Rhone Flashcards
How does the Mistral wind affect viticulture in the Rhône Valley?
Cools, reducing disease pressure, but increasing risk of vine damage
What are the key climatic differences between the Northern and Southern Rhône?
- Mistral is less strong in Northern Rhone than Southern
- North, cooler - continental
- South, warmer - mediterranean
What are the main districts of the Rhône Valley, and how do their wines differ?
Northen Rhone - mostly red Syrah
Southern - Grenache based blends, more diverse styles
What are the key sub-districts within the Northern Rhône?
Cote Rotie, Condrieu, St Joseph, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Cornas, St Peray
What are the principal grape varieties of the Northern Rhône, and which wines are they used in?
Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne, Roussane, (Muscat in Clairette de die)
What are the principal grape varieties of the Southern Rhône, and how do they contribute to blends?
Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedre
Why is blending more common in the Southern Rhône than in the Northern Rhône?
Warmer climate allows many varieties to ripen; blending improves balance and complexity.
What are the classic grape blends used in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
Mainly GSM + Cinsault
What are the differences between a typical Northern Rhône Syrah and a Southern Rhône Grenache-based wine?
Northern Rhône Syrah – More structured, peppery, with high acidity.
Southern Rhône Grenache – Fuller-bodied, fruitier, with lower acidity.
What are the main wine styles produced in the Rhône Valley?
Red, white, rosé, fortified (VDN, VDL).
What are the principal AOPs of the Northern Rhône, and what grape varieties are permitted?
Cote Rotie - Syrah + up to 20% Viognier
Condrieu - Viognier (+Chateau Grillet monopole)
St Joseph - Syrah + up to 10% Marsanne/Rousanne
Hermitage - Syrah + up to 15% M/R (usually 100% syrah) / M/R white wines
Crozes-Hermitage - As Hermitage
Cornas - 100% Syrah
Saint Peray - still white and trad method M/R
What are the principal AOPs of the Southern Rhône, and how do they differ in style and varietals?
Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Rich, powerful red blends.
Gigondas, Vacqueyras – Bold reds, similar to Châteauneuf.
Tavel, Lirac – Rosé and red wines.
Côtes du Rhône (+Villages) – Broad regional AOP with diverse styles.
What are some common labeling terms found on Rhône Valley wines, and what do they indicate?
Côtes du Rhône – Entry-level wines from the region.
Villages – Higher quality than basic Côtes du Rhône.
Cru – Top AOPs like Hermitage, Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
What is the difference between VDN (Vin Doux Naturel) and VDL (Vin de Liqueur)?
- VDN fortified after fermentation
- VDL fortified before fermentation
How is Vin Doux Naturel (VDN) produced in the Rhône Valley?
Fermentation is stopped by adding grape spirit, preserving sweetness.
What are the grape varieties used in Rhône VDN and VDL wines?
Muscat (VDN), Grenache (both VDN & VDL).
What are some of the most prestigious estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
Château de Beaucastel
Château Rayas
Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe
What are the key vineyard sites in the Northern Rhône, and what makes them unique?
Hermitage – Steep granite slopes, produces age-worthy Syrah.
Côte-Rôtie – “Roasted slope,” south-facing, known for floral, complex Syrah.
How does the terroir of Côte-Rôtie influence the style of Syrah produced there?
Granite and schist soils, steep slopes, and a warm aspect create elegant, floral Syrah.
