Rhône and Southern France

Question 1

What is the Mistral as it applies to the Rhône Valley and other parts of Southern France

Answer 1

The Mistral is a powerful wind that is particularly prevalent in the southern parts of France. It can blow hard enough to strip vines of their shoots, leaves and fruit. As a result, many of the best vineyard sites there use cypress or other popular trees as a wind break, and vines have traditionally been head-pruned low to the ground to diminish the effect of the wind. A positive effect of the mistral is that it decreases the risk of mildew or rot by drying the plants.

Question 2

General facts about Rhône Valley

Answer 2

1. Differences in methods of production means that there is a wide variety of wine styles from this large region.
2. There is no official appellation protégée- sanctioned cru system, though some producers like to use the term cru for the best wines from their individual vineyards, known as LIEUX-DITS. Which literally translates to “said location”.
3. The vast majority of the regional appellations are within the southern section of Rhône.

Question 3

Northern Rhône Grapes

Answer 3

Viognier (white and red)

Syrah (red)

Question 4

Northern Rhône Climate

Answer 4

Continental climate, with hot summers that give way fairly early to cool autumn and cold winters.

Rainfall is substantial but not predictable. The winds that affect this region come from a variety of places, leaving behind a myriad of different kinds of rain.

The gradient of man of the vineyard slopes funnels the winds, making them blow more strongly, but also allows for greater exposure to the sun.

All these factors can result in significant differences in wine quality from vintage to vin gate.