Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Advanced Sommelier > Rhone > Flashcards

Rhone Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
Introductory Sommelier Exam (CMS) flashcards
1
Q

What are the two main divisions of the Rhône Valley?

A

Northern Rhône and Southern Rhône.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What river runs through the Rhône Valley?

A

The Rhône River.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the primary climatic difference between Northern and Southern Rhône?

A

Northern Rhône: Continental climate; Southern Rhône: Mediterranean climate.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the dominant red grape of the Northern Rhône?

A

Syrah.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are the primary red grape varieties of the Southern Rhône?

A
  • Grenache
  • Syrah
  • Mourvèdre
  • Cinsault
  • Carignan
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are the two primary white grapes of the Northern Rhône?

A
  • Viognier
  • Marsanne
  • Roussanne
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the Mistral, and how does it affect Rhône Valley vineyards?

A

A strong, cold wind that reduces humidity and disease pressure but can stress vines.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is galets roulés, and where is it found?

A

Large, rounded stones that retain heat; found in Southern Rhône, particularly in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the primary soil type of the Northern Rhône?

A

Granite with some schist and clay.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the primary soil type of Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

A

Sand, clay, limestone, and galets roulés.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are the eight AOCs of the Northern Rhône?

A
  • Côte-Rôtie
  • Condrieu
  • Château-Grillet
  • Saint-Joseph
  • Crozes-Hermitage
  • Hermitage
  • Cornas
  • Saint-Péray
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What distinguishes Côte-Rôtie wines?

A

Syrah is often co-fermented with up to 20% Viognier for added aroma and texture.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is the primary soil type in Côte-Rôtie?

A

Côte Blonde: sandy, limestone-rich; Côte Brune: schist.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Name two famous Côte-Rôtie producers.

A
  • Guigal
  • René Rostaing
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is the only appellation in France dedicated exclusively to Viognier?

A

Condrieu.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What distinguishes Château-Grillet from Condrieu?

A

It is a monopole AOC owned by François Pinault, producing high-quality Viognier.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is the primary grape of Hermitage?

A

Syrah for red wines; Marsanne and Roussanne for whites.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What distinguishes Crozes-Hermitage from Hermitage?

A

Crozes-Hermitage covers a larger area and produces more approachable, less concentrated wines.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is unique about Cornas compared to other Northern Rhône reds?

A

100% Syrah, known for its robust and age-worthy wines.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Saint-Péray?

A

Still and sparkling wines from Marsanne and Roussanne.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What are the primary crus of the Southern Rhône?

A
  • Châteauneuf-du-Pape
  • Gigondas
  • Vacqueyras
  • Beaumes-de-Venise
  • Vinsobres
  • Tavel
  • Lirac
  • Rasteau
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is the minimum required Grenache in Châteauneuf-du-Pape red wines?

A

30%.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is the maximum number of grape varieties allowed in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

A

13 (including variants, 18 total).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What is the significance of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s papal history?

A

The appellation is named after the summer residence of the Avignon Popes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What is demi-muid, and how is it used in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

A

A large 600-liter oak barrel often used for aging.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What distinguishes Gigondas wines from Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

A

Gigondas is often more rustic and dominated by Grenache with lower alcohol.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What is the primary soil type in Vacqueyras?

A

Clay and limestone.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

What distinguishes Rasteau from other Southern Rhône AOCs?

A

Known for both dry red wines and fortified sweet wines (vin doux naturel).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What is the only rosé-only AOC in the Rhône?

A

Tavel.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Lirac?

A

Red, white, and rosé wines.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

What is co-fermentation, and where is it commonly used in the Rhône?

A

Fermenting multiple grape varieties together; common in Côte-Rôtie.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

What is gobelet training, and why is it significant in the Southern Rhône?

A

Bush vine training system that protects grapes from heat and wind.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

What is carbonic maceration, and where is it occasionally used in the Rhône?

A

A fermentation technique for lighter, fruitier wines; sometimes used in Southern Rhône reds.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

What is the aging potential of top-tier Hermitage wines?

