Rhone * Flashcards
Which areas surround Rhone?
Going clockwise…to the
North=Lyon and Beaujolais
East=Prealps
South=Provence and Languedoc
West=Massif Central
How long is the Rhone river in Rhone
192km from Vienne to the sea
What are the 3 subdivisions of the Rhone?
1 Northern Rhone: Vienne to Valence 72km
2 Southern Rhone: Montelimar to Nimes
3 Les Cotes du Rhone: Vienne to Avignon (except cru areas)
What two common factors affect the climate in Northern and Southern Rhone
Rhone river
Mistral
Describe the typical vineyard of northern Rhone
Terraced steep slopes (S, SE facing for sun)
Banks of Rhone
Syrah Guyot trained to tee-pee stakes (=echelas)
Individual family holdings
Manual harvesting
Bottlings by negociants
Stones from top of hill replaced after harvest
Describe the typical vineyard of southern Rhone
Vineyards on flatter land
Vines grow south flattened by Mistral
Grenache grown on Gobelet, untrellised, close to ground
Co-ops
Describe the climate of the Northern Rhone
Sunny
Continental with some Med influence
Mistral
Cooler than S Rhone
What are the typical soils of Northern Rhone
Granite subsoil
Mica schist topsoil - poor nutrients
Crozes Hermitage= Galets, clay, loess/molasse
Hermitage=Granite with some clay and sand
Which are the 3 main white grapes of Northern Rhone
Viognier, Marsanne, Roussane
What are the main characteristics of Viognier
Aromatic
Adds perfume
Helps set colour
Blending partner to reds
What are the main characteristics of Marsanne
Full bodied
Aromatic complexity
Softens tannins
Can flab
Blending partner to reds
Not allowed in CNdP
What are the main characteristics of Roussanne
Adds perfume
Lower quality than Marsanne and not as hardy
Russet skin tones
Blending partner to reds
Allowed in CNdP
What are the main characteristics of Syrah
Productive, disease resistant,
Reductive
Pepper spice
Ages well
What aging vessels are used in Northern Rhone
Red=beton (=concrete), inox (=SS0 or foudres (large wooden casks)
White=neutral vessels as for fermentation or some oak
What are the common characteristics of the 8 AOCs of Northern Rhone
1 All lie in Cotes du Rhone production area
2 Each considered a cru
3 None authorised to make rose
Which are the 8 AOCs of Northern Rhone
1 Cote Rotie
2 Condrieu
3 Chateau Grillet
4 Saint-Joseph
5 Cornas
6 Saint-Peray
7 Hermitage
8 Crozes-Hermitage
What are the main points to remember about Cote Rotie
Red wines
20% Viognier may be added
Some steepest slopes in France
Right bank
What are the main points to remember about Condrieu
White wines - dry and sweet (rare)
Viognier
Right bank
What are the main points to remember about Chateau Grillet
Dry white
Viognier
2 yrs aging
Right bank
One of only 2 monpoles (single owner AOC) outside Burgundy
What are the main points to remember about Saint Joseph
Dry red (86%) and dry white (14%)
Quality varies with aspect
Matures more quickly than other N Rhone crus
Right bank
What are the main points to remember about Cornas
Red, 100% Syrah
“Burned Earth”
Right bank
What are the main points to remember about Saint Peray
Dry white, some sparkling
Marsanne and Roussanne
Some Steep slopes of deep valley
Right bank
What are the main points to remember about Hermitage
Red (2/3), dry white, Vin de Paille
Syrah, Marsanne, Roussanne
One of oldest vineyards
Numerous lieux-dits
Long lived
White may be co-fermented with red
Left bank
What are the main points to remember about Crozes-Hermitage
Largest cru
Red and dry white
Varied soils
White co-fermented with red
Lighter, faster maturing than Hermitage
Which northern Rhone winemaking area lies outside the Cotes du Rhone zone of production
The Diois - four AOCs around the town of Die
Specify the climate, topography, soils, wine style and primary grape in the Diois
For Clairette de Die ( =96% production)
Continental climate with alpine influence
Large seasonal and diurnal variation
High vineyards
Limestone and clay
Sparkling white and rose
Clairette and Clairette Rose (ancestral/traditional method)
What is the general climate of the Southern Rhone
Mediterranean
Sunny
Average 700mm rain
Mistral
Mountains of Dentelles de Montmirail and Mount Ventoux
Drought in summer
What is the topography of Southern Rhone
Broad rocky plains
Rugged mountains
