.Chapoutier
Between which towns is the Northern Rhone located
Vienne to the North
Valence in the South
List 4 Northern Rhone producers:
Michel Chapoutier
E. Guigal
Paul Jaboulet
Jean Louis Chave
What are the French names for the Northern and Southern Rhone?
Northern Rhone: “Rhone Septentrionale”
Southern Rhone: “Rhone Meridionale”
Who is the largest producer in Cote-Rotie?
E. Guigal
For which 3 reasons might a winemaker in the Northern Rhone choose to co-ferment his red wine with white grapes?
Stabilise colour extraction
Moderate tannin extraction
Increase aromatic complexity.
What are the names of the winds that blow down the Rhone valley?
The Mistral and the Tramontane.
Which Northern Rhone appellation (and sub-appellation) only makes white wine?
Condrieu
Chateau Grillet
Which Appellations in Northern Rhone make white wine?
Condrieu - only white - 100% Viognier
Saint Joseph - Marsanne and Rousanne
Hermitage - Marsanne and Rousanne
Crozes-Hermitage - Marsanne and Rousanne
The Mistral can easily damage Syrah in the Northern Rhone, so what do vine growers do?
Give support by trellising
Chateau d’Ampuis is associated with which wine/vineyard area?
Northern Rhone/Cote Rotie
How are vines supported on the steep slopes?
Either by individual stakes or a teepee like structure.
What is the premier wine of Jaboulet?
Where is it produced?
“La Chapelle”
Hermitage.
Which Northern Rhone appellation produces wine that must be made with 100% syrah?
Cornas
Climate of Northern Rhone
- Continental climate w clearly marked seasons
- hard winters & hot summers (23°C avg July temp)
- Cool, dry northerly winds (Mistral)
- Reduces fungal disease pressure
- Lowers vine vigour
- And reduces vine yield and increase concentration in the fruit
- & rain-bearing southerly winds.
- 40 miles from north to south so southern areas get better ripening
2,350h of sunshine / 900mm rainfall
The topography and soils of Northern Rhone
- Steep slopes (up to 460mRL) contribute to reinforce the climate’s influence + maximise sunlight
- The steep slopes help the sunlight interception
- Most appellations on the western bank of the river (better exposure)
- Granite in best sites, very long north to south appellation, over 60 kilometres long
- Steep slopes > soil erosion = constant threat.
- The slopes also assist with water drainage
Viticulture of the Northern Rhone?
- Differs across the long appellation of Northern Rhone
- Most are on slopes with terraced vineyards
- The manual labour on the slopes increases costs
- Normally no mechanisation possible so vines individually staked
- Low yields
- Eroded soil often carted upslope via pulley system
- 8000 vines/Ha.
Generic winemaking practices in nothern Rhone
- Traditionally, long maceration & up to 3 years barrel aging for red wines - only top whites see oak
- carbonic for cheaper wines
- Tannin management via:
- Picking at the right time & sorting
- Cold soaking before fermentation for colour extraction mainly (not tannins)
- Tannin extraction by lower temperature fermentation
- Pumping over is watched to limit tannins too
Climate of Cote Rotie
-
Climate
- Most northerly vineyards in Rhône.
- Vineyards face south east/east so plenty of sun exposure
- Protected from northerly Mistral winds
- 500m hi & can be exposed to the sun all day + soil retains heat
Viticulture of Northern Rhone
-
Viticulture
- Narrow terraces on south-east facing steep slopes
- up to 60% gradient -> 2nd steepest vineyard slopes after Mosel
- Totally manual vineyard maintenance
- Max yield is 40hL/Ha.
- Erosion is a constant problem – have to cart soil back up the hill
- single or double guyot (cane) tied to one or more poles
- Vineyard densities of 10,000/Ha. With maximum yield of 40hL/ha.