A

20-30+ years.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

What is the typical alcohol content of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines?

A

14.5-15.5%.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

Who is the most famous producer in Côte-Rôtie?

A

Guigal, known for its ‘La La’ single-vineyard wines (La Landonne, La Mouline, La Turque).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

Who is a notable producer in Hermitage?

A

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

Who pioneered the revival of Château-Grillet?

A

François Pinault and his team.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

Who is a top producer in Cornas?

A

Auguste Clape.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

What is the significance of Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

A

One of the region’s iconic estates, known for traditional winemaking.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

What is the maximum yield allowed in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

A

35 hl/ha.

42
Q

What is the minimum alcohol requirement for Côte-Rôtie wines?

A

10.5%.

43
Q

What is the minimum alcohol requirement for Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines?

A

12.5%.

44
Q

What is the minimum aging requirement for Cornas?

A

None specified, but wines are often aged extensively to soften their tannins.

45
Q

What distinguishes Crozes-Hermitage blanc from Hermitage blanc?

A

Crozes-Hermitage blanc is often lighter and more approachable.

46
Q

What made the 2010 vintage in the Rhône exceptional?

A

Balanced wines with high acidity and excellent aging potential.

47
Q

What defines the 2015 Rhône vintage?

A

A warm vintage with ripe, concentrated wines.

48
Q

What is notable about the 2018 vintage in the Rhône?

A

A hot vintage producing rich, bold wines with high alcohol.

49
Q

What distinguishes the 2016 Rhône vintage?

A

A near-perfect vintage with balance, structure, and elegance.

50
Q

What challenges defined the 2013 vintage in the Northern Rhône?

A

A cool, wet year producing lower yields and fresher wines.

51
Q

What is the typical vine training system used in the Northern Rhône?

A

Guyot training or échalas (single stakes for steep slopes)

This system is especially useful for managing vines on the region’s steep terrains.

52
Q

What is the importance of terraces in the Northern Rhône?

A

They prevent soil erosion and allow for vineyard planting on steep slopes

Terracing is crucial for maintaining soil health and maximizing vineyard space.

53
Q

What is the typical vine density in the Northern Rhône?

A

High, around 8,000-10,000 vines per hectare

54
Q

What is laissez-faire viticulture, and where is it practiced in the Rhône?

A

Minimal intervention, often in traditional vineyards in the Southern Rhône

55
Q

What is the role of marnes (marl) in Rhône Valley soils?

A

Provides water retention and contributes to elegance in wines

56
Q

What are the subzones of Hermitage?

A

Les Bessards, Le Méal, Les Greffieux, L’Hermite, and Les Diognières

57
Q

What is the primary soil type in Cornas?

A

Decomposed granite, known locally as gore

58
Q

What makes Saint-Joseph wines stylistically different from Hermitage?

A

Saint-Joseph wines are lighter and less concentrated, often less age-worthy

59
Q

What is the maximum Viognier allowed in Côte-Rôtie?

A

20%

60
Q

What is the key stylistic difference between Cornas and Côte-Rôtie Syrah?

A

Cornas is more rustic and powerful, while Côte-Rôtie is more elegant and perfumed

61
Q

What distinguishes Saint-Péray méthode traditionnelle from méthode ancestrale wines?

A

Méthode traditionnelle involves a second fermentation in bottle; méthode ancestrale is a single fermentation

62
Q

What is the smallest appellation in the Northern Rhône?

A

Château-Grillet

63
Q

What is the typical alcohol level for Condrieu wines?

A

Around 13.5-14.5%

64
Q

Which Hermitage vineyard is most associated with Domaine Jean-Louis Chave?

A

Les Bessards

65
Q

What distinguishes Crozes-Hermitage reds from Hermitage reds in aging potential?

A

Crozes-Hermitage wines are more approachable in youth, while Hermitage wines are long-lived

66
Q

What is the minimum required Grenache for Gigondas wines?

A

50%

67
Q

What distinguishes Beaumes-de-Venise as an AOC?