Landscape resulted from glaciers and when Alps were formed
What are the 5 main soil types of the Southern Rhone
1 Rounded river stones (Galets)
2 Limestone (Garrigue)
3 Sandstone
4 Clay
5 Loess/Molasse (windblown silts and sands)
How many authorised grape varieties are there in the Southern Rhone -
and how many are responsible for 94% of production
over 30
Top 6
Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Grenache Blanc
How many grape varieites can be included in Cotes du Rhone AOC
23
What are the 6 major white grapes of the Southern Rhone
Alphabetically
1 Bourboulenc - high acidity
2 Clairette - big leaves protect from sun
3 Grenache Blanc - main grape, oxidative
4 Marsanne
5 Rousanne
6 Viognier
What are the 3 main red grapes of the Southern Rhone
1 Grenache - high alcohol, tolerates heat, low alcohol, oxidative
2 Syrah - higher acidity and tannins
3 Mourvedre - adds acid, colour, tannins, alcohol
What is the traditional VTS of the Southern Rhone
Gobelot
What VTS do new vineyards in the Southern Rhone use?
Trellis with Guyot training
How have viticultural practices changed because of climate change
Lack of ground water to irrigate
Sustainable viticulture
New varieties - drought/heat resistant
Canopy management/ shade panels to prevent scorching
Adjust to increased alcohol levels
Pick earlier
Plant higher
How has blending changed in Southern Rhone
Previously pick field blend and co-ferment
Now harvest and vinify each variety separately
What aging vessels are used in Southern Rhone
Red=beton (=concrete), inox (=SS0 or foudres (large wooden casks)
White=neutral vessels as for fermentation or some oak
Which is more subject to vintage variation - Northern or Southern Rhone
Northern Rhone
What is the hierarchy of Cotes du Rhone
1 Cotes du Rhone AOC
2 Cotes du Rhone Villages AOC
3 Cotes du Rhone Villages + Village Name AOC
4 Crus
Out of the 300 wine producing villages in Cotes du Rhone, how many are with the CdR AOC, and how many can put their village name on the label
171, 22
How many Southern Rhone crus are there
9
What is the minimum for GSM in Cotes du Rhone red and rose
60%, Grenache mandatory
What is the minimum for GSM in Cotes du Rhone Villages red
66% must be at least 2 of GSM and one must be Grenache
What is the core white blend of the Southern Rhone
Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette, Marsanne and Rousanne
What is the core red blend of the Southern Rhone
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre
Which are the 3 cru AOCs of the North east Southern Rhone
Vinsobres, Rasteau and Cairanne
Which are the 3 cru AOCs of the Southern Rhone which are in the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmiral
Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Beaumes de Venise
Which are the 3 cru AOCs that lie on the open valley floor of the Southern Rhone
Chateauneuf du Pape, Lirac, Tavel
Which two Southern Rhone AOCs produce fortified sweet wines
Rasteau and Beaumes de Venise
Which are the 3 main cru AOCs of the Southern Rhone which are not in the cotes du Rhone zone of production
Ventoux, Luberon and Costieres de Nimes
What are the main points to remember about Vinsobres
Red only
Terraced
Gravel limestone
30% Organic/sustainable
GSM
What are the main points to remember about Rasteau
Red and fortifieds
Reds GSM
Unique mesoclimate
South facing ampitheatre
Marl, clay, sand, gravel
Known for fortified
-Min sweetness 4.5%
-all styles
-Grenache at least 90%
-aging (ex roses)
What are the main points to remember about Cairanne
New AOC 2018
Stony pebbles
GSM Reds
Clairette white blends
50% exported
What are the main points to remember about Gigondas
Red and rose
North west, west facing vineyards
Marl, limestone, sand
GSM - fresh but structured
Hardly any rose
What are the main points to remember about Vacqueyras
DryWhite, rose and red
Foothills of Dentelles
Warmer than Gigondas
Complex soils
GSM
What are the main points to remember about Beaumes de Venise
Foothills of Dentelles = windbreak
Marl, limestone, clay
GSM
Also VDN from Muscat
What are the main points to remember about Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Drywhites and reds
Largest Southern Rhone Cru
13 grape types (18 with colour variations)
Limestone, clay, sandstone, galets
One of Least restrictive AOCs in France
50% exported
What are the main points to remember about Tavel
Rose production only
9 grapes (15 with colour variations)
No one more than 60% - must have Grenache
Limestone, sand, galets
Vinification by maceration only
What % of Grenache must be in White/rose Rasteau VDN
At least 90%
When are white Rasteau VDN released and what is special for ambre (oxidative)
1 May in year after harvest
More than 3/12 in bottle
For ambre 1 March in 3rd year after harvest
What 2 styles are red Rasteau VDNs
Grenat (reductive) or Tuile (oxidative)
What is the minimum Grenache in red Rasteau VDN
> 75% Grenache Noir
90% All types Grenache
What is the aging time for red Rasteau VDN (both styles)
Grenat= 1 May in year after harvest
More than 3/12 in bottle
Tuile= 1 March in 3rd year after harvest
What does hor’s d’age mean for Rasteau VDN
5 years of oxidative aging
What does rancio mean for Rasteau VDN
Wines that have achieved a rancio taste
What is the minimum Grenache and aging in rose Rasteau VDN
> 90% all types of Grenache
No aging requirement
What style is normal for Beaumes de Venise VDN
White, fresh, reductive
Muscat a Petits Grains
>10% sugar
>15% abv
Ventoux, Luberon and Costieres de Nimes lie inside the Cotes du Rhone zone of production - True or False
False
What are the 5 main points about Ventoux
SE fringes of Rhone
Mostly red and rose
Med with alpine influences
Rose via saignee
Co-ops
What are the 3 main points about Luberon
Between Rhone and Provence
More than 50% is rose
Med climate with continental influence
What are the 4 main points about Costieres de Nimes
Right bank of Rhone river
Between Rhone and Languedoc
Hot drought summer but cool nights
Syrah dominant
Mostly red and rose
What parallel north does Rhone lie on
Between 44-45
What are the 3 sub-divisions of the Rhone region
1 Cotes du Rhone
2 Northern Rhone
3 Southern Rhone
Which is flatter - northern or Southern Rhone
Southern Rhone
The Dios vineyards are part of Les Cotes du Rhone area - True or False
False
Which feels the Mistral more - Northern or Southern Rhone
Northern because the wind funnels through steep narrow slopes
Gallic Celtic tribes were established in the Rhône Valley when traders and settlers arrived from the eastern Mediterranean around what era and who were the newcomers
600 BC - Phoceans from Greece/Turkey
Founded Marseille and then traded using Rhone
Who arrived in 121 BC and what did they establish
Romans
Vine terraces in Northern Rhone
In the 14th century, the Papal Palace moved from Rome to where
Avignon
What is the wine connection to Pope John XXII’s summer residence
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Growers within the Vicariate of Uzès began calling their wines by what name in 17c
- and what idicated their authenticity
Coste du Rhone
Regulations were introduced in 1650 to guarantee the origin and the quality of these wines, such was their renown.
Also King Louis XV in 1737
Barrels branded with CDR
Why was Mouvedre slow to be replaced after phylloxera
Difficult to graft onot suitable rootstock partner
33%=> 4% plantings
What temperature did the Rhone valley fall to in 1956
-15c
Where copies Rhone wine styles
California - Rhone Rangers
Australian shiraz/viognier
Who originally planted the vineyards of the Northern Rhône?
Phoenicians
Greeks
Phocaeans
Romans
Romans
Whose summer palace was built north of Avignon?
Pope Clement III
Pope John XXII
Pope Benedict XII
Pope Urban V
Pope John XXII
What is the main red grape variety of the northern Rhone
Syrah
Which are the 3 white grape varieites of the Northern Rhone - often co-fermented with red or seperately made
Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne
What makes Viognier attractive
Aromatic
Adds lift and perfume to Syrah
Which is considered finer - Marsanne or Rousanne
Marsanne - higher extract,
Roussanne - adds perfume
How many grapes did Inter Rhone record as planted in the Rhone and how many can be used in the wines
34 and 23
Inter Rhône – the Rhône Valley’s inter-professional organization – records 34 grape varieties planted throughout the Rhône Valley. Twenty-three of these may be incorporated into the wines of Côtes du Rhône AOC.
