Rhone Flashcards
What is the primary training method of the Southern Rhone?
Gobelet
Which wine earned fame for a church held administrative entity “Vicariate Uzes”?
Coste du Rhone district wine
Regulations introduced in 1650 to guarantee the origin and quality of the wines
What are “Beton” and “Inot”?
- Beton - Concrete vats
- Inox - Stainless Steel vates
True or False
Cotes du Rhone AOC wines can be made in every one of the eight crus in the Northern Rhone.
True
Name three AOCs in the hilly northeastern part of the Southern Rhone.
- Vinsobres AOC
- Rasteau AOC
- Cairanne AOC
All are at higher elevation to mitigate the heat
What are two methods producers in the Southern Rhone experimenting to push back harvest days of their vines?
- Shade panels
- Misters to mist the vines in the morning
What are the wine styles (3) produced in the Diois?
- Clairette de Die - the Methode Dioise Ancestrale
- Clairette de Die - Traditional Method
- Cremant de Di - Traditional Method
What percentage of production of the entire Rhone Valley Cotes du Rhone represents ?
40%
Is the Dios considered a part of the Northern Rhone?
Is the Dios included in the Cotes du Rhone zone of production?
- Yes
- No
What grape is important for vin doux naturel (VDN) production in the Southern Rhone?
Muscat a Petis Grains Blanc
What wine styles Gigondas AOC produces?
- Rose
- Red
Based on Grenache
What characterizes Lirac AOC climate wise?
And of the soil.
- Sunny and Dry
- Poor soils - retards wine vigor and resulting in low yields of top quality fruit
List the below in English:
- Beton
- Inox
- Demi-Muids
- Foudres
- Beton - Concrete
- Inox - Stainless Steel
- Demi-Muids - Large Wooden Casks
- Foudres - Large Wooden Casks
True or False
Irrigation is NOT permitted in the Southern Rhone.
False
Not illegal but producers who wish to irrrigate must submit a special request and receive permissions.
What characterizes Tavel AOC wines?
For Roses, concentration, structure and depth of color
What are the following terms indicate for Red VDNs of Rasteau AOC:
- Hors d’Age
- Rancio
- Hors d’Age - five years of oxidative aging
- Rancio - achieved “taste of rancio”
What stands out for the winemaking method of Tavel AOC?
“Vinification is via maceration” by law
Same process as Saignee method except that all the juice is used for Rose production; no Red wine is produced
What is the primary grape in white Cotes du Rhone and white Chateauneuf-du-Pape?
Grenache Blanc
Valued for its extract - or concentration of flavour
All color variants of Grenache are oxidative in nature
What is the benefit of the Mistral in the Southern Rhone?
The drying force of the Mistral during the growing season minimizes the risks of mildew and rot.
Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC blends can be made of:
Select one:
- One of the approved varieties
- All of the approved varieties
- Any combinaiton of them
- A ll of the above
- All of the above
What climatic factor mitigates summer warmth in the Southern Rhone?
The Mistral
As well as cold air masses descending from the Dentelles de Montmirail and other limestone peaks
Name three Grenache grape family members.
- Grenache Noir
- Grenache Gris
- Grenache Blanc
What styles are produced for Rasteau AOC Red VDNs?
- Reductive - Grenat
- Tuile (Oxidative)
How many Crus from the Northern Rhone and Southern Rhone are included in the Cotes du Rhone AOC respectively?
- 8 from the Northern Rhone
- 9 from the Southern Rhone
Why is Syrah an ideal companion in the blend with Grenache ?
List three.
- Higher acidity
- More tanninc
- Reductive nature counterbalances oxydative nature of Grenache
What significant event took place in the 14th century in the Rhone Valley?
The Papal Palace moved from Rome to Avignon.
From 1309 to 1376, seven French Popes governed the Catholic Church from France.
List wine styles produced in Rasteau AOC.
What characterizes the terroir?
- Red (GSM blends)
- Fortified White
- Fortified Red
- Fortified Rose
- Unique mesoclimate - all vineyards facing south in amphitheater that traps sunlight and blocks the Mistral
What are “Demi-Muids”
600 litre oak barrel often used in the Rhone Valley
What are only two monopoles located outside Burgundy?
- Coulee de Serrant in Loire Valley
- Chateau-Grillet in Rhone Valley
True or False
VDNs (Vin Doux Naturels) produced in Rasteau AOC are red, white and Rose.
