Rhone Flashcards
Where is the Northern Rhone located?
The Northern Rhône, or Rhône septentrionale, occupies a narrow band of vineyards hugging the river just south of Beaujolais, from Vienne to Valence.
Where is the Southern Rhone located?
The vineyards of the Southern Rhône, or Rhône méridionale, funnel outward south of Montélimar toward Avignon, near the river’s Mediterranean basin.
The introduction of winemaking in France can be traced to the________, who established vine cultivation at their Massalia settlement—modern-day Marseilles—in approximately 600 BCE.
The introduction of winemaking in France can be traced to the “Greeks,” who established vine cultivation at their Massalia settlement—modern-day Marseilles—in approximately 600 BCE.
The Northern Rhône’s picturesque, hallmark terraces were first constructed by _______ workers
The Northern Rhône’s picturesque, hallmark terraces were first constructed by “Roman” workers
After the fall of Rome, who was responsible for reviving the vine culture in the Rhone?
As in Burgundy, the Catholic Church was primarily responsible for reviving the culture of the vine in the ninth century. In 1309, the Southern Rhône suddenly became the center of Christian Europe as Pope Clement V moved his court from Rome to Avignon.
Which Pope created the construction of the now ruined papal palace (Chateauneuf-du-Pape) and planted the surrounding vineyards?
Pope John XXII, began construction of the now-ruined summer papal palace—Châteauneuf-du-Pape—and planted the surrounding vineyards. The Roman Catholic Popes presided in Avignon until 1378, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape remained property of the papacy until 1791. However, the wine sourced from the papal vineyards—vin d’Avignon—was not bottled as Châteauneuf-du-Pape until the 19th century.
In the 17th century, how did Rhone wines find their way in England?
In the 17th century traders carried Rhône wines to the Loire Valley, and by the 18th they were being exported via the Loire to England.
How were wines from Hermitage viewed in 17th and 18th century?
The “manly” wines of Hermitage were amongst the most famous in France in the 18th and 19th centuries, and many merchants of Bordeaux blended it with their own reds to strengthen the wines.
What was the first French region to be struck by phylloxera and when?
The Southern Rhône was the first quality region in France to be struck by phylloxera when it first appeared in 1863.
What region became the prototype of the development for the AOC and when did they begin the groundwork?
As wine fraud took hold in France during the decades of grafting and replanting following the epidemic, the growers of Châteauneuf-du-Pape prepared and imposed a set of rules for production. These rules became the prototype for the Appellation Contrôlée system, and in 1936 Châteauneuf-du-Pape became the first AOC (now AOP) in France.
How were the wines from the Rhone viewed in the late 20th century and how they viewed now?
In the late 20th century, the wines were often overlooked in favor of Burgundy and Bordeaux; today, they are achieving critical acclaim and a renewed public interest.
Climate of Southern Rhone?
Southern Rhône’s climate is firmly Mediterranean
Climate of Northern Rhone?
Northern Rhône is more continental.
How are the vines positioned in the Northern Rhone and what climatic challenges do they deal with?
Northern Rhône benefits from its southerly position but experiences greater seasonal temperature shifts, more rainfall, and fewer annual hours of sunshine than the southern appellations.
Mistral
The cold, dry Mistral wind, a defining climatic element of the Southern Rhône and Provence, blows down from the Massif Central and affects the Northern Rhône in winter and spring.
What benefits does the mistral winds have?
Although the wind is strong enough to strip the vines—many trees in the valley grow leaning southward, bent by the wind—it dries the vineyards, preventing mold and mildew from taking hold.
What is the soil content like in majority of the vineyards in Northern Rhone?
Heat-retaining granitic and schistous soils define much of the North: the steeply sloped vineyards of Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu and Hermitage are carved out of this bedrock.
arzelle
Fine sand and loess topsoil throughout the Northern Rhône is prone to erosion, a threat partially mitigated by terrace construction. Near the commune of Condrieu, the thin topsoil is rich with powdery, decomposed mica, known locally as arzelle.
How are the soils in St-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage and St-Peray different than their Northern Rhone neighbors?
The soils become heavier with clay in the southern section of St-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage and St-Péray.
How are the reds of Northern Rhone typically fermented and aged?
The wines are typically fermented and aged in large oak foudres, although some producers are now experimenting with new barriques.
What is the leading varietal in Northern Rhone and what are its flavor characteristics?
In the Northern Rhône, the Syrah grape achieves its classic status. The wines are full-bodied, firm, savory, and manifest a host of signature secondary aromas including smoke, grilled meat, olive, lavender, and peppercorn.
What are the 5 appellations for Syrah in the Northern Rhone?
Hermitage AOP, Crozes-Hermitage AOP, Cornas AOP, Côte-Rôtie AOP, St-Joseph AOP.
In Cornas, Syrah is bottled as a _____% varietal wine.