What is lacking in Grenache that it needs a blend with Syrah and Mouvedre in Southern Rhone
Moderate colour and acid - eg from Syrah
Oxidative - where Syrah and Mourvedre are reductive
Mourvedre brings alcohol, tannin, acid and pigment
Name one of the other red grapes of the Southern Rhone
Cinsalut
Carignan
Counoise
Marselan
Name one of the gris grapes used to make rose wines
Clairette gris
Grenache Gris
Piquepoul Gris
What are the 6 main white grapes of the southern Rhone and what do they bring to the blend
1 Grenache Blanc=Extract/flavour
2 Bourboulenc=High acidity
3 Clairette=large leaves against sunburn
4 Marsanne
5 Rousanne
6 Viognier
7 Muscat aa Petit Grains - for VDN
What benefits does Viognier give when co-fermented with Syrah? Select all that apply
Adds body to the wine
Helps with the wine’s color
Adds texture
Adds aroma
Produces a longer lived wine
Helps with colour and adds aroma
What makes Clairette a good variety for the Southern Rhône?
Keeps high acidity in hot conditions
Very drought tolerant
Large vine leaves protect grapes from sunburn
Thick skins help prevent sunburn
Large vine leaves protect grapes from sunburn
Generally what are the soils of the Northern Rhone
but what is particular about
a) Hermitage
b) Crozes Hermitage
Shist and granite
a) Clay and sand
b) Galets, clay and windblown loess/molasse
Match the grape to the soil type
stony/clay and sand
white/red
stony=red (Syrah)
caly and sand = white
What is the particular type of VTS in the Northern Rhone for windy sites
Echelas and trellis
Teepee of 2/3 stakes over 2 vines
More protection against wind damage in steep vineyards
Otherwise Guyot
What is the solution to slopewash
Vignerons carry stones back up the slope after rains
Not required if there are Terraces
The AOCs of Northern Rhone normally hand harvest - true or false
True
What can you say about vintage variation in the Northern Rhone
Quite likely
2008=wet
2016=great
White wines of the Northern Rhone are typically fermented in neutral vessels but those of Hermitage often spend time in oak - True or False
True
There are 2 traditional sweet wines from the Northern Rhone - what are they called
Condrieu Doux - Vendage Tardive (less than 10%)
Vin de Paille Hermitage - dried Marsanne/Roussanne on straw mats for 6 weeks+
Which 2 of these wines are more powerful with denser tannins
Cornas
Cote Rotie
Hermitage
Saint-Joseph
Cornas
Hermitage
Define beton
neutral aging vessels
Define inox
Stainless steel vats
Define foudres
Large inert barrels of various sizes
Define Demi-muids
600 litre oak barrels
What does the term échelas refer to in the Northern Rhône?
Stakes used to support vines
Name for fermenting barrels in Côte Rôtie
Large, round rocks in the soils
The tracks used by carts for transporting the harvest up the steep slopes
Stakes
The dessert wine, Hermitage Vin de Paille is made using grapes that have been?
Frozen
Botryized
Late-harvested
Dried
Dried
What are the 5 soil types of the Southern Rhone
Initials G, G, S, C, L
Galets=Round river stone (CdP)
Garrigue=limestone
Sandstone
Clay
Loess/Molasse=windblown silts -
What is the typical VTS of the Southern Rhone
Gobelet traitional
Guyot modern
Which AOC of the Southern Rhone mandates hand harvesting
Beaumes de Venise
Name a mountain range near the Southern Rhone
Dentelles de Montmirail
Describe differences in the viticulture from Southern and Northern Rhone
Southern =
Flatter
Gobelet vs Eschelas
Machine vs Hand (ex BdV)
More wide spacing
Irrigation on request
Drought problem soled by water transfer project
Less vintage variation
What are producers doing to combat climate change
Water transfer project
Higher elevations
Shade panels
Misters
Disease resistant crosses
Later ripening
Drought resistant rootstocks
Name an AOC in the Southern Rhone that might age their white wines in oak
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
What methods are used to make rose wines in the Southern Rhone
Saignee
Maceration
Direct press
Hostorically Rhone vineyards were planted with a mix of varieties. What is the consequence of this?