True
What do wine styles Saint-Joseph produce and from which varieties?
- Dry White - Marsanne and/or Roussane
- Dry Red - Syrah (may include up to 10% of Marsanne and/or Roussane)
True or False
Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC wines can be made of only one approved grape variety or all of them or any combination.
True
Which AOC is the largest of the Northern Rhone Crus?
Crozes-Hermitage
What grape vareity dominates Costieres de Nimes AOC?
Syrah
Unlike the rest of Southern Rhone
Name primary grape varieties (3) used for Lirac AOC white wine.
- Clairette
- Bourboulenc
- Grenache Blanc
What is the primary soil type of the Northern Rhone?
Granite with a fine topsoil of decomosed mica schist and granitic sands.
Stoney soils are mainly planted with Syrah - absorbs heat during the day and radiate it back to the vine as the sun startes to set.
True or False
During the 18th and 19th centuries most Condrieu was sweet.
True
Now 90-95% of Condrieu is vinified dry
Which AOC has the wines considered to yield one of the longest lived and most collected wines in the Rhone?
Hermitage AOC
What are three containers to typically age the red wines in the Southern Rhone?
- Inox (Stainless Steel)
- Beton (Concreate ageing vessel)
- Demi-Muids or foundres
Which bank of the Rhone River, Tavel and Lirac AOCs are on?
The right bank
Why are Syrah and Viognier planted in the Northern Rhone?
Both are early ripening grapes to ensure the harvest can be done before the frost and other weather related issues
What are the geological features the Rhone Valley to the east and west?
- East: the Prealps
- West: Massif Central
What wine style does Tavel AOC produce?
Only Rose wines.
List three red principal grape varieties of the Cotes du Rhone AOC.
- Grenache
- Syrah
- Mourvedre
(A minimum of 60% of the blend must consist of at least two of the principal grape varieties and one of them must be Grenache)
Rose follows the same formula however Cinsaut is often incorporated as it adds finesse, perfume and fruit without contributing much tannin or pigment
What does Viognier add (3) to Syrah when co-fermented in small quantities?
Adds lift and perfume.
Also helps to set color.
What soil type does Cornas have?
Granite
True or False
Vintage variations due to its continental climate and unpredictable weather, the Northern Rhone has more vintage variations than Beaujolais and Bourgogne.
False
More consistent than the northern neighbors.
True or False
Most of the vineyards of Gigondas are northwest- and west facing.
True
What are two measures producers are looking to combat the climate change in the Southern Rhone for their vineyards?
- Hillsides
- Higher elevation
Which wine region in the U.S, lies roughly the same latitude as the Rhone vineyards?
Willamtte Valley
What are three primary attributes of Grenache based wines?
- High in alcohol
- Moderate color
- Moderate acidity
What is the major issue confronting the Southern Rhone today related to climate change?
- Drought
- A major water transfer program is in development
What are the wine regions to the north, east and west of the Rhone Valley wine region?
- North: Beaujolais
- East: Provence
- West: Languedoc
What white grape varieties can be added to Syrah for Crozes Hermitage wines?
- Marasanne
- ‘Roussanne
Up to 15% can be added if co-fermented ( compared to up to 10% in Saint Joseph)
What are the two grape varieties used for Clairette de Die Methode Dioise Ancestrale?
What are the wine styles?
- Muscat (dominates the blend)
- Clairette
- Sweet Sparkling wine either white or rose
What is the traditional training method in the Northern Rhone to protect vines from high winds like the Mistral?
Echalas
Two or three stakes are placed, teepee fashon over two vines
What is the minimum alcohol level of VDNs in the Southern Rhone?
15%
Along with GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre), what are four red varieties that are prominent in ths Southern Rhone?
- Cinsaut - typical and popular component of Roses
- Carignan
- Counoise
- Marselan
What is the climate of the Dios vineyards?
Continental climate with alpine influences from the nearby Massif du Vercors.
True or False
Clairette de Dios AOC is responsible for 50% of the Dios’s entire production.
False
96%
True or False
Clairette de Die - traditional method sparkling wine is made from 100% Clairette (white grape).
True
What styles red VDNs of Rasteau AOC are made?
- Grenat - Reductive
- Tuile - Oxidative
Must be comprised of 75% Grenache Noir
All three Grenache must make up at least 90% of the blend
Which VDN in the Southern Rhone uses Grenache grapes?
