Rhōne Valley Flashcards
What are the growing characteristics of Grenache noir?
Needs a warm climate to ripen. Ripens late and therefore can be affected by autumn rains.
Does well on dry, low fertility soils.
Good drought resistance but is prone to coulure.
What does Grenache noir contribute to a blend?
Pale ruby colour. Red fruit character.
Spicy and herbal notes.
High alcohol
Low to medium tannin
Low acidity.
What’s are the growing characteristics of Mourvèdre?
Late budding and late ripening. Only thrives in hot climates. Needs high temperatures at the end of the growing season to ripen fully.
It is not drought resistant but requires small amounts of regular water.
What does Mourvèdre contribute to a blend?
Deep ruby colour, intense aromas of blackberries, blueberries and violets.
High alcohol.
High, firm tannins.
What are some of the problems with Grenache noir in the winery?
It is prone to oxidisation and therefore care needs to be taken when ageing in barrel.
What are some problems for Mourvèdre in the winery?
It is strongly prone to reduction and therefore care has to be taken to make sure the must has adequate oxygen.
What are the growing characteristics of Cinsault?
Late budding, high yielding.
Good drought and heat resistance.
To produce the highest quality wines, yields must be restricted.
What does Cinsault contribute to the blend?
Light ruby colour
Medium to medium (+) intense aromas of fresh red fruit.
High alcohol.
Low tannin.
The lifted aromas of the variety are most prominent in the first year after the wine sis made. Making it highly suitable for early drinking reds and rosés.
What are the growing characteristics of Syrah?
Vigorous variety
Susceptible to mites and to botrytis bunch rot.
There is also a disease called Syrah decline or disorder.
What are the characteristics of wines made with Syrah?
Pronounced intensity violet, plum, blackberry and black pepper and herbal notes.
Acidity and tannins range from medium to high.
What does Syrah add to a southern Rhône blend?
Structure, fruit, colour
What are the grape growing characteristics of Viognier?
Early budding.
Low yields. Poor flowering and fruit set.
Picking must be judged accurately to be fully ripe to have its typical pronounced aromas.
Grapes left to long will lose flavour and acidity.
What are the characteristics for wines made with Viognier?
Medium lemon in colour
Pronounced aromas of honeysuckle, apricot, peach
Med - high alcohol
Low acidity.
What are the climate factors in côte Rôtie?
Vineyards often on steep slopes, often terraced, that mostly face east and south-east. Sheltered from the winds with high sunlight interception and heat.
Poor, Stony soils with good drainage.
What are the grapes permitted in the wines of Côte Rôtie?
The only black grape is Syrah and Viognier up to 20% is permitted in the blend but it is rare.
What are the wine making styles of Côte Rôtie? (5)
If both grapes used they must be co-fermented.
Most producers choose to destem, cold soak the fruit.
Warm fermentation temps.
Natural yeasts.
Maturation in small barrels or larger wooden vessels.
What does Viognier add to a blend?
Floral and fruity aromas.
What is the style of wines from Côte-Rôtie compared to the other appellations?
Known for their pronounced aromas and are typically softer and less full-bodied than wines of the other top appellations; e.g Hermitage & Cornas
What are the wines made from in Condrieu AOC?
100% Viognier
What is chateau Grillet AOC?
A single estate AOC in the heart of Condrieu. It is only 3.5 hectares and pioneered the reputation for Viognier.
What are some typical wine making practices in Condrieu?
Most Condrieu is fermented in stainless steel or large wooden vessels
(Some producers using smaller barrels to enhance texture and flavour)
Typically aged on the lees for 10-12 months. (Often with stirring)
What are the growing characteristics of Marsanne?
Late-budding
Vigorous and productive.
Performs best of stony and low fertile soils.
Prone to powdery mildew, mites, botrytis.
What are the wines like that are made from Marsanne?
Medium lemon in colour, sometimes gold.
Low intensity honeysuckle, lemon, apricot fruit
An oily texture.
Medium acidity
Full bodied
High alcohol.
What are the growing characteristics of Roussanne?
Late budding
Grows best on low fertility soils.
Poor resistance to wind.
Prone to powdery mildew, botrytis and mites.
Harder to grow than Marsanne - therefore less common than Marsanne.
What are the wines like that are made from Roussanne?
Medium lemon, sometimes good.
Medium(+) aromas of pear and herbal notes.
Medium to medium (+) acidity
medium to high alcohol.