In Cornas, Syrah is bottled as a 100% varietal wine.
In Côte-Rôtie, up to 20%_______ may be added.
In Côte-Rôtie, up to 20% Viognier may be added.
In Crozes-Hermitage and Hermitage, producers have the option of adding a combined total of _____% ______ and __________.
In Crozes-Hermitage and Hermitage, producers have the option of adding a combined total of 15% Marsanne and Roussanne.
St-Joseph producers may add up to____% ______ and ________.
St-Joseph producers may add up to 10% Marsanne and Roussanne.
What does co-fermentation of different varietals help promote in the Northern Rhone?
Co-fermentation offers the almost counterintuitive advantage of stabilizing red wine color and moderating tannin extraction. Generally, a smaller percentage of white grapes than the allowable maximums are used, if at all.
What is the northernmost appellation in the Northern Rhone?
Côte-Rôtie, the northernmost appellation in the Northern Rhône Valley, is home to some of France’s steepest vineyards.
Meaning behind the name “Cote Rotie”?
Côte-Rôtie, the “roasted slope,”
The two slopes nearest Ampuis—the ______ and ______—are considered the heart of the appellation’s terroir.
the two slopes nearest Ampuis—the Côte Brune and Côte Blonde—are considered the heart of the appellation’s terroir.
What type of wines does the Cote Blonde produce?
Côte Blonde yields softer, alluring wines whereas the wines
What type of wine does the Cote Brune produce?
Côte Brune are stronger and more assertive than the Cote Blonde.
La Landonne
La Landonne, a cru bottled as a vineyard designate by Guigal, René Rostaing and others, fetches prices that can equal those commanded by the first growths of Bordeaux.
Rising up from the village of Tain-l’Hermitage, the south-facing hill of ________ produces equally compelling Syrah.
Rising up from the village of Tain-l’Hermitage, the south-facing hill of Hermitage produces equally compelling Syrah.
What four major producers dominate the terraced hill of Hermitage?
Jean-Louis Chave
the négociants Delas
M. Chapoutier
Jaboulet
“La Chapelle” wine
“La Chapelle,” Jaboulet’s premier wine, is named for a small hillside chapel that stands in commemoration of Gaspard de Stérimberg, the legendary Crusader-turned-hermit who lived a life of asceticism atop the hill. The chapel is located within the climat of L’Hermite.
What are some important climats in Hermitage?
L’Hermit, le Méal, les Bessards, Gréffieux, Beaume Péléat.
Behind the hill of Hermitage are the vineyards of __________.
Behind the hill of Hermitage are the vineyards of Crozes-Hermitage.
What can be said about the type of wines that come out of Crozes-Hermitage?
The red wines of Crozes-Hermitage are generally lighter and less ageworthy, although the better wines can approach Hermitage in quality.
What can be said about the wines coming out of Cornas?
In Cornas, the Syrah wines are traditionally rustic, impenetrable in their youth and slow to develop in the bottle.
What is the climate like in Cornas?
The vineyards of Cornas are amongst the warmest in the Northern Rhône. The sun’s warmth is magnified by the naked granite soil (gore) in the vineyards, and the appellation is shielded from le mistral.
Cornas is divided among four quarters, or lieux-dits:
Les Reynards, La Côte, Les Chaillot, and Les Mazards
Smallest appellation in Northern Rhone?
At just over 100 hectares of planted land, Cornas is physically the smallest red wine appellation of the Northern Rhône, although Hermitage is not far behind.
_______ has long been considered the standard-bearer for the traditional wines of the appellation, eschewing destemming for whole cluster fermentation and new oak barriques for the old demi-muids of the region.
Auguste Clape has long been considered the standard-bearer for the traditional wines of the appellation, eschewing destemming for whole cluster fermentation and new oak barriques for the old demi-muids of the region.
North of Cornas, _______ produces variable wines. The appellation’s borders have been greatly enlarged from the original delimited area near the commune of Tournon-sur-Rhône, opposite the hill of Hermitage
North of Cornas, St-Joseph produces variable wines. The appellation’s borders have been greatly enlarged from the original delimited area near the commune of Tournon-sur-Rhône, opposite the hill of Hermitage
Sub regions within the Northern Rhone that can only produce red wine?
Cornas and Côte-Rôtie may produce only red wine
What are some red wine producing regions in the Northern Rhone that are allowed to make white wine?
St-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage and Hermitage also produce small amounts of white wines, from the Marsanne and Roussanne grapes.
Talk about St-Peray AOP
Near Valence, the cool St-Péray AOP exclusively produces Marsanne and Roussanne wines, which may be made in méthode traditionelle mousseux style.
What flavor components does Roussanne and Marsanne add to St-Peray AOP?
Often but not always blended, the more delicate Roussanne adds acidity and waxy minerality to Marsanne’s broader, oily texture and marzipan character.