Which VDN uses Muscat a Petits Grains?
- Rasteau AOC
- Mustcat de Beaumes de Venise
Which AOC is the largest of the Southern Rhone Crus?
Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC
True or False
Rasteau AOC Rose VDNs require no aging.
True
It will still need to have at least 90% of all three Grenaches
Along with Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc and Clairette, what are three other primary grapes in the Southern Rhone?
- Marsanne
- Roussane
- Viognier
What benefit derives from the Dentelles de Montmirail for Beaumes de Venise AOC?
As a windbreak sheltering the vines from the Mistral
What are two places in the Northern Rhone with galets?
Crozes Hermitage
Saint Joseph
What is reflected in the price of wines especially from the most prestigeous crus on the steepest slopes of the Northern Rhone?
Challenges involved in cultivating such vineyards
What is the maximum percentage of Viognier used for Cote Rotie AOC Red wine?
Up to 20%
Often 5% or less if used at all
Must be co-planted, co-harvested and co-fermented with Syrah
What characterizes Tavel Rose?
- Dry
- Concentration
- ‘Structure
- Depth of color
What specific actions (5) vignirons in the Southern Rhone are taking to combat the climate change?
- Planting on hillsides and at higher elevations
- Shade panels
- Misters (mist the vines in the morning)
- Using Grenache and Syrah crosses to develop more disease resistant and later ripening curves and higher yieldds
- Drough resistant rootstocies
What are the two wines produced under Clairette de Die AOC?
Which wine of the two is the most bottled under?
- Clairette de Die
- Clairette de Die Method Dioise Ancestralle
- Clairette de Die Methode Dioise Ancestrallle
Which AOC in the Northern Rhone produces Vin de Paille?
- Hermitage AOC - a sweet wine made from grapes air-dried on straw mat to concentrate sugars
What styles are white VDNs of Rasteau AOC made?
- Blanc (Reductive) at least 90% Grenache and/or Grenache Blanc
- Ambre (Oxidative) at least 90% of Grenache and other Grenaches
What does Rasteau AOC VDN wines labeled “Hois d’Age” mean?
What does Rasteau AOC VDN wines labeled “Rancio” mean?
- Undergone at least five years of Oxidative aging
- Achieved “the taste of Rancio”
Out of Red, Rose and White, which has the highest production in Costieres de Nimes AOC?
Red and Rose over 90% of production
Which geological feature the Dios at the southwestern edge of?
Massif du Vercors (the pre-Alpine region)
True or False
The Cotes du Rhone Villages zone of production lies only within the Southern Rhone.
True
What are three examples of the climate change in the Southern Rhone?
- Average temperature rises 1.4 C over the last 100 years
- Harvest moved forward 15 days in the last 26 years
- Potential alcohol increased 0.6% while acidity has dropped 0.5 g/l
The Souterhn Rhone’s limestone peaks and mountain chains were created when the Alps pushed skyward.
What are three prominent peaks that line along the Southern Rhone’s eastern border?
- Mont Ventoux
- Luberon Massif
- The Dentelles de Montmirail
Why are the vast majority of the grapes vinified as regional Cotes du Rhone AOC come from the Southern Rhone?
All of the northern vineyards fall under more prestigeous appellations.
What grape variety is mandatory in the blend of Beaumes de Venise AOC?
Grenache
GSM blemd must account for at least 60%
Beaumes de Venise AOC makes only red wines.
What grape varieties are used for Gigondas?
- Grenache based
- Syrah or Mourvedre
How many Crus in the Cotes du Rhone?
17 Crus
Which grape variety represented one-third of the vineyard plantings in the Southern Rhone prior to the arrival of phylloxera in 1870s?
Which two grape varieites replaced it?
- Mourvedre
- Grenache
- Syrah
True or False
The majority of Costieres de Nimes AOC is white variety.
False
90% of production is Red and Rose and Syrah is the dominant grape.
What training system is typically used for Syrah and Viognier in the Rhone Valley?
Guyot System
Which two AOCs in the Southern Rhone produce sweet fortified wines (VDN) ?
- Rasteau
- Muscat de Beames de Venise
True or False
Vacqueyras AOC is genreally warmer than Gigondas.
True
How many sanctioned grapes Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC has?
13 Sanctioned grape varieties (19 if color variations are counted)
One of the least restrictive AOCs in France in terms of blend
What grape varieties are generally used in Rasteau AOC to make the red blends?
