Rhone Pt 4 - N.Rhone AOCs Flashcards
How many Cru AOC in N.Rhone?
Eight. They are all considered to be a “CRU”. They all lie within the Cotes du Rhone production zone.
Which is the largest AOC in N.Rhone?
Crozes-Hermitage.
Which AOCs lie on the right bank of the Rhone?
Cote-Rotie, Condrieu, Chateau Grillet, St.Joseph, Cornas and Saint-Peray.
When was Cote Rotie awarded AOC? For which styles? Which grapes?
Awarded 1940 for Red only.
White; (S) Viognier;
Red; Syrah.
When was Condrieu awarded AOC? For which styles? Which grapes?
Awarded in 1940 for Dry White, Sweet White.(RS 4.5%/45 gl)
Grapes are Viognier only
Where is Condrieu located?
On East-facing slopes on the right bank of the Rhone.
When was Chateau-Grillet awarded AOC? For which styles? Which grapes?
Awarded 1936 for dry white only.
Viognier is sole grape.
Produces in the same style as Condrieu.
Where is Chateau-Grillet located?
It is within the bounday of Condrieu on steep terraces. It is only 8.6 ac/3.5 ha.
What is the ageing regime for Chateau-Grillet wines?
They must spend two years in oak barrels or tanks. They can continue to age for a further 10 years.
What is unique about Chateau-Grillet?
It is one of only two monopoles outside Bourgogne. The other is Coulee de Serrant in the Loire.
When was Saint-Joseph awarded AOC? For which styles? Which grapes?
1956 for dry white and red;
White(P) Rousanne, Marsanne;
Red (P) Syrah.
Where is Saint-Joseph located?
On steep east-facing slopes on the right bank of the Rhone. It runs 37 miles in a narrow and long stretch.
Why do the wines of Saint-Joseph vary in style and concentration? How do they generally differ from other N.Rhone wines?
It has a variety of aspects so some wines are structured and concentrated whilst others are softer and more fruit-forward. As a general rule they mature more quickly than other N.Rhone crus.
When was Cornas awarded AOC? For which styles? Which grapes?
Awarded 1938 for RED only.
100% Syrah only.
Where is Cornas located?
It is a steep, SE-facing slope of granite which forms an amphitheatre protecting the vines from cold winds.
When was Saint-Peray awarded AOC? For which styles? Which grapes?
Awarded 1936 for dry and sparkling white.
White: (P) Marsanne and Roussanne.
Which AOCs lie on the left bank of the Rhone?
Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage.
When was Hermitage awarded AOC? For which styles? Which grapes?
Awarded 1936 for dry white, red and Vin de Paille.
White: (P) Marsanne , Roussanne;
Red: (P) Syrah.
Which white grapes can be used in Hermitage red wines?
Up to 15% Roussanne and Marsanne can be co-fermented.
When was Crozes-Hermitage awarded AOC? For which styles? Which grapes?
Awarded 1937 for dry white, red.
White: (P) Marsanne , Roussanne;
Red: (P) Syrah.
Which N.Rhone AOC is not included in the Cotes du Rhone zone of production?
The Diois which is considered a part of the N.Rhone.
Where is the Diois located?
It is 25 miles SE of Cornas on the edge of the Massif du Vercors.
What is the climate of Diois?
Continental with alpine influences. Continentality and diurnal range are higher than other N. Rhone AOCs. Summer days are very hot and nights substantially cooler.
When was Clairette de Die awarded AOC? for which styles? which grapes?
Awarded 1942 for sparkling white and sparkling rose.
White: (P) Muscat a Petit Grains Blanc, Clairette;
Rose: (S) Clairette Rose;
Red (S) Gamay,Muscat a Petit Grains Rouge.
Which styles of wine are produced from Clairette de Die?
Clairette de Die - traditional method;
Clairette de Die - Methode Dioise Ancestral - sweet sparkling blend
Which grapes are used in Clairette de Die?
100% Clairette
Which grapes are used in Clairette de Die Method Dioise Ancestral?
Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc and Clairette. Muscat dominates the blend. Can be rose.
Why is Cote Rotie known as the “ roasted slopes”?
It is located on extremely steep, South facing slopes, and so receives long hours of sunlight.
How much Viognier can be used in Cote Rotie wines?
AOC permits up to 20% but this is usually less than 5%.
How much Marsanne or Roussanne can be fermented with Saint-Joseph reds?
Up to 10% may be co-fermented.
Which white grapes can be used in Crozes-Hermitage red wines?
Up to 15% Roussanne and Marsanne can be co-fermented. They can also be bottled in white wines.
What production rules govern how Viognier may be used in Cote Rotie reds?
They must be co-planted, co-harvested and co-fermented.
What is the character of Condrieu wines?
Med.-Full bodied with moderate to low acidity.
What % of Condrieu is vinifed dry?
90-95% today. in 18th and 19th century it was mostly sweet. It is uncommon today.
What is production in Saint-Joseph?
86% red and 14% white.
What does “Cornas” mean?
It is old celtic for “burned earth”.
Why is Saint-Peray cooler than expected so far south?
It is a deep valley with steep slopes.
How much sparkling wine is produced in Saint-Peray?
Very little. It has been produced here in the traditional method since 1825.
What is the production split between red and white in N.Rhone?
86% red and 14% white. Rose is not authorised for any Cru.
What is Hermitage renowned for?
It is one of the oldest vineyards in France still under cultivation. It yields one of the most long-lived and collected wines in the Rhone.
What is production in Hermitage?
2/3rds red, 1/3rd white.
What is the character of Hermitage wines?
Reds are long-lived and whites are similar. Both need a few years in bottle to mature.
What is the character of Crozes-Hermitage wines?
They are essentially lighter, faster maturing versions of Hermitage and represent good value.
How does the climate affect grape variety planted in Diois?
Grape varieties are planted that can endure in this challenging growing environment
What are the grape varieties of Diois?
White: Clairette, Muscat a Petit Grains Blanc, Chardonnay and Aligote;
Rose: Clairette Rose;
Red: Gamay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Muscat a Petit Grains Rouge.
What are the main wine styles in Diois?
Mainly sparkling white in either ancestral or traditional method, including Cremant de Die.
What is the production of Clairette de Die AOC?
It produces 96% of all of Diois entire production.
How is Vin de Paille made in Hermitage?
Marsanne and/or Roussanne grapes are dried on straw mats for 45 days to dessicate and concentrate the flavours in the grapes, before fermentation.