Gérard Chave and Chapoutier have revived this style of wine-making in Hermitage.
In Hermitage, producers have the traditional option of drying either grape for the rare dessert wine vin de paille, a style revived by Gérard Chave in the 1970s and more recently by Chapoutier.
White wine region south of Cote Rotie that focuses on Viognier.
Condrieu AOP is a white wine appellation just south of Côte-Rôtie for the Viognier grape.
What is the size of Condrieu and how were the wines viewed in the 1960s?
The appellation’s less than 200 delimited hectares result in a wine of great rarity; in the 1960s the wine approached extinction as it had fallen out of commercial favor and only a handful of hectares were still planted to Viognier.
What producers help revive the wines from Condrieu?
Today, it experiences a small resurgence in the hands of producers such as Georges Vernay, Yves Cuilleron, and André Perret.
Flavor profile of Viognier from the Condrieu
Viognier wines tend toward honeyed lushness, intriguing floral aromas and rich texture; however, important stylistic decisions, such as the use of oak and the desirability of malolactic fermentation, vary widely by producer.
Wines from Chateau Grillet
The Viognier wines of Château Grillet AOP, a monopole within Condrieu, enjoy historical acclaim but are perhaps more notable today for their rarity than intrinsic value. Château Grillet is often incorrectly cited as the smallest appellation in France; this distinction belongs to La Romanée in Burgundy.
Southeast of Valence, four minor appellations of the Northern Rhône lie on the Drôme River, a tributary of the Rhône. What are they?
Coteaux de Die AOP
Crémant de Die AOP
Clairette de Die AOP
Châtillon-en-Diois AOP
Coteaux de Die AOP and Cremant de Die AOP offer whites based wholly or partially on what varietal?
Clairette.
Clairette de Die AOP provides two styles of sparkling wines, what are they?
méthode traditionnelle and méthode Dioise ancestrale
While Clairette is the sole grape in the traditional method wines of Clairette de Die AOP, what is the leading varietal in Clairette de Die done in methode Dioise ancestrale?
Méthode Dioise ancestrale requires its rustic sparkling wines to contain—confusingly—a minimum 75% Muscat à Petit Grains. A minimum 35 grams per liter residual sugar remains, implying demi-sec sweetness.
Describe the méthode ancestrale technique
The méthode ancestrale is an old technique of sparkling wine production wherein the wine is bottled without dosage before fermentation has concluded. The wines are disgorged into pressurized tanks and rebottled without liqueur d’expédition.
Crémant de Die AOP done in the methode traditionnelle, rather than methode Dioise ancestrale, has what flavor characteristics?
Méthode traditionnelle wines are basically brut in style, with a maximum 15 grams per liter of sugar after dosage.
Near Die, ___________AOP is an anomaly for Gamay-based reds and rosés and whites based on Aligoté and Chardonnay.
Near Die, Châtillon-en-Diois AOP is an anomaly for Gamay-based reds and rosés and whites based on Aligoté and Chardonnay.
What region produces the most wine in the Northern Rhone?
Crozes-Hermitage (48%)
What region produces the least amount of wine in the Northern Rhone?
Chateau Grillet
What is the minimum lees aging (in bottle) for Clairette de Die AOP Méthode Traditionnelle?
Méthode Traditionnelle: 9 months
What is the minimum lees aging (in bottle) for Clairette de Die AOP Méthode Ancestrale?
Méthode Ancestrale: 4 months
Minimum Potential Alcohol for wines from the Condrieu?
11.5% (13% acquired alcohol required for wines with at least 45 g/l of residual sugar)
What are the Enrichment and Harvest methods for wines from the Condrieu?
Enrichment: Chaptalization is prohibited for wines with at least 45 g/l of residual sugar.
Harvest Method: Manual harvesting is mandatory. For wines with at least 45 g/l of residual sugar, grapes must be harvested in successive tries.
Primary soil in the Condrieu AOP?
Primary Soil Type: decomposed granite
Minimum potential alcohol for wines from Cornas?
10.5%
Maximum residual sugar for wines from the Cornas
Maximum Residual Sugar: 3 g/l (4 g/l if potential alcohol is greater than 13.5%)
Major Lieux-dits of Cornas
Reynard
Chaillot
La Côte
Les Mazards
Thézier
Le Pigeonnier
La Ge(y)nale
Cayret
Sauman
Champelrose
Les Saveaux-Nord/Sud
Les Côtes
PatouPermitted training methods in Crozes Hermitage
Cordon de Royat and Gobelet
Communes of production for Cote Rotie
Ampuis, Saint-Cyr-sur-Rhône, Tupin-Semons
Principle soils found in the northern and southern part of Crozes Hermitage?