- Famous vineyard sites
- Côte Blonde:
- sandy limestone over granite
- racier wines, approachable early, 15yr lifespan
- Côte Brune:
- iron-bearing schist over granite >
- more intense & tannic, not ready before 10yrs, 30yr lifespan
- Côte Blonde:
- Revived by E. Guigal (La Mouline, La Landonne, La Turque)
Winemaking practices of Cote Rotie
-
Winemaking is typically:
- Maximise aromatic potential, with destem, cold soak, and ferment at warm temp
- Syrah co fermented with none or some Viognier, maybe 8% (up to 20% permitted), with Viognier adding floral and fruity aromas
- Natural yeasts are frequently used
- Malolactic fermentation in barrel
- Barrels either barriques (Guigal) or demi-muids of 500-600 litres for 18-36 months
Describe the red wines of Cote Rotie
- The wines are:
- Generally deep coloured, intense dark fruits, violet & spice, velvety texture.
- Not as full bodied, softer with pronounced aromas, compared to other N. Rhone AOCs
Condrieu - describe this AOC and its wines
Condrieu AC – 197ha 7400 hl 39hl/ha on average (●)
- Steep south facing slopes w terraced vineyards
- on low fertility soils of granite and decomposed mica (“arzelle”).
- Constant ventilation prevents rot.
- Wine must be 100% Viognier, maximum of 41hL/ha
- Wines
- Low acidity, high alcohol and flavours of peach, honeysuckle, apricot, rose water & candied citrus.
- Best drunk within 5yrs.
- Normally quite viscous texture
- Full bodied
- Pronounced aromatics
- Typically
- fermented in stainless steel or large wooden vessels
- normally MLF is allowed
- aged in barrel 10-12 months on lees with stirring
- Guigal: ~40% of production
Chateau Grillet?
- Chateau Grillet AC – 3.5ha 62hl 21hl/ha on average(●)
o 1 vineyard, 1 owner
o Amphitheatre single estate with south-facing steep terraces made of granitic soils.
o Protected from northerly winds
o Grapes are picked earlier, fermented at hotter temperature with MLF and aged in wood for min. 6mths.
o More austere wines with longer ageing potential // Condrieu and command very high prices.
St Joseph - describe the AOC and its wines
St Joseph – 1,200ha 49 000 hl 40 hl/ha on avg (●●)
- Grown on less steep banks on the western side of the Rhône
- 50 km long appellation
- Some sites not on the hillside and produce lower quality wines
- Key producers are Jean-Louis Chave and Domaine Gonon
- Lighter & fruitier style with blackcurrant & raspberry notes with some producing intense tannic style too
- 90% red production; small percentage of whites from Marsanne mainly & a hint of Roussanne.
- A small portion of the red wines can have white blended in but rarely happens – up to 10% of Marsanne/Roussanne
growing conditions of Crozes-Hermitage
-
Growing conditions
- Mostly flat with less shelter from the Mistral wind.
- Can be extremely cold in winter
- Generally deeper soils, more fertile than Hermitage
- Maximum yield is 45 hL/Ha
- Flatter areas allow mechanisation – lowering costs
Wine production of Crozes Hermitage
-
Wine production
- Wines have less concentration than Hermitage
- 15% of whites grapes allowed in the blend but normally 100% Syrah
- 91% red wine and 9% full bodied floral whites.
- The cooperative ‘Cave de Tain’ produces high levels of Crozes-Hermitage
- Sells about 40% of all Crozes-Hermitage AOC wines
- Rest from négociants e.g. Jaboulet Ainé and estates like ‘Domaine de Thalabert’
winemaking of Crozes Hermitage
-
Winemaking is:
- Commonly traditional fermentation on skins
- Destemming is widely practised
- Fermented in concrete, or stainless steel
- Matured in SS tanks or large Oak vessels
- White wines – aged in old wood, sometimes some proportion of new oak
Desribe the red wines of Crozes Hermitage
- Red wines
- is to be drunk early with medium tannins – can have some semi carbonic/carbonic maceration but rare these days
- if to be aged then traditional destemmed/crushed fruit with traditional time on skins to extract more tannin is more likely
- typically are softer and fruitier than Hermitage due to more fertile soils, slightly higher yields and the clay limestone soils that predominate the AOC
- mid-priced – good to very good wines
- some premium priced high quality wines
discuss the white wines of Croze Hermitage
- White wines
- Mainly Marsanne with little of Roussanne
- Top examples aged in old wood, sometimes a portion in new oak
- Some good to very good, mid to premium priced – some outstanding quality examples
Growing environment for Hermitage
-
Growing environment
- Plantings on south facing steep ‘hill of Hermitage’ above town of Tain L’Hermitage
- Eastern side of the Rhone – but where it turns easterly
- Various climats with different altitudes, exposures & soil types.
- Best sites are steep southerly slopes with sunshine all day & granitic soils.
- Non-granitic soils used for whites
- Most famous ‘climats’ for Syrah on Western end of hill – warmest part.
- Erosion is a constant issue, increasing the cost of production
- Terracing is needed in places
- 1/3rd of vineyards dedicated to white wine production
Red winemaking of Hermitage
-
Red winemaking:
- Traditional methods used
- Often stems included in ripe vintages
- Warm fermentation temperature – to extract flavours and tannins
- Lengthy oak maturation, 12-18 months
- New oak is common but so are medium to large vessels
- Wines
- Deep intense powerful wines
- approachable at 10+ years
- and can age up to 30+ years.
- The red wines are models of most structured and long lived Syrah wines
15% of whites grapes allowed in the blend but normally 100% Syrah
White winemaking of Hermitage
-
White winemaking
- top white made from Marsanne & Roussanne – predominantly Marsanne.
- Fermentation in old wood vats, new or old barrels or stainless steel
- Maturation in oak, with some new or Stainless steel
- On lees for 10-12 months is typical
- If aged in bottle, then develop rich, creamy, nutty flavours with great complexity
The business of Hermitage - who are the main players
-
Business
- Negociants of Chapoutier and Jaboulet Ainé dominate the holdings
- Cooperative - Cave de Tain – owns 15% of the appellation
- Jean-Louis Chave is an important producer
- The quality of the wines are very good to outstanding – and prices to match
The growing environment of Cornas
-
Growing environment
- Northwest of Valence vineyards in south/east-facing amphitheatre (suntrap & protection from winds).
- Granite soils on very steep terraces supported by small retaining walls.
- Most southerly of red wine production AOCs – first to ripen normally
the wine production of Cornas?
who are the key producers?
-
Wine production
- Overtaken by neighbours Hermitage & Crozes Hermitage in popularity (no superstar producer).
- Must be 100% Syrah.
- Similar to Hermitage (full bodied & intense) but a bit more rustic & faster maturing (min 6-8 yrs and max 20).
- Had a reputation for tannic intensity which producers tried to allay with time in small barrels to soften the tannins
- Now a move back to producing longer lived robust wines
- Jean-Luc Colombo introduced the use of new oak barrels & destemming in 80s
- Quality is very good to outstanding with pricing premium to super premium
- Key producers are:
- Domaine Alain Voge
- Domaine Vincent Paris
- Domaine Auguste Clape
- A traditionalist – uses big old oak (demi muids 500-600 litres)
- And whole bunch fruit
- No wonder Cornas was known for its tannin!
The IGP that covers the Northern Rhone?
Collines Rhodaniennes IGP (‘hills of the Rhone’)
- Used for red, white and rose
- For wines made from grapes outside of the AOCs of Northern Rhone
- Yields of 80 hL/Ha.
- Allows wines from other varieties to be made
List the key appellations of Southern Rhone
Cotes du Rhone / Cotes du Rhone Villages
Chateauneuf du Pape
Gigondas / Vacqueras
Tavel / Lirac
What is the climate of Southern Rhone?
What are summers/winters like?
What are 2 risks of the climate?
What is the terrain like?
Mediterranean
Hot, dry summers tempered by wide diurnal swings.
Mild winters with heavy autumnal rains.
Risks - drought and vine damage from Mistral winds.
Terrain: Rugged garrigue scrubland that turns into a valley.
How is Grenache usually trained and why?
Bush trained (Gobelet)
Gives protection from Mistral and increases warmth from stony soils
What are the best soils in Southern Rhone?
Sand, gravel and clay, along with large stones called Galets
What are the 5 key black grapes of the Southern Rhone?
Mostly Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre plus some Cinsault and Carignan
What are the main differences in style between Northern and Southern Rhone wines?
Southern Rhone wines are typically richer, riper and higher in alcohol.
What does Syrah bring to Southern Rhone blends?
Extra colour and tannin but struggles in hotter sites
What does Mourvèdre bring to Southern Rhone blends?
Very high tannin, dense black fruit and meaty aromas Thrives in the heat
What does Cinsault bring to Southern Rhone blends and what is it often used for?
Low tannin, red fruit flavours Often blended with Grenache to make fruity Rosé
What 4 key factors are responsible for the broad differences in style of CNdP wines?
- Soil Types: Vastly varied over the appellation’s 3000 acres.
- Use of oak: Some age for a long time in old oak foudres, others in new barrique.
- Assemblage: Producers vary greatly in style when selecting from the 13 varieties allowed.
- Use of Carbonic Maceraton / New vinification techniques.
How can Southern Rhone reds style vary?
From light / medium body, low tannin fresh fruity wines to high tannin, full body, spicy, meaty, earthy
What white grapes are used in Southern Rhone?
White is minority production but Bourboulenc, Clairette and Grenache Blanc plus Northern Rhone trio; Viognier, Marsanne and Rousanne
Whilst a minority interest what is the style of the best Southern Rhone white wines?
Rich texture, full body,
high alcohol, low acidity
subtle fruit, usually no oak
How does Cotes du Rhone Villages differ from simple Cotes du Rhone?
Higher minimum alc
Lower Max yield limits
Higher % GSM
Generally more body, structure and spiced fruit
Other than the wine what is Chateauneuf-du-Pape’s claim to fame?
The first region in France to be granted Appellation Controlee
Which is the largest Cru in the Rhone?
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
What is the terrain of Chateauneuf-du-Pape?
Very flat with a wide range of soils and aspects.
Many areas have Galets (big stones) on the surface.
What does Tavel produce and what is it made from? What is its style?
Rosé only from mostly Grenache with some Cinsault Dry, Full body with intense flavour
What is produced in Lirac?
Rosé from Grenache and Cinsault, similar to Tavel
Full bodied red and white in a similar style to Cotes du Rhone Villages wines.
What is produced in Gigondas and Vacqueras?
What style are these wines similar to?
What is significant about these appellations?
Grenache led, full body, spicy reds
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
They were the first 2 Cotes-du-Rhone Villages to be promoted to AOC status.
What are the 2 appellations for sweet, fortified wines in the Southern Rhone?
What are they classified as?
Muscat de-Beaumes-de-Venise and Rasteau.
“Vin Doux Naturel”
How many grapes can be used to make Chateauneuf-du-Pape?
13 (or 18, depending on how you count them.)
Why is Grenache well-suited for the Southern Rhone?
Able to tolerate droughts and strong winds.
Needs lots of heat to ripen fully, N. Rhone is too cool.
Which Pope was responsible for moving the Papal court from Rome to Avignon?
Which Pope was responsible for planting the vineyards around Chateauneuf-du-Pape?
Pope Clement V
Pope John XXII
Before it was referred to as Chateauneuf-du-Pape, what was wine from this area called?
Vin d’Avignon
The Southern Rhone Valley accounts for __% of all wine production in the Rhone Valley.
95%
What is the name of the “pudding stones” found in Chateauneuf-du-Pape?
What are they made from?
Why are they useful for viticulture?
“Galets”
Quartzite.
They store heat and release it to the vines at night.
What are the 13 permitted varietals for Chateauneuf-du-Pape?