GSM blends
What are wine styles of Cairanne AOC?
What is typical soil type of the AOC?
What grapes its white are composed of?
- Dry White, Red
- Stony pebbles
- Clairette with Roussanne and/or Grenache Blanc - the majority is GSM red, nearly the half exported internationally
Which AOC in the Rhone benefits from cold air from the Petite Camargue which cools the nights?
Costieres de Nimes AOC
What is the climate of Luberon AOC?
Mediterranean with continental influence
How many principal grapes are required for Cotes du Rhone AOC SOUTH of Montelimar?
How many prinicpal grapes are required for Cotes du Rhone AOC NORTH of Montelimar?
- 2
- 1
Both must make up at least 60% of the final wine
True or False
Vineyards not terraced in the Northern Rhone require vignerons to carry the stones from their vineyard topsoil back up the slope.
True
What characterizes Chateauneuf-de-Pape special cuvees?
- Typicall made from a singularly good parcel within a vineyard , from vielles vignes or a single terroir
- A small lot of wine that is vinified in a different manner than the regular estate bottling
How many Crus are in the Northern Rhone?
8 Crus
True or False
Only dry white wine is made in Condrieu AOC.
False
It makes sweet wine as well - 4.5%/45 g/l
Traditionally Condrieu wines were mostly sweet.
How many Crus/AOCs in the Southern Rhone?
9 Crus / AOCs
What type of wine is Clairette de Die wine?
What is the minimum percentage required for Clairette grape?
Traditional method sparkling wine made from 100% Clairette.
What wine style does Vinsobres AOC make?
Only Red wines based on Grenache and must contain at least one of Syrah or Mourvedre
List six principal white grape varieties of the Cotes du Rhone AOC.
- Bourboulenc
- Clairette
- Grenache Blanc
- Marsanne
- Rousanne
- Viognier
True or False
Chateauneuf-du-Papa AOC makes only Dry whites and Dry reds.
True
What is special about Tavel Rose as related to its winemaking process?
- Vinification is typically via maceration
- Same as saignee method but all the juice is used for rose wine only - no reds are made
True or False
Most of the production bottled in Clairette de Die AOC is Clairette de Die Methode Dioise Ancestrale.
True
What is the only permitted grape of Condrieu AOC?
Viognier
The AOC only makes white wines mostly dry but traditionally had sweet wine (Min 4.5% or 45 g/l)
True or False
Both Ventoux and Luberon have been designated as UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for their unique biodiversity.
True
True or False
The Diois is NOT included in the Cotes du Rhone zone of production unlike the Northern Rhone Crus.
True
What are grape varieties used for Clairette de Die Methode Dioise Ancestrale, sweet sparkling blend wine?
- Muscat
- Clairette
Muscat dominates the blend
The wine can be white or rose
What is the primary geological difference between the Northern Rhone and Southern Rhone?
Northern Rhone: Steep slopes
Southern Rhone: Flatter lands
True or False
The Southern Rhone is likely the most susceptable region of France to climate change.
True
To minimize wind exposure, what is the training method used to ensure weaker caned Syrah withstand the pressure?
Echalas - The vines are tied to stakes
Which of the following AOCs is not included in the Cotes du Rhone zone of production:
- Ventoux
- Luberon
- Costieres de Nimes
All of three are not included in the Cotes du Rhone zone of production
What is the soil type of Cornas AOC?
Granite which forms a natural amphitheater protecting the vines from cold winds.
Name two AOCs in the Southern Rhone Cru villages that craft fortified sweet wines, vin doux naturels.
- Rasteau AOC
- Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise AOC
Why winemakers must take care to make Syrah based wines?
Its reductive nature tned to add excessive gamey, barnyard notes.
What does Mourvedre bring to the GSM blend?
List five
- Alcohol
- Tannin
*Acidity - Pigment
- Reductive
Which AOC is the most famous and largest of the Southern Rhone Crus?
Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC
What wine style dominates Luberon AOC’s production?
Rose (over 50%)
How many grape varieties may be incorporated into the wines of Cotes du Rhone AOC?
23
True or False
Over 30% of vineyards in Vinsobres AOC are farmed organically
True
Which AOCs are on the left bank of the Rhone River in the Northern Rhone?