North: Granitic slopes, similar to Hermitage
South: Alluvial soils of glacial origin
Minimum potential alcohol allowed for blanc, rouge, and vin de paille out of Hermitage AOP?
Blanc: 11%
Rouge: 10.5%
Vin de Paille: 19.5% (12.5% acquired)
Principle soils found in Hermitage?
Granite with topsoils of mica, schist and gneiss
Major Lieux-dits of Hermitage
Les Grandes Vignes
L'Hermite
Varogne
Les Vercandières
Les Bessards
Les Diognières
Les Beaumes
Le Méal
Les Murets
La Croix
Péleat
Les Rocoules
La Pierelle
Les Greffieux
Maison Blanche
L'Homme
Torras et las GarennesPrimary soil type of Saint Joseph
Primary Soil Type: schist and gneiss on granite bedrock
Sparkling wines from Saint-Péray AOP are made in what method?
Méthode Traditionnelle
What are the 3 La-La wines from Guigal?
1- Côte-Rôtie “La Mouline”: 89% Syrah, 11% Viognier; sourced from a plot of the same name on the Côte Blonde, average vine age is 60 years
2-Côte-Rôtie “La Landonne”: 100% Syrah; average vine age is 20 years
3- Côte-Rôtie “La Turque”: 93% Syrah, 7% Viognier; sourced from an extremely steep plot on Côte Brune, planted in 1980
Communes of production for Hermitage?
Tain-l’Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Larnage
Does the Southern Rhone produce more wine than the Northern Rhone?
Yes, the Southern Rhône accounts for about 95% of all wine produced in the Rhône Valley and it is overwhelmingly devoted to red wine.
What flavor profiles does Grenache offer for Southern Rhone wines?
Grenache—a Spanish import—is the most-planted red grape, offering richness of body, sweet fruit, and warmth.
What do Syrah and Mouvedre add to Southern Rhone wines?
Mourvèdre and Syrah constitute a significant percentage of plantings, adding structure and depth of color to the blend.
What does Cinsault add to Southern Rhone wines?
Cinsault provides finesse and freshness, and is often utilized for rosé wines as well.
What is the last major red varietal in Southern Rhone?
Carignan is the last major red grape of the Southern Rhône, but acreage is on the decline.
What is the climate like in Southern Rhone?
The climate of the Southern Rhône is distinctly Mediterranean; the landscape shifts to become rugged garrigue scrubland.
How do vigerons act in the vineyard against the strong mistral winds?
The Mistral blows fiercely across the flat southern valley, requiring many growers to plant their vines at an angle, so that the wind might blow them upright over time.
What is the soil like in Southern Rhone?
A wealth of alluvial soils exists in the Southern Rhône, deposited over limestone subsoil in the river’s course. Sand, gravel, and clay have been left in the river’s wake, and larger stones have been dumped in the valley’s mounds by post-ice age glacial melt.
In Châteauneuf-du-Pape, these deposited “pudding stones” are called _______.
In Châteauneuf-du-Pape, these deposited “pudding stones” are called galets.
What are galets made of and what do they provide for the vine?
Made of quartzite and smoothed by the river, the galets serve to store heat, releasing it to warm the vines at night.
How many varietals are allowed to be used for Chateauneuf-du-Pape?
With 13 accepted varieties—or 18, depending on how one counts the grapes—Châteauneuf-du-Pape embodies the Southern Rhône’s blending philosophy.
In terms of style, how are the wines from Southern Rhone different from the Northern Rhone?
Regardless of the individual producer’s encépagement and assemblage, the red wines generally show more ripeness, richness, and alcohol than their northern counterparts.
What is the minimum alcohol for Chateauneuf-du-Pape?
At 12.5%, the required minimum potential alcoholic strength is the highest in France for dry AOP wines, and can result in surprisingly high-alcohol wines, reaching 15% or more in some producers’ top-end cuvées.
What is “le râpé”?
AOP regulations mandate that producers declassify or discard at least 2% of harvested grapes (le râpé), a process that serves as a safeguard against under-ripeness.
First estate-bottled Châteauneuf-du-Pape in 1785
Château La Nerthe
What does a “papal crest” indicate on a Chateauneuf-du-Pape bottle?
A papal crest embossed on the shoulder of the bottle marks all estate-bottled wines from the appellation.
What is the size of Chateauneuf-du-Pape?
The appellation’s size is a factor: in comparison to Cornas’ 100 hectares, Châteauneuf-du-Pape has over 3000. Thus, the soil of the appellation is vastly varied beyond the iconic galets; distinct pockets of alluvial sediment exist for gravel, calcareous clay, and sand.
How do most producers age their wine in Chateauneuf-du-Pape?
Traditional producers tend to use old oak foudres for extended aging, and some may even bottle a vintage from cask as it is sold, creating great variation in individual bottlings of the same wine.
Are there some signs of moderization taking place in Chateauneuf-du-Pape?