- Grenache (noir/gris/blanc).
- Syrah.
- Mouvedre.
- Terret Noir.
- Cinsault.
- Counoise.
- Picpoul (noir/gris/blanc).
- Bourboulenc.
- Clairette/Clairette Rosé.
- Roussanne.
- Vacarese.
- Picardin.
- Muscardin.
How many villages may append their name to Cotes-du-Rhone Villages wines?
20
What is “Le Râpé” in Chateauneuf-du-Pape law?
What is its purpose?
An AOC mandate that producers must discard/declassify at least 2% of harvested grapes.
Its purpose is to safeguard against underripness.
Grenache was imported to France from what country?
Spain
Where does the Chateau de Beaucastel estate primarily produce wine?
What is noteworthy about their wine?
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
The red is based on Mouvedre and includes every permitted varietal in CNdP.
Where does the Chateau Rayas estate primarily produce wine?
What is noteworthy about their wine?
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Their CNdP red is 100% Grenache.
What is the minimum abv allowed for
Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOP?
12.5%
In which region is the Cote du Vivarais AOP located?
Southern Rhone
Most Cotes du Rhone AOP red wines must have 30% Grenache. When is an exception allowed?
The rule does not apply to vineyards north of Montélimar.
Put these Southern Rhone appellations in order from North to South:
Gigondas
Luberon
Tavel
Vacqueyras
Grignan-les-Adhémar
Lirac
- Grignan-les-Adhémar.
- Gigondas.
- Vacqueyras.
- Lirac
- Tavel
- Luberon
Chateau Rayas owns 2 other properties.
What are they and where are they located?
Chateau des Tours: Vacqueyras
Chateau de Fonsalette: Cotes-du-Rhone
What is the minimum % of Grenache required for Vacqueyras AOP wine?
50%
Is Chateauneuf-du-Pape East or West of the Rhone?
East
Describe the
Body
Acidity
Alcohol
of Chateauneuf-du-Pape red wine.
Full body.
Medium Acidity.
High alcohol.
What types of wines are produced in St.-Peray?
From which grapes?
Still white and traditional method sparkling (mousseux) from Marsanne and Roussanne.
What is “Vin de Paille”?
Where is it commonly found?
“Straw wine”, sweet wine made from grapes that have been dried on straw mats.
Made in Hermitage
What grape is used for Chateau de Beaucastel Vieilles Vigne Blanc?
Roussanne
What AOP unknowingly served as the entry for phylloxera into France in the 1860s?
Lirac
Vieux Telegraphe is associated with which wine/vineyard area?
Rhone South/Chateauneuf de Pape
Where is the producer Chateau la Nerthe located?
What is the name of their prestige cuvée?
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Cuvée des Cadettes
What is the prestige cuvée of Chateau de Beaucastel?
Hommage a Jacques Perrin
Domaine du Pegau is a producer located in:
Their winemaking style is considered:
Their top cuvée made from old-vine selections is:
Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone Valley
Very traditional style, wines made for long-term aging, no de-stemming or filtration, aging in old foudres for 18 months.
“Cuvée da Capo”
What kind of wine is produced in Beaumes-de-Venise and from which grape?
Red wine from at least 50% Grenache.
Clairette de Bellegarde is a single commune appellation within which larger appellation?
Costiere de Nimes
Which appellation accounts for 48% of production in the Rhone.
Cotes-du-Rhone
Climate of southern Rhone?
- Hot Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers & most of the rain in the winter (23°C avg July temp)
- 2,750hours of sunshine
- 700mm rainfall;
- Northerly Mistral wind generally chases away diseases
Soils and topograhy of southern Rhone
Flat with rolling hills – but with higher hills to the east, in Gigondas, Seguret, Vacqueyras
Some vineyards covered in stones which retain heat.
Mainly clay, limestone & alluvial soils.