Harveted and vinifiied together so mostly a blend
Now often vinify seperately
Which of these vessels is normally used for aging Southern Rhone red wines
Beton
Demi-muids
Foudres
Inox
All of them can be used
Define special cuvee in the Southern Rhone
Wine made from a particularly good parcel of fruit or small amount vinified slightly differently (eg aged in small oak barrels)
Which is the main training method in the Southern Rhône?
Guyot
Gobelet
Cordon
Éventail
Gobelot
What are these for and names of 4 types used in Rhone
(middle picture)
Aging vessels
Inox
Beton
Demi-muid
Foudres
The majority of Cotes du Rhone comes from the Northern Rhone - True or False
False
All Northern Rhone AOCs can make CdR but few do.
Majority is from the Southern Rhone
How many Southern Rhone AOCs are NOT permitted to make CdR
7
Ventoux, Luberon, Costières de Nîmes, Côtes du Vivarais, Duché d’Uzès, Grignan-les-Adhémar and Clairette de Bellegarde
What % of Rhone production is Cotes du Rhone AOC
40%
Which city determines different blending rules for CdR depending on whether the location is north or south
Montelimar
Is the Diois region part of Northern or Southern Rhone
Northern - but is NOT part of CdR production
How many Cru in Northern and Southern Rhone can be included in the Cotes du Rhone Production zone
8 Northern Cru
9 Southern Cru
What is the blending requirement for red southern Cotes du Rhone
At least 2 of Grenache, Syrah or Mourvedre must be >60%
Grenache is mandatory
What is the blending requirement for red northern Cotes du Rhone
At least one of Grenache, Syrah or Mourvedre must be >60% of the blend
How many villages can make Cotes du Rhone Villages AOC
95 (out of 171- and a possible 300 wine making villages in the Rhone)
How many villages can make Cotes du Rhone Village and include their village name on the label (DGCs)
22
Nyons promoted to DGC
Laudun promoted to AOC
How many village AOCs (Crus) are there within the Cotes du Rhone
17 (8 in Northern and 9 in Southern)
How were Nyons and Laudun promoted
Nyons promoted to a DGC
Coted du Rhone Villages named Village
Laudun promoted to an AOC
What is the main grape used in a white Cotes du Rhone
Grenache Blanc
other main are Bourboulenc, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier
Cinsault is often added to which wine to give finesse, perfume and fruit without contributing much tannin or pigment
Rose of Cotes du Rhone AOC
How does the red blending rule change for reds from Cotes du Rhone Villages AOC
A minimum of 66% of blend must be at least 2 of G,S,M and one must be Grenache
What is this a list of
Chusclan, Gadagne, Laudun, Massif d’Uchaux, Nyons, Plan de Dieu, Puyméras, Roaix, Rochegude, Rousset-les-Vignes, Sablet, Saint-Andéol, Saint- Gervais, Saint-Maurice, Saint-Pantaléon-les- Vignes, Sainte-Cécile, Séguret, Signargues, Suze- la-Rousse, Vaison-la-Romaine,Valréas and Visan.
22 DGCs of Cotes du Rhone Villages AOC
Which grape variety must be included in red Côtes du Rhône blends that are vinified south of Montélimar?
Syrah
Mourvèdre
Carignan
Grenache
Cinsaut
Counoise
Grenache
Which grape variety is usually dominant in white Côtes du Rhône blends from the Southern Rhône?