- Hermitage / L’Hermitage / L’Ermitage AOC
- Crozes-Hermiage / Crozes-Ermitage AOC
True or False
All of the eight appellations in the Northern Rhone lie within Cotes du Rhone.
True
Which cities are located at the northern end and the southern end of the Northern Rhone?
- North: Vienne
- South: Valance
What are two common climate impact that the Northern and Southern Rhone share?
- The Rhone River
- The Mistral
What are wine styles of Saint Joseph AOC?
Dry Whites (14%)
Dry Reds (86%)
True or False
It is NOT traditional or usual to age Rhone wines in small new oak barrels.
True
True or False
From June to August, Costieres de Nimes has some of the highest temperatures in France.
True
What grape variety is mandatory in Beaumes de Venise AOC?
Grenache
(60% of the wine must be Grenachem Syrah and/or Mourvedre)
What type of soil has Syrah planted in the Northern Rhone?
Stony soils (to reflect back the heat during early evenings)
For white varieites what soil types (3) are sought in the Northern Rhone?
- Limestone
- Clay
- Sand
True or False
Both Ventoux AOC and Luberon AOC has Continental climate.
False
Ventoux AOC - Mediterranean climate with alpine influences
Luberon AOC - Mediterranean climate with continental influences
What are three sub divsdions in the Rhone Valley wine region?
- Les Cotes du Rhone (where Cotes du Rhone AOC is known)
- Northern Rhone
- Southern Rhone
Southern outlying wine regions are not part of Cotes du Rhone and not connected to the sub division of Les Cotes du Rhone (but Diois vineyards are also part of the Les Cotes du Rhone area)
What is the percentage difference between Cotes du Rhone and Cotes du Rhone Villages of the minimum required for the principal grapes for the red blends?
- Cotes du Rhone AOC - minimum 60%
- Cotes du Rhone Villages AOC - minimum 66%
Which direction most of the vineyards of Gigondas AOC face to produce wines with freshness?
Northwest
West
List six major white grapes used in the Southern Rhone.
Plus one variety important for Vin Doux Naturel (VDN) production
- Bourboulenc - to moderate high alcohol / low acidity such as Grenache Blanc and Clairette
- Clairette - Successful due to large leafs which protect grape clusters from sun burns.
- Grenache Blanc - Primary grape of Cotes du Rhone and Chateauneuf-du-Pape. High extract but easily oxidized
- Marsannne
- Rousssane
- Viognier
- Muscat a Petis Grains Blanc
Why are vines in the Southern Rhone spaced more widely apart than in the Northern Rhone (2)?
- Depleted soil
- Lack of water
How many Crus are in the Southern Rhone?
9 Crus
What are the principal grapes (2) of Saint-Peray AOC?
- Marsanne
- Roussanne
What is the climate of the Northern Rhone?
Continental with Maritime influence
As of 2020, how many DGCs are within the Cotes du Rhone Villages which can put their name on the label?
22 DGCs (villages are allowed to add their name)
Which AOC in Rhone is a monopole?
Chateau-Grillet AOC
What are two common features of the Northern Rhone and Southern Rhone climate and geology wise?
- The Mistral Wind
- The Rhone River
Which AOC is the largest of the Northern Rhone Crus?
Crozes-Hermitage
Name wine style of Vinsobres AOC.,
What charcterizes the AOC from terroir perespective?
- Red wine only with Grenache based and must contain either Syrah or Mourvedre
- Elevation of 200-450 m terraced on sand and clays
- 30% farmed organically and most of the rest are sustainable
What wine styles Saint-Peray AOC produces?
- Dry White
- Sparkling wine
True or False
Chateau-Grillet is located within Condrieu and only produced dry white wine.
True
It is made from Viognier
Which AOC in the Northern Rhone produces red wine made from 100% Syrah?
Cornas
Wha wine style does Tavel AOC produce?
Rose
True or False
The rugged terrain of the Northern Rhone was cultivated before the flatter plain of the Southern Rhone
True
The Romans preferred hillside vineyards as they were considered more frost resistant.
True or False
Ventoux AOC is the largest of seven non-Cotes du Rhone AOCs in the Southern Rhone.
True
What are required for Rasteau AOC VDNs White Ambre (Oxidative)?
- Can include entire Grenache family (Noir, Gris and Blanc) - Blanc (Reductive) cannot include Noir
- At least 90% of the blend must be composed of Grenache
- Matured until at leaset March 1 of the third year after harvest
True or False
Cotes du Rhone Villages production comes solely from the Southern Rhone.