Grenache varietal
key red varietal in southern Rhone
early budding and late ripening
needs a warm to hot climate to ripen fully
tendency to high alcohol and hi sugar
typically low tannins, pale to medium ruby colour, sweet red fruits
Mourvedre
needs a long ripening season - hot climate to fully ripen
gives structure, intense fruit and ageability to the wine
ripe and earthy when young, meaty and smoky with age
Viticulture in the southern Rhone
- Wind breaks key to protect vines from Mistral (no natural barrier)
- Low pruning increases ripening from reflected heat
- Bush spur-pruned for Grenache and others except Syrah
- Syrah is tied to wires on trellises instead
- 4000 vines/ha (lack of water – means lower density possible)
- Irrigation allowable in severe drought conditions
- Mechanisation is possible due to flatter topography
Vinsobres
Vinsobres 580 ha (●)
- New AOC – 2006 (previously a named village within Cote du Rhone Villages AOC)
- South/South East facing slopes 200-500 metres
- Some protection from Mistral
- Only red wines
- Dominant Grenache Noir but more Syrah being planted
- Must be 50% Grenache Noir with at least one Syrah or Mourvèdre
Two winemaking approaches used in the Southern Rhone?
- Carbonic maceration used for early drinking styles
- Traditional fermentation (after crushing/destemming) with long oak aging
Hierarchy of Rhone AOCs?
The hierarchy is:
- Cotes du Rhone AOC
- Cotes du Rhone Villages AOC
- Cotes du Rhone Villages AOC + named village – i.e. Seguret
- Individual AOCs for top villages – known as cru – Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas AOC
Cote du Rhone - the largest AOC in the Rhone - all the details including what do the red wines look like?
Côte du Rhône – 33,510ha – 48% of overall Rhône production (●●●)
min 60% is GSM, min 30% Grenache, and min 20% is Syrah & Mourvedre
max yield is 51 hL/Ha.
- Can be produced in Northern & Southern Rhône but vast majority produced in Southern Rhône
- Covers all vineyard land suitable for grapegrowing in the Rhone – excluding the ‘other Rhone appellations’
- SECOND LARGEST AOC after Bordeaux AOC – over 33,000 Ha.
- Requirements: see below
- Most wines from flat, wind-swept vineyards with light & fruity style (some carbonic maceration)
- Only 4% white wine & 7% rosé.
- ¾ of production made by cooperatives.
- Red Cote du Rhone
- Medium intensity ruby colour
- Medium intensity red plum, blackberry fruit
- No oak flavours
- Medium acidity
- Medium tannin (to low if carbonic maceration)
- Medium alcohol
- Good quality and inexpensive in price
Cote du Rhone villages AOC?
Côte du Rhône villages – 11% of total production (●●)
- Step up in quality with villages able to be promoted to full AOCs afterwards (e.g. Vinsobres)
- Similar rules to Cote du Rhone from above but:
- Max 45hl/ha yield
- Min 66% of the three principal varieties (Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah)
- Must have Grenache in it
- Min 12.5% abv
Vinsobres promoted to AOC in 2006 as well as Beaumes de Venise, Cairanne, Rasteau.
Cote du Rhone Villages + named village - how is it different to Cote du Rhone Villages?
lower max. yield of 42 hL/Ha.
the southern Rhone crus? how much are they of production and what is max yield allowed
12% of total production
30 hL/Ha. - pretty low
Gigondas?
Gigondas – 1,200ha (●●)
- Dry, hot climate w 2,800h of sunshine; mostly on limestone & clay slopes up to 600m high.
- The lower temperature from elevation has been invaluable in hot growing seasons
- Up against the Dentelles de Montmirail
- Requirements:
- Must be over 50% Grenache
- Syrah & Mourvèdre are popular blending partners
- Similar style as Châteauneuf du Pape but less structure. Mature around 10yrs.
- 99% red; 1% rosé
- Good to very good quality – mid-priced
Vacqueyras
Vacqueyras – 1,400ha (●●●)
- Next to Gigondas, but not as high, up to 440 metres
- On the slopes up against Dentelles de Montmirail
- Similar soils to Gigondas
- Promoted to cru in 1990
- Requirements:
- minimum 50% Grenache
- at least one of Syrah or Mourvedre
- max. yield of 36 hL/Ha.