Bourboulenc
Grenache Blanc
Marsanne
Roussanne
Viognier
Grenache Blanc
What % of wine production is from the AOCs of the Northern Rhone
4%
Why are Syrah and Viognier planted in the Northern Rhone
Early ripening varieites - as temperature drops earlier in Northern Rhone
What are the 8 need to know crus of the Northern Rhone
2 steep
Cote Rotie
Condriueu
1 small, 1 large
Chateau Grillet
Saint-Joseph
2 Hermitages
Hemitage
Crozes Hermitage
2 at the end
Cornas
Saint Peray
Which wines from Cote Rotie use Viognier
Only makes red wines
Can use up to 20% viognier in field blend
What is the minium RS for sweet wines of Condrieu
4.5%
Only around 5% now sweet
Viognier
Which is the smallest AOC in the Northern Rhone
Chateau Grillet
Monopole
Dry white only - like Condrieu
24/12 aging on oak
Which AOC in the Northern Rhone has wines that mature more quickly
Saint Joseph
86% red
>90% Syrah
Can co-ferment with Marsanne/Rousanne
Which 3 Northern Rhone Cru AOCs make white and red wines
Saint Joseph
Hermitage
Crozes Hermitage
Which Northern Rhone Crus only make red wine
Cote Rotie
Cornas
Which is the largest AOC in the Northern Rhone
Crozes Hermitage
What is the production split between red and white Hermitage
2/3rd red
1/3 white
In Crozes Hermitage and Hermitage which grapes can be co-fermented and up to what %
Up to 15% Marsanne/Roussanne
Which AOC is described as an island of the south in the north
Cornas= burnt earth
100% Syrah
Which Northern Rhone AOC makes dry and sparkling white only
Saint Peray
Cool
What type of climate does the Northern Rhône enjoy?
Mediterranean
Maritime
Continental
Temperate
Continental
The Northern Rhône accounts for what percentage of the Rhône Valley’s production area?
14%
8%
24%
4%
8%
4%
What do each of the Southern Rhone grapes of GSM bring to the blend
Grenache- Brings– Fruit, Juiciness, Acidity, Higher In ABV., Pale In Color
Syrah- Brings– Color/Darkness, Tannin, Spice, Minerality, Lower In Acidity
Mourvedre- Brings– Tannin, Structure, Earthiness, Ageworthiness
Which are the 3 Southern Rhone AOCs that lie on the valley floor
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Tavel
Lirac
Which are the 3 Southern Rhone AOCs that are NE hilltop towns
Vinsobres
Rasteau
Cairanne
What are the 3 Southern Rhone villages in the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail
Gigondas
Vacqueyras
Beaumes de Venise
Which is the largest of the Southern Rhone AOCs
Chateuaneuf-du-Pape
Which AOC of the Southern Rhone is rose only
Tavel
Made via maceration (saignee plus)
Which of the Southern Rhone AOCs make dry reds and whites
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Lirac
Cairanne
Vacqueyras
Which of the Southern Rhone AOCs has galets
Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Tavel
Which of the Southern Rhone AOCs only makes red wines
Vinsobres
Beaumes de Venise
In which AOC of Southern Rhone is nearly half exported
Cairanne
Makes dry reds and whites
Rasteau makes red wines and fortified wines only - True or False
True
Which Southern Rhone AOCs make rose
Lirac
Tavel
Gigondas (mostly red)
Vacqueryras
Beaumes de Venise makes fortified wines - True or False
False
Beaumes de Venise AOC makes only red wines – Muscat de Beaumes de Venise is a separate AOC
What % of Beaumes-de-Venise red wine must be Grenache
> 60% must be GSM
Grenache must be in the blend but no %
What % of Chateauneuf-du-Pape is exported
About 50%
Which Southern Rhone AOC is known for poor soils and makes dry white, rose and red wines
Lirac
Which are the need to Know AOCs of the Southern Rhone which lie outside the Cotes du Rhone zone of production
Ventoux
Luberon
Costieres de Nimes
4 more which are not need to know
Which is the largest of the ‘other’ Southern Rhone AOCs and is it more red or white or rose?
Ventoux
Red over half
Rose 36%
White less than 14%
Which ‘other’ Southern Rhone AOC has more rose than red production
Luberon
Which ‘other’ Southern Rhone AOC has some of the highest temperatures in France
Costieres de Nimes
What type of climate does the Southern Rhône enjoy?
Mediterranean
Maritime
Continental
Temperate
Mediterranean
Which of these is the main training method in the Southern Rhône?
Guyot
Cordon
Éventail
Gobelet
Chablis
Gobelet
Which 2 of the Southern Rhone Cru Villages produce sweet fortified wines VDNs
Rasteau
Muscat de Beaumes de Venise
Describe the difference between Blanc, Ambre, Grenat and Tuile VDNs in Rasteau
Blanc=Reductive, white style use Grenache Blanc and Gris 3/12 aging in bottle
Ambre=Oxidative white, all Grenaches, 1/3, after 3yrs aging
Grenat=Reductive, red style, grenaches, >75% Grenache Noir, 3/12 aging in bottle
Tuile=Oxidative red style, all greanaches, >75% Greanche Noir, 1 March after 3yrs aging
What are ‘hors de age’ VDNs in Rasteau
5 years of oxidative aging
What are ‘rancio’ VDNs in Rasteau
Wines aged to achieve a rancio taste
Which Rasteau VDN style most closely resembles Muscat de Beaumes de Venise VDN typical style and what is the difference
Blanc
butBeaumes use Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc and Rasteau Grenache Blanc
What is the minimum alcohol level of a Rasteau VDN and Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise wine?