Carbonic maceration, barrique aging and new vinification techniques allow experimentation. In addition, each producer’s assemblage is critical to the style. While the appellation’s regulations predate every other region in France, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is just beginning to modernize itself and explore its viticultural diversity.
The Grapes of Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Grenache (Noir/Blanc/Gris)
Mourvèdre
Syrah
Cinsault
Counoise
Picpoul (Noir/Blanc/Gris)
Terret Noir
Bourboulenc
Clairette/Clairette Rosé
Roussanne
Vaccarèse
Picardan
MuscardinThe Southern Rhône’s largest appellation and the base designation for wines from the entire Rhône. Valley
Cotes du Rhone AOP. Over two-thirds of the Rhône Valley’s wines are released as Côtes du Rhône AOP.
Where do the wines from the Cotes du Rhone AOP generally come from?
While the Northern Rhône may release its generic Syrah–based blended wines as Côtes du Rhône, the wines issue overwhelmingly from the south, where Grenache is the principal component.
What types of wines are allowed to be made under the Cotes du Rhone AOP?
Most of the wine is red, although whites and rosés are allowed.
______________ AOP is a superior designation for red, white and rosé wine, than Cotes du Rhone, from a delimited area within the Southern Rhône.
Côtes du Rhône-Villages AOP is a superior designation for red, white and rosé wine, than Cotes du Rhone, from a delimited area within the Southern Rhône.
Several former Côtes du Rhône-Villages communes have been awarded distinct appellations. What are they and what are their minimum alcohol levels allowed?
Gigondas AOP Vacqueyras AOP Beaumes-de-Venise AOP Vinsobres AOP Cairanne
All five appellations share Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s 12.5% minimum potential alcohol requirement for red wines.
In 1971, the _________ AOP was created for red and rosé wines sourced from the commune’s red clay alluvial soils in Southern Rhone.
In 1971, the Gigondas AOP was created for red and rosé wines sourced from the commune’s red clay alluvial soils.
What are the requirements for red wines coming from Gigondes AOP?
The red wines contain a minimum 50% Grenache, typically blended with smaller proportions of Syrah and Mourvèdre. Other Rhône grape varieties—excluding Carignan—are permitted to be present as a maximum 10% of plantings in the Gigondas vineyard.
The red wines of Gigondes are often considered similar to what other Southern Rhone AOP?
The wines are similar in style to Châteauneuf-du-Pape and can offer great value.
In 1990, ________ AOP joined Gigondas as the second former Côtes du Rhône village to be promoted to full appellation status.
In 1990, Vacqueyras AOP joined Gigondas as the second former Côtes du Rhône village to be promoted to full appellation status.
What style wines can Vacqueyras produce?
The rustic Vacqueyras wines are usually red, although a small amount of white and rosé wine is produced. A minimum 50% Grenache is required for the red wines.
________ AOP and _______ AOP joined the other appellations in 2005 and 2006, respectively, producing red wines based on a minimum 50% Grenache.
Beaumes-de-Venise AOP and Vinsobres AOP joined the other appellations in 2005 and 2006, respectively, producing red wines based on a minimum 50% Grenache.
What was the most recent Cotes du Rhone Villages to get promoted to their own AOP?
Cairanne is the most recent arrival to the AOP pack; as of early 2016 the former Côtes du Rhône-Villages geographic designation merits appellation status for dry white and red wines.
On the western shore of the Rhône, opposite Châteauneuf-du-Pape, is ______ AOP. Spread over four communes, the wines can be very similar to the Côtes du Rhône-Villages wines, and are made in red, white, and rosé versions.
On the western shore of the Rhône, opposite Châteauneuf-du-Pape, is Lirac AOP. Spread over four communes, the wines can be very similar to the Côtes du Rhône-Villages wines, and are made in red, white, and rosé versions.
Communes of Lirac
Lirac, Roquemaure, Saint-Geniès-de-Comolas, Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres
Grenache Noir and Blanc are prevalent in _______, although the white wines may see a significant proportion of Clairette and Bourboulenc added.
Grenache Noir and Blanc are prevalent in Lirac, although the white wines may see a significant proportion of Clairette and Bourboulenc added.
In what French AOP did phylloxera first appear and when?
Despite its sandier soils, the commune of Lirac in 1863 unwittingly served as France’s doorway to the phylloxera incursion.
_______ has long been regarded as the premier French rosé appellation, although its reputation for ageworthiness is often exaggerated. The wines are based on Grenache and made in a dry style.
Tavel has long been regarded as the premier French rosé appellation, although its reputation for ageworthiness is often exaggerated. The wines are based on Grenache and made in a dry style.