- Wines are concentrated and a bit more rustic than Gigondas. Mature around 3-6 yrs.
- 95% red 4% white 1% rosé
- Good to very good quality – mid priced
Rasteau AOC?
Rasteau 950 ha (●)
- Made a red wine AOC in 2010 (known for VDN wines)
- Low south facing slopes (100mRL), sheltered from mistral
- Warm growing enclave
- Irrigation allowed within limits
- Grenache at least 50% plus at least one of Syrah or Mourvèdre
- Wine style is ripe full bodied wines
Cairanne AOC?
Cairanne AOC
· Newly created in 2015
· Not as steep as Gigondas or as warm as Rasteau
· Wines
o Mainly red wines
o Fruity and approachable style
o Principal variety Grenache Noir (40% min) plus at least one of Syrah or Mourvedre
Beaumes de Venise AOC
Beaumes de Venise 635 ha (●●)
- AOC allowed unfortified still red wine in 2005
- Slightly shaded by the Dentelles de Montmirail
- Wines
- Grenache Noir principal variety with Syrah – together must be 50% of blend
- Yield max. 38 hL/Ha
AOC rules for Chateauneuf du Pape?
- AOC rules
- 13 varieties allowed - mainly Grenache, Cinsaut, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Muscardin, Counoise, Clairette, Bourboulenc (plus 5 colour variants of these)
- Note – Viognier and Marsanne not allowed
- NO RESTRICTION ON VARIETAL PERCENTAGES
- Single varietal wines such as Rayas Chateauneuf (100% Grenache) are allowed
- Min alc. 12.5% (no chaptalisation allowed)
- Allows reds and whites to be made
- Grapes must be picked by hand
- No Rose is allowed!
the vineyards of Chateauneuf soil types?
-
Vineyards
- Many soils but galets roules (large pebbles) famous for retaining the day’s heat and redistributing it at night
- Soils are low fertility and generally free draining which gives small crops of ripe grapes
- The area is generally flat
- In truth there is a large variety of soil types
- ‘La Crau’ – famous plateau with galets roules (rounded stones) on top with moist clay underneath – the galets roules reflecting the sun and helping to ripen the fruit
What are the typical varietals and wines made from the Chateauneuf du Pape?
- Most wines are:
- Red – Grenache Noir with Syrah and Mourvèdre
- White – Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc and Roussanne
- It is a large appellation so many variations
- Typically the red wines have:
- Medium acidity, high alcohol, tannins – med(-) to high
- Notes of ripe red plums, blackberry and spice
- Some new oak is used
- Quality – good to outstanding and Price – mid priced to super premium
- Typically the white wines have:
- Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne mainly
- Variation in winemaking techniques:
- some oak fermentation with ageing in either tanks or oak barrels – some new oak
- OR preserve freshness and primary fruit character
- Current trend is to make wines fresher and more aromatic and floral
In CNDP what difference does the soil make to the wines?
Lighter, more elegant wines from sandy soils versus more structured wines from stony soils
blending across CNDP is done because?
- Cross blending across ‘lieux-dits’ is needed to create complexity and commercial blend sizes
What is the helicopter view of CNDP winemaking styles by three
-
Négociant style:
- carbonic maceration
- more fruity with soft tannins
- -> wines ready to drink earlier
-
Modern:
- shorter maceration & time in wood
- -> approachable early but can age
- e.g. Chateau de Beaucastel, Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe
-
Traditional:
- late harvesting, high proportions of Grenache, higher alcohol, more extraction, time needed to be approachable
- 4yrs élevage (2 cement / 2 old oak)
- e.g. Bosquet des Papes
The wine % of CNDP ? and are cooperatives important?
- Wine Business
- 93% reds;
- 7% of whites made from Clairette, Grenache blanc, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Picpoul, Picardan.