14%
21%
19%
15%
15%
A white Rasteau VDN that has been aged until at least 1st March of the 3rd year after harvest is called, what?
Blanc
Hors d’âge
Ambré
Grenat
Tuilé
Ambre
Where is the Diois region
25 mi/40 km southeast of Cornas and marks the southwestern edge of the pre-Alpine region known as the Massif du Vercors.
The Diois is one of France’s highest wine regions- True of False
True
What are the white grapes of the Diois
Clairette, Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc, Chardonnay and Aligote
What are the red Diois grapes
Gamay, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Muscat a Petits Grains Rouge
What type of wines is the Diois region best known for
White sparkling
Clairette de Die Méthode Dioise Ancestrale)
or the traditional method (Clairette de Die or Crémant de Die).
What is the wine responsible for 96% of the Diois production
Clairette de Die AOC
The Diois enjoys a continental climate – but what other important influences affect the area’s growing conditions?
Mediterranean influences
Oceanic influences
The Mistral wind
Alpine influences
Alpine
The alpine influences are from the from the nearby Massif du Vercors.
Which Clairette de Die style is normally sweet
Clairette de Die Méthode Dioise Ancestrale
What is the effect of cool evenings on a vine during the growing season?
Cool evenings retain aromas and acidity
Warm evenings lower aromatics
Malic acid breaks down in heat
The Rhône Valley is affected by the Mistral – but what is the Mistral?
A hot summer weather pattern
Heavy spring rain
A northerly cooling wind
Harsh autumn frosts
Northerly cooling wind
Which is the northernmost cru of the Northern Rhône?
Condrieu
Côte Rôtie
Cornas
Saint-Joseph
Cote Rotie
Which two Rhône AOCs make Vins Doux Naturels?
Rasteau
Vacqueyras
Lirac
Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise
Rateau and Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise
Tick all the white grape varieties that can be used in Hermitage AOC?
Marsanne
Roussanne
Viognier
Muscat à Petits Grains Blanc
Marsanne and Rousanne
Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC can be made in both the Northern and Southern Rhône? True or False?
False - all in South
What is the southernmost AOC in the Rhône valley?
Ventoux
Luberon
Côtes du Vivarais
Costières de Nîmes
Costieres de Nimes
Which of these soil types is NOT found in Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC?
Limestone
Sandstone
Galets
Granite
Granite
What wine styles are made in Condrieu?
Red and Dry White
Dry White and Sweet White
Dry White only
Sweet White only
Dry and sweet white
Which of these grapes is not permitted in the Northern Rhône crus?
Clairette
Marsanne
Roussanne
Viognier
Clairette
Which of these is the primary grape variety of Clairette de Die Méthode Dioise Ancestrale?
Clairette
Chardonnay
Aligoté
Muscat à Petits Grains
Muscat a Petits Grains
Which 2 Northern Rhone Cru AOCs are East of the Rhone river
Hermitage and Crozes Hermitage
Which is the largest of the Crus in the Southern Rhône?
Tavel
Gigondas
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Beaumes de Venise
Cairanne
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Which of these Southern Rhône Cru AOCs only produces Red wine?
Rasteau
Beaumes de Venise
Gigondas
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Beaumes de Venise
Which is the odd one out?
Côte Rôtie
Cornas
Vinsobres
Cairanne
Lirac
Gigondas
Ventoux
Ventoux
All the others are in the Côtes du Rhône production zone – Ventoux is not.
Which is the most planted grape in the Côtes du Rhône area?
Syrah
Grenache
Mourvèdre
Bourboulenc
Grenache
Of the seven Southern Rhône AOCs outside the Côtes du Rhône AOC area, which has the largest production?
