RHONE

Question 1

What is the annual production of Rhone wine and where does it rank among French producers?

Answer 1

37 million cases, 2nd largest producer after Bordeaux. 5%/95% split between Northern/Southern Rhone output

Question 2

What are unique geographical features of Northern Rhone?

Answer 2

Passes between a divide in the Central Massif and French Alps; has some of the steepest vineyards in France; continental climate (vs. Southern Rhone’s more Mediterranean climate); subject to mistral winds (as is Southern Rhone)

Question 3

What are the primary red/white grapes of Northern Rhone?

Answer 3

Syrah / Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne

Question 4

What are the five red grape varieties of Southern Rhone?

Answer 4

Grenache Noir, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault, Mourvedre

Question 5

What are the five white grape varieties of Southern Rhone?

Answer 5

Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, Clairette, Grenache Blanc and some other minor varieties (Ugni Blanc, etc.)

Question 6

What are the eight AOCs of the Northern Rhone?

Answer 6

N to S: Cote-Rotie (Uniquely, in Cote-Rotie you are allowed to include up to 20% viognier ; Marsanne/Roussanne is used in the other red AOCs), Condrieu (exclusively makes white wine from Viognier) , Chatueau-Grillet (100% Viognier), St.-Joseph, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Cornas (must be 100% syrah), St.-Peray (still/sparkling white from Marsanne and Roussanne).

Question 7

What is the IGP Collines Rhodaniennes?

Answer 7

These are the wines that either are made from vines just outside the boundaries of the appellations or don’t quite follow the rules. There is LOTS of good value to be found in this category

Question 8

How many villages in CDR and how many are allowed to append their name to the AOC?

Answer 8

> 90/22

Question 9

What are the 11 AOCs in Southern Rhone?

Answer 9

Beaumes-de-Venise/Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise, Cairanne, CNDP, Gigondas, Grignan-les-Adhemar, Lirac, Rasteau, Tavel, Vacqueyras, Vinsobres

Question 10

What are the 4 AOCs SE of Cornas on the Drome river?

Answer 10

Clairette de Die (sparkling), Cremant de Die (sparkling), Coteaux de Die (100% white/Clairette), Chatillon-en-Diois (White =Chardonnay/Aligote; Red=Pinot Noir/Gamay. Rose is also produced.

Question 11

What are the six outlying AOCs in the Rhone?

Answer 11

Clairette de Bellegarde (100% white), Costieres de Nimes, Cotes du Vivarais, Duche d’Uzes, Luberon, Ventoux

Question 12

What are the 13 grape varieties allowed in CNDP?

Answer 12

Bourboulenc, Brun Argente (aka Vaccarese), Cinsault, Counoise, Clairette/Rose, Grenache Noir/Gris/Blanc, Mourvedre, Muscardin, Picardin, Picquepol Noir/Gris/Blanc, Roussanne, Syrah, Terret Noir

Question 13

Which AOC is the “gateway” to the South?

Answer 13

Costieres de Nimes