A

Produces both dry red wines and fortified sweet Muscat wines (Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise)

68
Q

What is the main soil type in Tavel?

A

Sand and clay-limestone, with galets roulés in some areas

69
Q

What is the significance of vin doux naturel in Rasteau?

A

Fortified wines made primarily from Grenache

70
Q

What is the primary grape of Lirac reds?

A

Grenache, often blended with Syrah and Mourvèdre

71
Q

What distinguishes Vacqueyras reds from Gigondas reds?

A

Vacqueyras tends to have slightly less alcohol and a more rustic character

72
Q

What are the primary soil types in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

A

Galets roulés, sand, clay, and limestone

73
Q

What is the significance of la Crau in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

A

A renowned vineyard area known for producing powerful and structured wines

74
Q

What is the primary style of rosé in Tavel?

A

Structured and full-bodied with a dry profile

75
Q

What is the primary style of rosé in Lirac?

A

Lighter and fruitier than Tavel

76
Q

What are the key differences between Grenache and Syrah in Southern Rhône blends?

A

Grenache provides body and alcohol, while Syrah adds color, structure, and spice

77
Q

What is the role of Mourvèdre in Southern Rhône blends?

A

Adds tannin, color, and gamey, earthy complexity

78
Q

What distinguishes Marsanne from Roussanne in white Rhône blends?

A

Marsanne provides weight and texture; Roussanne adds aromatics and acidity

79
Q

What is the historical significance of Viognier in the Rhône Valley?

A

Nearly extinct in the mid-20th century, it was revived and is now the signature grape of Condrieu

80
Q

What is Terret Noir, and where is it found in the Rhône?

A

A minor red blending grape in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, contributing spice and acidity

81
Q

What is the primary fermentation vessel used in the Northern Rhône?

A

Traditionally concrete or stainless steel; oak barrels for Hermitage

82
Q

What is délestage, and how is it used in Rhône winemaking?

A

Rack-and-return technique to enhance extraction and soften tannins

83
Q

What is the role of whole-cluster fermentation in Syrah production?

A

Adds tannin structure and complex aromatics

84
Q

What is mutage, and how is it used in Rasteau?

A

The addition of grape spirit to stop fermentation, preserving sweetness in vin doux naturel

85
Q

What is the typical aging regimen for Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines?

A

Aged in a mix of large foudres, concrete tanks, and occasionally new oak barrels

86
Q

What is the significance of Domaine Auguste Clape in Cornas?

A

A pioneer of traditional winemaking, producing some of the most age-worthy Syrah

87
Q

Who produces the famous ‘La Chapelle’ Hermitage?

A

Paul Jaboulet Aîné

88
Q

What distinguishes Château de Beaucastel in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

A

Known for using all 13 permitted varieties and its high Mourvèdre content

89
Q

What is Guigal’s LaLa series, and why is it important?

A

Iconic single-vineyard Côte-Rôtie wines: La Landonne, La Mouline, La Turque

90
Q

What producer is renowned for single-vineyard Condrieu wines?

A

Georges Vernay

91
Q

What is the maximum yield for Hermitage AOC wines?

A

45 hl/ha

92
Q

What is the maximum yield for Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

A

35 hl/ha

93
Q

What is the minimum alcohol requirement for Cornas wines?

A

10.5%

94
Q

What are the aging requirements for Rasteau vin doux naturel?

A

Minimum of 12 months

95
Q

What is the minimum alcohol requirement for Tavel rosé?

A

11.5%

96
Q

What distinguishes the 2019 Rhône vintage?

A

A warm year with ripe, concentrated wines and good balance

97
Q

What made the 2007 Rhône vintage unique?

A

Ripe and accessible wines with softer tannins

98
Q

What was challenging about the 2014 vintage in the Rhône?

A

Cooler, wetter conditions leading to fresher, lighter wines

99
Q

What is notable about the 2020 Rhône vintage?

A

A hot vintage with high alcohol and plush, approachable wines

100
Q

What defines the 1998 Rhône vintage?

A

A classic year with structured, age-worthy wines

Advanced Sommelier (9 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions