Rhone Flashcards
What is the location of the Northern Rhône?
A narrow strip of land on steep hillsides along the Rhône River, from Vienne in the north to Valence in the south.
What type of climate characterizes the Northern Rhône?
Continental climate, with the Mistral wind blowing from north to south.
What is the ‘echalas’?
A vine training system used in the Northern Rhône.
What is the only black grape variety used for red wines in Northern Rhône?
Syrah.
What are the major grape varieties for white wines in Northern Rhône?
Viognier, Roussanne, and Marsanne.
What are the notable AOCs in Northern Rhône?
Côte-Rôtie AOC, Saint-Joseph AOC, Crozes-Hermitage AOC, Hermitage AOC, Cornas AOC, Condrieu AOC, Château-Grillet AOC, Saint-Péray AOC.
What are the soil types in Côte-Rôtie?
- Côte Brune: Higher clay content rich in ironstone.
- Côte Blonde: Derived from granite with a higher percentage of limestone.
What is the grape composition in Côte-Rôtie?
Syrah as the single red grape, with up to 20% Viognier permitted.
Who are some leading producers in Côte-Rôtie?
- Domaine Jamet
- E. Guigal
- René Rostaing
- Domaine Gilles Barge
- Domaine Bernard Levet
What is the first vintage of La Mouline by E. Guigal?
1966.
What is the grape composition of La Landonne?
100% Syrah.
What is the main grape variety in Saint-Joseph AOC?
Syrah.
What types of wines are produced in Saint-Joseph AOC?
- Red Wines: Primarily Syrah, with up to 10% Marsanne or Roussanne.
- White Wines: Composed of Marsanne and Roussanne.
What is the history of Saint-Joseph AOC?
Originally called Vin de Mauves, it was officially recognized as an AOC in 1956.
What is the primary grape used for red wines in Crozes-Hermitage AOC?
Syrah.
What is the origin of the name ‘Hermitage’?
From the Knight Gaspard de Stérimberg, who lived as a hermit on the hill after returning from the Crusades in 1224.
What are the main grape varieties in Hermitage AOC?
- Red Wines: Primarily Syrah, with up to 15% Marsanne/Roussanne.
- White Wines: Blend of Marsanne and Roussanne.
What is Vin de Paille?
A rare, sweet wine made from sun-dried Marsanne and Roussanne grapes.
What is unique about Château-Grillet?
It is a monopole, owned by a single estate, and one of the smallest AOCs in France.
What are the types of wines produced in Saint-Péray AOC?
- Still White Wine
- Sparkling Wine made by méthode traditionnelle.
What is the main grape used for Crémant de Die AOC?
100% Clairette.
What are some standout vintages in the Northern Rhône from 1990 to 2020?
- 1990
- 1999
- 2005
- 2010
- 2015
- 2016
- 2019
What is the Mistral?
A powerful cold dry wind blowing north to south, affecting the climate in the Rhône.
What is the name origin of Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
Named after the ruined summer palace of a fourteenth-century Pope.
What are the main grape varieties in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
- Grenache
- Syrah
- Cinsault
- Counoise
- Mourvèdre
- Others: Bourboulenc, Clairette, etc.
What is the emblem of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine producers?
The emblem of crossed keys, protected by law.
What is the flagship wine of Château Rayas?
Château Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve, made from 100% Grenache.
What is the historical significance of Cornas AOC?
Wine production dates back to at least 885 AD, with admiration from historical figures.
What grape is exclusively used for Cornas wines?
100% Syrah.
What are the characteristics of wines produced in Condrieu AOC?
Highly concentrated fruit flavors of apricot and peaches.
What is unique about Château-Grillet’s vineyard size?
It covers only 3.8 hectares (9.4 acres).
What is the significance of Domaine Santa Duc?
It delivers elegant and refined expressions of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
What is Mont-Redon known for?
One of the largest single vineyards, known for its terroir-driven wines.
What does the name ‘Gigondas’ mean?
‘Great pleasure and enjoyment’ from the Latin word ‘Jocunditas’.
When did Gigondas become an official AOC?
In 1971.
What geographical feature divides the Gigondas appellation?
The Dentelles de Montmirail.
What are the soil types found in Gigondas?
Limestone on slopes and rocky, sandy, free-draining soils in lower areas.
What is the minimum percentage of Grenache required in Gigondas red wines?
At least 50%.
What is the principal grape for Gigondas white wines as of 2022?
Clairette.
What is the minimum percentage of Clairette required in Gigondas white wines?
At least 70%.
What are the minimum grape composition requirements for Beaumes-de-Venise red table wines?
- Minimum 50% Syrah
- Minimum 25% Grenache
- The rest from other Côtes du Rhône varieties.
What is Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise known for?
Produced from Muscat à Petit Grains Noir et Blanc grapes.
What are the characteristics of Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise?
- Naturally sweet (VDN)
- Minimum 100 g/l residual sugar
- Minimum 15% abv.
When did Cairanne gain AOC status?
In 2016.
What is the minimum grape composition for Cairanne red wines?
- Minimum 50% Grenache
- Minimum 20% Syrah and/or Mourvèdre.
What is the minimum percentage of Grenache and Syrah required for Côtes du Luberon red and rosé wines?
Minimum of 60%.
What is the grape composition for Costières de Nîmes red wines?
- Minimum 60% Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre
- Cinsault and Carignan included.
What was the former name of Grignan-les-Adhémar?
Coteaux du Tricastin.
What is the predominant grape composition for Grignan-les-Adhémar red wines?
- Predominantly Syrah and Grenache
- With Carignan, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and a maximum of 10% Marselan.
What types of wines does Lirac AOC produce?
Red, white, and rosé wines.
What are the characteristics of Rasteau AOC naturally sweet red fortified wines?
- Established since 1944
- Produced from 90% Old Vine Grenache Noir grapes.
What is the minimum residual sugar for Rasteau AOC fortified wines?
Minimum 252 g/l.
What was the significance of Tavel AOC in French wine history?
The first French rosé to receive an AOC.
What are the predominant grape varieties in Tavel AOC?
- Predominantly Grenache and Cinsault
- Followed by Mourvèdre and Picpoul.
What is the minimum grape composition for Vinsobres red wines?
- Minimum 50% Grenache
- Minimum 25% Mourvèdre or Syrah.
What does the Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC signify?
A higher quality level than the general Côtes du Rhône AOC.
What types of wines do Northern Rhône and Southern Rhône wines typically pair well with?
Roasts, dark meat dishes, and stronger flavors like game and stews.
What is unique about the Coteaux de Pierrevert region?
Located in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence but lobbying to be accepted under Provence.
What are some standout vintages from the Southern Rhône Valley between 1990 and 2020?
- 1990 – Legendary vintage
- 1998 – Powerful and concentrated
- 2001 – Classic with great aging potential
- 2005 – Finest of the decade
- 2010 – Standout year
- 2016 – Harmonious and refined
- 2019 – Warm vintage.