- Cooperatives are still important here but independent domaines have raised the bar of quality and the reputation of the region
Lirac AOC?
Lirac – 771ha (●●●)
- 85% red 10% white 3% rosé
- West bank of the Rhône at similar level to Châteauneuf du Pape
- Grapegrowing
- Soils are infertile and well drained
- High sunlight hours
- Winemaking
- Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre – and Cinsaut
- Together the principal varieties must make up 90% of the final blend
- Robust & meaty reds; heady rosés.
- The red wines are noticeably softer and earlier maturing than Chateauneuf du Pape
- But some high quality focussed producers are making very good examples
- Wine business
- Domaine de la Mordoree is a noted producer
- Most producers have links to Chateauneuf du Pape which is just across the river
- Quality has increased in recent years
Tavel AOC
Tavel – 780 ha (●)
- Western side of the Rhone river
- At the same latitude as Chateauneuf du Pape
- Flat to gently sloping vineyards
- Wines
- Makes solely Rose wines
- full bodied, intensely fruity rosés mainly from Grenache & Cinsaut.
- Final blend must include Grenache Noir
- Noticeably deeper in colour – pink/salmon rather than the orange Provence Rose
- Quality is good to very good and price - mid-priced to premium
- AOC Laws
- 12 principal varieties – but final blend must include Grenache Noir
- Max. yield is 46 hL/Ha.
- None of the principal varieties can be more than 60% - i.e. must be a blend
Ventoux AOC
A. Ventoux – 5,700ha (●●)
- 2/3rd Red and 1/3rd Rose – very small amount of white wine made
- Growing environment
- Vineyards situated on west & south slopes of Mont Ventoux up to 450m high
- cooler w hi diurnal range
- Wines
- Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Cinsaut – 2 must be included and be 50% of the final wine
- The wines, mainly reds, are fresh and fruity with a marked acidity.
- The relatively high yield allowed makes lighter styles of wine
- 60 hL/Ha maximum yield
- Good to very good quality, with pricing inexpensive to mid priced
Luberon AOC
B. Luberon – 3,300ha (●●)
- 35% red 19% white 46% rosé
- High amount of Rose made here
- Gentle slopes or flat land
- South east of the Rhone valley – bordering Provence
- Vineyards
- on the slopes of Lubéron hills w slightly cooler climate
- Wines
- for light, fruity reds and round & fruity whites
- Max. yield of 55 hL/Ha.
- Good to very good quality – with pricing inexpensive to mid priced
Costieres de Nimes?
C. Costières de Nîmes – 4000Ha. (●●●)
- 2/3rd red 1/3rd rosé and a small amount of white wine
- The south western margin of the Rhone region (borders Languedoc)
-
One of the hottest climate in France
- South west slopes so good sunlight interception
- Some cooling breezes from Mediterranean
- Soils covered with stones (similar to Châteauneuf du Pape)
- Wines
- 50% most be either Grenache Noir, Syrah or Mourvedre, singly or together
- Good to very good quality – inexpensive to mid-priced
- Max 60 hL/Ha. Yield
Grignan les Adhemar?
-
Grignan-les-Adhemar
- Northern appellation of the Southern Rhone
- Name change in 2010
- Wines
- Mainly red blends – minimum of 50% Syrah and Grenache Noir
- Lighter style than the more southerly Rhone appellations
- Higher acidity compared to southern Rhone appellations
Who are the large Negociants who operate across north and south Rhone?
- many large Negociants operate across north and south Rhone
- E. Guigal
- Jaboulet
- Chapoutier
- The above are all examples of this
Are cooperatives important in the Rhone?
- Cooperatives are more important in the south than the north
- Cellier des Princes – large cooperative in Chateauneuf du Pape
- Cave de Tain (in Tain l’Hermitage) an important Northern Rhone cooperative makes 40% of all Crozes-Hermitage AOC wines
Sales domestically and export?
- Sales
- 35% export
- Domestic
- 33% supermarkets
- 25% specialist wine retail
- 7% discounters