Vin doux naturel (VDNs)
Similar to Port, VDNs are fortified with a neutral grape spirit to stop the yeast before fermentation is complete and all sugars have been converted into alcohol. The wines retain some naturally occurring sugar, perceived as sweetness on the palate. The final alcohol level varies depending on the regulations of the appellation d’origine protégée (AOP), although most have a minimum required content of 15% abv.
Some examples of Vin doux naturals
Banyuls Maury Doux Rivesaltes Languedoc-Roussillon Muscats Muscat de Beaumes de Venise Rasteau
What two appellations that exist for making vin doux natural in the Southern Rhône?
Rasteau AOP and Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise AOP
Who typically produces Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise AOP and where is the fruit sourced from?
90% of the wine labeled as Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise AOP is produced by the local co-operative, the Vignerons de Beaumes-de-Venise, from grapes sourced throughout the communes of Beaumes-de-Venis and Aubignan.
mutage
pure grape spirit is added to arrest fermentation in a proportion of 5-10%.
A process used for vin doux naturals
How many different styles of Rasteau vin doux natural are there and what varietal(s) are being used to make them?
Rasteau vin doux naturel wines may be white, rosé, or red; and they are based on the three colors of Grenache: Blanc, Gris, and Noir.
Flavor wise, what is the difference between Muscat de Beaumes de Venise and Rasteau wines?
Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise wines are typically fresher and more aromatic, whereas the Rasteau wines show more tawny flavors.
In 2011, vignerons in Rasteau adopted the labeling terminology established by the producers of Rivesaltes in Roussillon: ______ and _____ indicate, respectively, white and red VDN wines displaying a more oxidative character and subject to at least three years of aging prior to release.
In 2011, vignerons in Rasteau adopted the labeling terminology established by the producers of Rivesaltes in Roussillon: ambré and tuilé indicate, respectively, white and red VDN wines displaying a more oxidative character and subject to at least three years of aging prior to release.
Fresher versions of white and red Rasteau VDN wines are now labeled _____ and ______, whereas producers may affix the term Hors d’age to wines that have matured for at least _______ prior to release.
Fresher versions of white and red Rasteau VDN wines are now labeled “blanc” and “grenat,” whereas producers may affix the term Hors d’age to wines that have matured for at least “five years” prior to release.
Rasteau AOP wines may also be ____, a deliberately oxidative and maderized style in which the wine is left in open barrels, exposed to the ravages of sunlight and temperature.
Rasteau AOP wines may also be rancio, a deliberately oxidative and maderized style in which the wine is left in open barrels, exposed to the ravages of sunlight and temperature.
What are dry, unfortified reds from Rasteau labeled under what AOP?
As of 2010, dry, unfortified reds may be produced as Rasteau AOP, but only from fruit grown in the commune of Rasteau itself.
What are the communes of production for VDN’s (vin doux natural) from Rasteau?
VDN: Cairanne, Rasteau, Sablet
What is the principal, complementary, and accessory varieties used for Rasteau AOP?
Rasteau AOP (unfortified)
Principal Variety: Min. 50% Grenache
Complementary Varieties: Min. 20% combined Mourvèdre and Syrah
Accessory Varieties: Max. 15% combined Bourboulenc, Brun Argenté, Carignan, Cinsaut, Clairette, Clairette Rose, Counoise, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Marsanne, Muscardin, Piquepoul Blanc, Piquepoul Noir, Roussanne, Terret Noir, Ugni Blanc, and Viognier (max. 5% all white varieties)
What is the principal and accessory varieties used for Rasteau Vin Doux Natural Blanc?
Vin Doux Naturel Blanc:
Principal Varieties: Grenache Blanc and Grenache Gris
Accessory Varieties: Max. 10% combined Bourboulenc, Brun Argenté, Carignan, Cinsaut, Clairette, Clairette Rose, Counoise, Marsanne, Muscardin, Piquepoul Blanc, Piquepoul Noir, Roussanne, Terret Noir, Ugni Blanc, and Viognier
What is the principal and accessory varieties used for Rasteau Vin Doux Naturel Ambré (Tawny Blanc):?
Vin Doux Naturel Ambré (Tawny Blanc):
Principal Varieties: Grenache, Grenache Gris, Grenache Blanc
Accessory Varieties: Max. 10% combined Bourboulenc, Brun Argenté, Carignan, Cinsaut, Clairette, Clairette Rose, Counoise, Marsanne, Muscardin, Piquepoul Blanc, Piquepoul Noir, Roussanne, Terret Noir, Ugni Blanc, and Viognier
What is the principal and accessory varieties used for Rasteau Vin Doux Naturel Grenat and Tuilé (Rouge):?