True
What is the climate of the Southern Rhone?
The Mediterranean.
How many sanctioned grapes does Tavel AOC has?
9 Sanctioned grapes
(15 if color variation is counted)
Compared to Chateauneuf-du-Pape:
13 sanctioned grapes (19 if counting color variations)
List which area is the Rhone Valley is bordered by in southeastern France (i.e. north, south, east and west).
- North: Lyon and Bordearux
- SoutheWest and SouthEast respectively: Languedoc and Provence
- East: The Prealps
- West: The mountains of the Massif Central
List three grape varieties primarilly used to make the Southern Rhone Red wine.
- Gremache
- Syrah
- Mourvedre
GSM blend
What are typical soil types of Gigondas?
Marls
Limestone
Sand
True or False
Up to 15% of Marsanne and/or Roussane may be co-fermented with Syrah to craft Hermiage and Crozes-Herminage Reds.
True
What are “Special Cuvees” typically made from in the Southern Rhone (3)?
- Particularly good parcels of fruit within a vineyard
- From vieilles vignes or a single terroir
- Represent a small lot of wine vinified in a different manner from the estate’s regular wine
True or False
The Cotes du Rhone blending rules are different north of Montelimar (i.e Northern Rhone).
True
Different grapes are grown in the Northern Rhone.
True or False
Overwhelming of Rose wines in the Southern Rhone are Dry and Still.
True
Though a small amount of Rose VDN is made
True or White
Vigonier is permitted in Cote Rotie AOC but no white wine is made in the AOC.
True
Why is Clairette (white grape) is successful in the Southern Rhone?
It has large leaves to protect the grapes from sunburn.
What grape variety is ofen blended with Marsanne?
Which grape variety is considered to be the finer of the two?
- Roussanne
- Marsanne as it has high extract levels
Why did the Romans build terraced vineyards of steep hillsides in the Norhtern Rhone?
Reduced erosion to retaine soils
Who were “Rhone Ranges”?
California wine producers who made their wines in the Rhone Valley styles.
What climate the Southern Rhone is affected by?
The Mediterranean
True or False
For red Cotes du Rhone vinified south of Montelimar, Grenache is mandatory.
True
What grape variety is used for Muscat de Beaumes de Venise AOC?
- White: Muscat a Petis Grains Blanc
- Red: Muscat a Petis Grains Rouge
What is Syrah considered to be an ideal blending partner with Grenache when co-fermented with?
- Higher acidity (Grenache - moderate acidity)
- More tanninc structure
- Reductive nature (counterbalance oxidative tendencies of Grenache)
What wine style does Beaumes de Venise AOC produce?
Red wines only
Muscat de Beaumes de Venise is a separate AOC
What is the percentage of Rose production of Luberon AOC?
Over 50%
Name the monopole in the Northern Rhone.
Chateau Grillet AOC
Only one of the two outside Burgundy (the other is Couleee de Serrant in the Loire Valley)
What white grape varieties can be added up to 10% to Red Saint Joseph wines?
- Marsanne
- Rousanne
What major climate event changed the landscape of the Rhone Valley in the 20th century?
The Big Freeze of 1956
True or False
For Cotes du Rhone AOC, only one principal grape is mandate but not specified for Red blends vinified north of Montelimar.
True
At least 60% must be included in the bottle
What impacted features creating the vast stone-covered terraces so characteristic of the topography in the Southern Rhone?
Ice melt
List in order of quality the Cotes du Rhone AOC hierachy.
- Crus
- Cotes du Rhone Villlages + named village AOC
- Cotes du Rhone Villages AOC
- Cotes du Rhone AOC
What are requirements (2) for Rasteau AOC Blanc (Reductive) VDNs?
- At least 90% Grenache Blanc and/or Grenache Gris
- Can be release after May 1 of the year after harvest if they have at least 3 months in bottle
True or False
Over 95% of the wines produced in Cotes du Rhone Villages are Red.
True
True or False
Co-operatives produce the overwhelming majority of Ventoux AOC.
True
What is the primary red grape variety of the Southern Rhone and list its attributes (3)?
- Grenache
- High alcohol
- Moderate in pigment
- Moderate in acid
True or False
Cornas only makes 100% Syrah red wines.
True
What is the climate of Ventoux AOC?
