Rhone Flashcards
What is the climate of the Northern Rhone?
Continental with Mediterranean influence
What is the climate of the Southern Rhone?
Mediterranean
Which AOCs in the Rhone can make sparkling wine?
Saint-Peray (Northern Rhone)
Clairette de Die
Cremant de Die
What is the Mistral?
A strong, cold wind that blows from the north through the Rhone Valley
What are galets?
Rounded river stones
Most famously found in Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Which Rhone appellation is a monopole?
Chateau-Grillet
Which two Southern Rhone crus are on the right bank of the Rhone river?
Tavel
Lirac
Is the entire Rhone Valley inside the Cotes du Rhone zone of production?
No
How do vines benefit from being located in the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail?
The Dentelles act as a wind block and sun trap
They blanket the vines with cool air at night
What is VDN? Where are these wines produced?
Vins Doux Naturels
These are sweet fortified wines
Rasteau
Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise
What is the southernmost appellation in the Rhone Valley?
Costieres de Nimes
Which Rhone AOC’s name means “burned earth” in Celtic?
Cornas
In which century did the Papacy move to Avignon?
14th century
Which 2 “Other AOCs of Rhone Valley” appellations have UNESCO recognition?
Ventoux
Luberon
Which Northern Rhone appellations allow white grape varieties to be co-fermented with Syrah in their red wines?
Cote Rotie - Viognier
Hermitage - Marsanne & Roussanne
Crozes-Hermitage - Marsanne & Roussanne
Saint-Joseph - Marsanne & Roussanne
Which 3 grape varieties dominate the red wine blends of the Southern Rhone?
Grenache
Syrah
Mourvedre
What is the northernmost cru in the Northern Rhone?
Cote Rotie
What are the main soil types found in the Northern Rhone?
Granite
Schist
Which 2 Southern Rhone cru appellations are authorized to produce dry white, rose, and red wines?
Lirac
Vacqueyras
Which AOC in the Southern Rhone mandates hand harvesting?
Beaumes de Venise AOC
Which grape variety forms the backbone of most Cotes du Rhone white wines?
Grenache Blanc
The Northern Rhone is bookended by which 2 cities?
Vienne
Valence
The Southern Rhone is bookended by which 2 cities?
Montelimar
Nimes
What is the Dentelles de Montmirail?
A mountain range on the eastern flank of the Southern Rhone