Vin Doux Naturel Grenat and Tuilé (Rouge):
Principal Varieties: Min. 75% Grenache, plus Grenache Blanc and Grenache Gris
Accessory Varieties: Max. 10% combined Bourboulenc, Brun Argenté, Carignan, Cinsaut, Clairette, Clairette Rose, Counoise, Marsanne, Muscardin, Piquepoul Blanc, Piquepoul Noir, Roussanne, Terret Noir, Ugni Blanc, and Viognier
Minimum Potential Alcohol for Rasteau vin doux natural
Vin Doux Naturel: 21.5% (15% actual alcohol)
Is enrichment allowed in Rasteau vin doux natural?
Enrichment: Chaptalization is prohibited for Vin Doux Naturel
Minimum must weight for wines from Rasteau
Grenache for Rouge: \_\_\_ g/l Other Varieties for Rouge: \_\_\_ g/l Vin Doux Naturel: \_\_\_g/l
Minimum must weight for wines from Rasteau
Grenache for Rouge: 216 g/l Other Varieties for Rouge: 207 g/l Vin Doux Naturel: 252 g/l
Residual Sugar for Rasteau wines:
Rouge: Max. \_\_\_g/l (\_\_\_g/l if potential alcohol is greater than 14%) Vin Doux Naturel: Min. \_\_\_ g/l
Residual Sugar for Rasteau wines:
Rouge: Max. 3 g/l (4 g/l if potential alcohol is greater than 14%) Vin Doux Naturel: Min. 45 g/l
Mutage for Rasteau Vin Doux Naturel: Min. __° neutral alcohol in_____% proportion to wine
Mutage for Rasteau Vin Doux Naturel: Min. 96° neutral alcohol in 5-10% proportion to wine
Elevage for Rasteau vin doux naturel “rose”?
Rasteau Vin Doux Naturel “Rosé” WInes must be bottled by December 31 of the year following the harvest.
Elevage for Rasteau vin doux natural “blanc” and “grenat”?
Vin Doux Naturel “Blanc” and “Grenat”: Wines may not be released until May 1 of the year following the harvest. They must be bottled no later than June 30 of the second year after harvest.
Elevage for Rasteau vin doux natural “ambre” and Tuile”?
Vin Doux Naturel “Ambré” and “Tuilé”: Wines may not be released until March 1 of the third year following the harvest
Elevage for Rasteau Vin Doux Naturel “Hors d’Age”?
Vin Doux Naturel “Hors d’Age”: Wines may not be released until September 1 of the fifth year following the harvest
How many styles can be made for Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise AOP?
Styles:
Vin Doux Naturel Blanc Vin Doux Naturel Rouge Vin Doux Naturel Rosé
What department for Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise AOP?
Département: Vaucluse
What are the communes for Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise AOP?
Communes of Production: Beaumes-de-Venise, Aubignan
Encepagement for Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise AOP?
Encépagement: Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains and Muscat Rouge à Petits Grains
Assemblage for Muscat de Beaumes de Venise AOP?
Assemblage: For rosé Vin Doux Naturel, both colors of Muscat (Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains and Muscat Rouge à Petits Grains) are allowed in the blend.
Minimum potential alcohol for Muscat-de-Beaumes-de Venise?
Minimum Potential Alcohol: 21.5% (15% acquired)
Primary soil for Muscat-de-Beaumes-de-Venise?
Primary Soil Type: Clay-limestone and Miocene sand
The Southern Rhône Valley’s northernmost appellation is ____________ AOP, located directly south of Montélimar.
The Southern Rhône Valley’s northernmost appellation is Grignan-les-Adhémar AOP, located directly south of Montélimar
Why did the Cotes du Tricastin rebrand their wines to Grignan-les-Adhemar in 2010?
Hoping to rebound sales and avoid an unsavory association with the troubled Tricastin nuclear plant, the producers of Côtes du Tricastin successfully rebranded their appellation as Grignan-les-Adhémar in 2010.
Where are Luberon AOP, Ventoux AOP and Côtes du Vivarais AOP found and what kind of wine do they produce?
Southern Rhone and each of these regional appellations produces red, white, and rosé wines from a large complement of Rhône varietals.
Where is Costières de Nimes AOP located and what kind of wine is produced from there?
To the west, Costières de Nimes AOP adjoins the regions of the Southern Rhône Valley, Provence, and Languedoc. Formerly considered an appellation of Languedoc, INAO authorities transferred oversight of the Costières de Nimes AOP to officials in the Rhône Valley in 2004. Wines of all three colors are made.
Clairette de Bellegarde AOP is located where?
Clairette de Bellegarde AOP, a single-commune appellation within Costières de Nimes, produces white wines from the Clairette grape.
What French region is considered the birthplace of wine and where is located?
Provence, the birthplace of French wine, lies to the east of the Rhône basin on the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast.
What Provence AOP produces three quarters of its total production?
Côtes de Provence AOP, under which three-quarters of Provençal wine is bottled, is dedicated to rosé production
What percent does Provence rose wine account for in the region’s total production?
75%
How are the rose wines from Provence made?