The Mediterranea with alpine influences
True or False
According to Inter Rhone, the Rhone Valley’s inter-professional organization, there are 34 grapve varieties on record as planted throughout the entire Rhone Valley.
True
True or False
White wines of Hermitage usually spend some time in wood.
True
What are two attrirbutes of Bourboulenc (whtie grape)?
What are two purposes used to balance when blended with Grenache Blanc and Clairette blends?
- Moderate alcohol
- High acidity
- Balance high alcohol and lower acid grapes such as Grenache and Clairette
Which AOC in Rhone Sparkling wine made?
Saint-Peray
True or False
With exceptions of some Chateauneuf-du-Pape special cuvees, it is not typical nor tradtional to age Southern Rhone wines in small new oak barrels.
True
Which AOC traditionally made Vin de Paille in the Northern Rhone?
Which grapes are used?
- Hermitage
- Marsaane and/or Roussane
- Grapes are harvested and dried on straw mats for at least 45 days to concentrate sugars
Which AOC in the Southern Rhone mandates hand harvesting by law?
Beaumes de Venise AOC
List five grape varieties in order of area under vine in Cotes du Rhone including Chatheauneuf-de-Pape (2018).
- Grenache (55%)
- Syrah (24%)
- Carignan (6%)
- Mourvedre *4%)
- Cinsaut (3%) - typical and popular component of Roses
What edict King Louis XV issued in 1737 and enforce to control quality and prevent fraud for “Cotes du Rhone” wines?
He enforced branding the wines with with “CDR”.
True or False
Chateau Grillet AOC wines are not aged.
False
2 years in oak barrels or tanks
What is Cote Rotie-style blends?
Syrah with a small additions of Viognier (emulated by Australian producers with Shiraz).
Which two AOCs make more powerfully structured wines in the Northern Rhone?
Which two AOCs generally more elegant?
- Cornas
- Hermitage
- Saint-Joseph and Cote Rotie more elegant
What are three grape varieties often used in Rose in the Southern Rhone?
- Clairette Rose
- Grenache Gris
- Piquepoul Gris
What are the two primary grape varieties in Ventoux AOC along with GSM varieties?
- Carignan
- Cinsaut
Whart is considered to be a Cru in the Northern Rhone?
Each of the eight appellations in the Northern Rhone.
True or False
As with the Northern Rhone, it is neither typical nor traditional to age Southern Rhone wines in small, new oak barrels.
True
Though some Chateauneuf-du-Pape special cuvees do so.
What does Roussanne add (1) when incorporated into the reds and whites of the Northern Rhone?
Perfume
True or False
All of the vineyard areas in Northern Rhone is covered by one of eight appellations.
True
What is the primary grape variety of the Southern Rhone?
Grenache
True or False
White grape varieties can be added to Syrah to make Hermitage AOC wines.
True
Up to 15% (same as Crozes Hermitage) of Marsannne and/or Roussanne can be added
True or False
The Diois is one of France’s highest wine regions.
True
For Cairanne AOC, what grape is used to make the white wines typically?
- Clairette
- Supplemented by Roussane and/or
- Grenache Blanc
Large percentage of production is red
What wine style does the Northern Rhone Red make?
- Still
- Dry
- With bright acidity
What are three styles of wine produced in Hermitage AOC?
- Dry White (1/3 produciton)
- Dry Red (2/3 production)
- Vin de Paille (sweet wine)
Do White or Red wines represent the majority of Muscat de Beaumes de Venise AOC.
White (83%)
What are typical soil types found in the Southern Rhone (5)?
- Galets (rounded river stones)
- Garrigue (limestone)
- Sandstone
- Clay
- Loess/Molasse (windblown silts and sands)
What are two wines made under Clairette de Die AOC?
- Clairette de Doe
- Clairette de Die Methode Dioise Ancestrale
True or False
Costieres de Nimes AOC is located on the right bank of the Rhone River.
True
Which AOC in the Diois is responsible for 96% of the entire production?
Clairette de Die AOC
True or False
Just 4% of the Rhone Valley’s wine production comes from the Northern Rhone
True
What is the climate of the Northern Rhone?
Continental with Mediterranean influences
How many villages out of 117 villages in Cotes du Rhone AOC are allowed to make Cotes du Rhone Villages AOC?
How many villages can add their village name on the label as in Cotes du Rhone Villages + named village DGC?
How many CRUs are in the Rhone Valley?