Ventoux
Luberon
Côtes du Vivarais
Duché d’Uzès
Costières de Nîmes
Ventoux
Which is the principal method of vine training in the Southern Rhône?
Cordon
Guyot
Éventail
Gobelet
Gobelet
Which Northern Rhône Crus allow the use of Viognier?
Select all that apply
Condrieu
Saint-Joseph
Château-Grillet
Cornas
Hermitage
Côte Rôtie
Condrieu, Chateau Grillet, Cote Rotie
Which Northern Rhône Cru is known for Sparkling Wine?
Condrieu
Saint-Péray
Saint-Joseph
Cornas
Hermitage
Saint Peray
What is the minimum residual sugar level for Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise?
10% /100 g/l
15% /150 g/l
20% /200 g/l
8% /80 g/l
10%
What is the climate of the Northern Rhône?
Continental with med influences
What is the climate of the Southern Rhône?
Mediterranean
There is no sparkling wine made in the Rhône Valley.
True or False?
False - St Peray and Diois
None in Cotes du Rhone AOCs
What is the Mistral
Strong wind from North, channels down Rhone
The Tavel AOC only produces rosé wines. True or False?
True
What are galets
Round river Stones found near Chateauneuf du Pape
Which Rhone appellation is a monopole
Chateau Grillet - near to Condrieu
Which 2 Southern Rhone Crus are on the right bank of the Rhone river
Lirac and Tavel
The entire Rhône Valley produces Côtes du Rhône AOC.
True or False?
False
There are Rhône Valley appellations outside the Côtes du Rhône zone of production.
How do vines benefit from being located in the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail?
Wind block and sun trap
Cool evenings
Which Rhône AOCs produce VDN wines?
Muscat de Beaumes de Venise
Rasteau
What is the southernmost appellation in the Rhône Valley?
Costieres de Nimes
Which Rhône AOC’s name means “burned earth” in Celtic?
Cornas
In which century did the Papacy move to Avignon?
14c
Which two “other Rhône Valley” appellations have UNESCO recognition?
Luberon and Ventoux
Which Northern Rhône appellations allow white grape varieties to be co-fermented with Syrah in their red wines?
Cote Rotie- Viognier
Hermitage
Crozes Hermitage
St Joseph- Marsanne and Rousanne
In which Rhone region does the teperature drop in early autumn
Northern Rhone= short ripening window
What are the vine threats of the Southern Rhone
Heat and drought
What are the major grapes of the Diois
Clairette
Muscat a Petit Grains
Chardonnay
Aligote
Gamay
What position is the Rhone for AOC wine production in France
2nd
After Bordeaux, before Loire
2.8m
How much of Rhone’s production is bottled as regional Cote du Rhone
Almost half
What is the most important industry for employment in the Rhone
Wine
What trends has Rhone seen in is market for
1 Export sales in value
2 Export volume
3 Red wines
4 Rose wines
1 Rise 64%
2 Rise 9%
3 Fall 88=>79%
4 Rise 11=>19%
Which regions do these measures represent
Montelimar to Nimes
Vienne to Valence
Vienne to Nimes
Vienne to Avignon
Southern Rhone
Northern Rhone
Rhone Valley
Cotes du Rhone
Which sub-region has the rift valley
Northern Rhone
Which AOC makes late harvest viognier
Condrieu
Which AOC makes vin de Paille
Hermitage
Chave revived with ripe Marsanne (not later harvested)
Which Rhone AOC was the last to be planted with vines
Chatueauneuf-du-Pape
- because of stone
Jimmy
What are the parents of Syrah
Mondeuse blanche and Dureza.
What is a parent of Viognier
Mondeuse blanche
Which Northern Rhone AOC has limestone which would favour white grapes
St Peray
At what potential abv must VDN grapes be harvested
14.5%
What volume of 96% grape spirit is added to make VDNs
around 5-10%
What is the difference between mutage and mutage sur marc
Mutage=Spirit is added to a must without solids
Mutage sur marc=Spirit is added to a must with solids (normally only with reds)
For VDNs the spirit can be added at one of three points in vinification - describe them
1 As grapes are pressed and juice starts to ferment (mutage)
2 Grapes pressed and crushed, spirit added just after maceration and at point of fermentation Mutage
3 Grapes crushed and juice ferments. Spirit added for maceration/fermentation. Mutage sur marc