The rosés must be blended from at least two varieties; they are given color through a short period of skin contact, saignage, or—in the case of the palest of wines—immediate pressing of whole grapes. Blending of white and red wines is not an approved method for still rosé production here or elsewhere in France.
Varietals used to make Provence rose wines?
Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and the local, garrigue-scented Tibouren represent the bulk of both red and rosé blends.
Provence rosés bottled in a traditional, hourglass-shaped skittle bottle, is a sign of good quality. True or False?
False
Subzones for Provence
Sainte-Victoire, Fréjus, La Londe, Pierrefeu
What region is the Bandol AOP located within?
Provence
What varietals are used for both white and red from the Bandol AOP?
Bandol produces rosés and Clairette-based whites, but the red blends harbor the most potential. Bandol is the only appellation in France to require focus on the Mourvèdre grape: a minimum 50% is blended with Grenache, Cinsault, and—to a lesser extent—Syrah and Carignan.
What are the reds from Bandol AOP like?
The resulting wines are full-bodied, plummy, dense, and often show an animal character. The wines must spend 18 months in oak prior to release, and often need years in the bottle to demonstrate their full potential.
Top producers for Bandol AOP
Domaine Tempier, Château de Pibarnon and Château Pradeaux are excellent sources.
Domaine de Trévallon, one of the premier estates of southern France, is located within _________.
Les Baux de Provence
Why is Domaine de Trevallon listed as a vin de pays?
Les Baux de Provence’s 1995 promotion to AOC and subsequent emphasis on Mediterranean varieties left the estate to release its Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines as vin de pays.
The appellations Cassis AOP, Palette AOP, and Bellet AOP are located in what region and what kind of wine do they produce?
Provence and all three colors.
The most noteworthy producer of Coteaux Varois AOP in Provence.
Domaine de Triennes and they release their wine under vin de pays, much like Domaine Trevallon
_________ AOP is the only French appellation outside of Bordeaux to publish a ranking of grand cru classé estates. 23 estates were originally classified in 1955.
Côtes de Provence AOP is the only French appellation outside of Bordeaux to publish a ranking of grand cru classé estates. 23 estates were originally classified in 1955.
Nielluccio
A variant of Sangiovese found in Corsica
What are some indigenous varietals of Corsica?
Nielluccio (a variant of Sangiovese), Sciacarello and Vermentino (known as Rolle)
Red and rose blends under the Vin de Corse AOP are typical made of what?
Nielluccio and Sciacarello are blended with Grenache, Barbarossa, and a host of Rhône grapes for the red and rosé wines of the generic, island-wide Vin de Corse AOP.
White Vin de Corse wines are blends of what varieties?
Vermentino and Ugni Blanc
What are the two communal appellations of Corsica?
Ajaccio AOP and Patrimonio AOP
Muscat du Cap Corse AOP
vin doux natural wines from Corsica.
Encepagement for Muscat du Cap Corse AOP in Corsica
Vin Doux Naturel Blanc: Muscat à Petits Grains Blanc
Chapilization is prohibited
Of the 3 three “La-La” wines (La Mouline, La Landonne and La Turque), Guigal produces a fourth Cote Rotie, what is it called?
Guigal makes a fourth special bottling of Côte Rôtie above his regular bottling labelled Brune et Blonde named after the manor of his native town, the grand Château d’Ampuis, which he now owns.
Ch d’Aquéria
Best producer for Tavel
Just north of Tavel, _____ produces considerable quantities of rosé very similar to Tavel and full-blooded red wine, as well as some full-bodied dry white. Domaine de la Mordorée is one of the best producers.
Lirac
The southern Rhône also produces some sweet, relatively alcoholic vin doux naturel, most famously ____________. This golden, grapey mix of the juice of the best Muscat with alcohol is made in the village of _________, now recognised as a separate appellation.
Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise and Beaumes-de-Venise
The village of ______ has its own special appellation for red and oak-aged tawny vin doux naturel, which has a much less cosmopolitan taste than Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise.
Rasteau
Almost a bridge between the Rhône and Provence is ________, whose vineyards lie on the slopes of Mont _________, one of the few peaks ever to be covered in snow for the winter in this region. Thanks to cooler conditions at altitude, the Grenache-based reds and rosés here are considerably lighter than most Côtes du Rhônes but can be all the more refreshing for it.
Ventoux
_________ is a very successful brand built in the Ventoux appellation by the Perrin family of Ch de Beaucastel
La Vieille Ferme
formerly Coteaux du Tricastin
Grignan-les-Adhémar
Where is Die and what river is it near?
the greater Rhône Valley has its curious eastern outpost, around Die on the river Drôme. Hannibal and his elephants are invoked in the names of the local wines, of which the most famous now are sparkling: either dry Crémant de Die made in the image of champagne, or the grapier, fuller Clairette de Die.