- 95 Villages
- 22 Villages
- 17 Crus (8 in the Northern and 9 in the Southern Rhone)
What type of wines does Saint-Peray AOC make?
- Dry White
- Sparkling white wine (traditional method)
Unlike many AOCs in the Southern Rhone, Syrah is the dominant grape variety in this AOC. What is it?
Costieres de Nimes AOC
True or False
Significant percentage (36%) of the production of Ventoux AOC is Rose.
True
What is the common denominator of the following three AOCs in the Southern Rhone:
Ventoux AOC
Luberon AOC
Costieres de Nimes AOC
The three are non-Cotes du Rhone AOCs
Name three AOCs that lie on the open expanse of the valley floor and therefore exposed to the full brunt of the Mistral wind.
- Chateauneuf-du-Pape (on the east bank)
- Tavel (on the west bank)
- Lirac (on the west bank)
What is the primary soil type of the Northern Rhone?
Granite
What is the aging requirement of Rasteau AOC Rose VDN?
None
What geological feature impacts vineyards of Beuames de Venise AOC?
The Dentellles de Montmirail serve as.a wind break sheltering wines from the Mistral.
Name two prominent producers in the Rhone Valley.
- E. Guigal
- Chateau de Beaucastel (in Chateauneuf-du-Pape)
True or False
Half of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC wines are exported internationally.
True
What is the main training method of Syrah and Viognier in the Northern Rhone?
Guyot
Name four primary grapes used for Lirac AOC Rose and Red.
- Grenache
- Cinsaut
- Syrah
- Mourvedre
What style is the majority of VDNs made in Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise?
White VDN - 83%
Rose VDN - 15%
Red VDN - 1% Red
All wines are made fresh reductive style
What is echalas?
In Rhone Valley, traditional support structure place two vines at the center of two or three stakes that are arragned teepee-fashion over them
What initiatives producers in the Southern Rhone are taking specifically to Grenache and Syrha to combat climate change?
- Develop disease resistant crosses with later ripening and higher yields
- Finding drought resistant rootstocks
Which three AOCs line on the open expanse of the valley floor and are therefore exposed to the full brunt of the Mistral?
- Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC
- Lilac AOC
- Tavel AOC
What geological feature the Southern Rhone Cru appellations are nestled along and what are the benefits derived from?
- The foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail
- Serves as a sun trap and wind block for the vines depnding on the location
True or False
The majority of the Northern Rhone Crus are dedicated to red wine
True
What atrributes Mourvedre brings to Grenache baesd blends (4)?
- Alcohol
- Tannin
- Pigment
- Reductive nature
What wine was first called “Vin du Pape”?
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
What is the modern training system used in the Southern Rhone to allow for better sun exposure, faciliates pruning and eliminates humidity buildup as well as to support against the wind?
Guyot
What did Pope John XXII do to make an obscure place north of Avignon to prominance?
He established a summer residence is what is now.Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
Are the AOCs of Ventoux, Luberon, Costieres de Nimes included in the Cotes du Rhone zone of production?
No
What training method is used for most vines in the Southern Rhone?
The Goblet method
This ground hugging training system protects the vines from the Mistral
Name three villages (AOC) that sit in the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail Mountains (servers as a sun trap and/or wind block).
- Gigondas AOC
- Vacqueyras AOC
- Beaumes de Venise AOC
What wine style does Beaumes de Venise AOC produce?
Red only
True or False
Minimally 66% of the red Cotes du Rhone Villages blend must be comprised of at least two of the principal grapes, one of them must be Grenache.
True
Which bank of the Rhone River, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, is on?
The Left Bank
Which soil type signifies many of Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC vineyards?
Galets
along with limestone, sandstone, clay
True of False
Both Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Tavel AOC has Galets.
True
True or False
Most vineyards in the Northern Rhone require hand harvesting due to its steep slopes.
True
What does Marsanne bring when co-fermented with Syrah (2)?
- Aromatic complexity
- Soften tannins
Which wine region in the Rhone has continental climate with alpine influences from the nearby Massif du Vercors and is one of the highest wine regions in France?
The Dios
What are the requirements for Rasteau AOC Red VDS Grenat and Tuile versions?
- Comprises at least 75% of Grenache Noir
- All threes Grenache must make up at least 90%
- Grenat (Reductive) - Aged the same as Blanc
- Tuile (Oxidative) - Aged the same as Ambre