Rhone Valley Flashcards
How many AOC’s are in the Diois area of the Rhone Valley?
There are 4 AOC's, They are Clairette de Die (major grape Muscat) Crémant de Die (mostly Clairette) Coteaux de Die (still wine) Châtillon-en-Diois (white, red, rosé)
What is the coolest and wettest Non-CdR AOC in the Rhône Valley?
Côtes du Vivarais
What is the hottest and driest Non-CdR AOC in the Rhône Valley?
Costières de Nîmes
What Non-CdR AOC in the Southern Rhône produces only dry white wines?
Clairette de Bellegarde
Which Non-CdR AOC in the Rhône produces mostly rosé?
Luberon
Which Non-CdR AOC in the Rhône climbs to 6,000’?
Ventoux
Which Non-CdR AOCs in the Rhône were formerly part of Languedoc?
Duché d’Uzès
Costières de Nîmes
In the Rhône what is Septentrionaux?
It means “of the north”
In the Rhône what is Meridionaux?
It means “of the south”
What is the climate of the southern Rhône ?
Mediterannean
What is the Mistral?
A northerly wind that blows through the Rhône
What Rhône AOC was the first to have its zone of production delineated?
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
What 2 Rhône AOC’s make Vin doux Naturals (VdN)?
Rasteau: red, rose & white sweet fortified VdN
Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise: white sweet fortified
The words Vin Doux Naturals will appear on the label
Define the term “Foudres”…
Large wooden barrels
What is the only red grape variety grown in the Northern Rhône?
Syrah
What is the primary method for making rosé wine in the Rhône Valley?
Saignée or the bleeding method
Is Côtes du Rhône Villages made in the Northern or Southern Rhône, or in both?
All 95 CdR villages come from the south
“Oeil-de-Perdrix” refers to?
The deep salmon color of Rhône rosés made from Grenache and Cinsault (it translates to Partridge eye)
What are the 2 Northern Rhône Crus located on the left bank?
Hermitage
Crozes-Hermitage
What is the difference between the Beaumes-de-Venise AOC and the Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise AOC?
The first is dry red and the Muscat one is a sweet white VdN
The term “Échalas” refers to?
A teepee like trellising structure that provides support and wind protection for vines
What are the main soil types found in the Northern Rhône?
Granite & Schist
Where is the most Côtes du Rhône produced in the North or South?
The south. The north makes just a tiny fraction of overall production
What is the principal grape of Tavel AOC rosé?
Grenache
The Rhône Rangers are?
California winemakers making Rhône style wines
Are Côtes du Rhône Villages wines strictly single varietals or blends or can they both?
CdR Villages must be a blend composed of at least 50% Grenache
Rhône Valley vineyards are situated between the ____th and ____th parallels north?
44th and 45th
Can the entire Rhône Valley produce wine under the Côtes du Rhône AOC designation?
No, the Côtes du Rhône AOC is a delineated area within the greater Rhône Valley
What are the 3 main white grapes of the Northern Rhône?
Viognier
Marsanne
Roussanne
What are Galets?
Rounded river stones
What is the most common vine training system in the Southern Rhône?
Gobelet
What is the Southernmost AOC in the Southern Rhône?
Costières de Nîmes
What are the characteristics of the Non-CdR AOC of Côtes du Vivarais?
Right Bank
Production: mostly red, almost as much rosé, and very little white
Climate: cooler and wetter than the rest of the Southern Rhône
Soils: Shallow and predominantly limestone with pockets of gravel
Red & rosé: mostly Grenache
Whites: Clairette, Grenache Blanc & Marsanne
What are the characteristics of the Non-CdR AOC of Duché d’Uzès
Right Bank Production: Mostly red, some rosé, and white Located NW of Nîmes Reds & rosés: GSM, Cinsault & Carignan Whites: Clairette, Viognier and Marsanne
What are the Characteristics of the Non-CdR AOC of Costières de Nîmes?
Right Bank
Production: just over 1/2 red, a little less rosé and very little white
Climate: Hot, annual semi-drought. Cold air from the Petit Camargue cools the nights; the Mistral also impacts
Reds & rosés: Grenache dominant and Syrah, Mourvèdre & Carignan added
Whites: Primarily Grenache Blanc with Marsanne & Roussanne
What are the characteristics of the Non-CdR AOC of Clairette de Bellegarde?
Right Bank
Only 17 acres
100% white
Soil: Gravel Desert (stone washed down from the alps)
Climate: dry and arid - impacted by the mistral
Grapes: Clairette
What are the characteristics of the Non-CdR AOC of Grignan-les-Adhémar?
Left Bank
Production: mostly red, some rosé and little white
Altitude 1,200’
Mostly limestone or sandstone subsoil
Reds & rosés: Mostly Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Carignan and Mourvedre
Whites: Mostly Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier
What are the characteristics of the Non-CdR AOC of Ventoux?
Left Bank
Foot of Mont Ventoux
Wide diurnal temperature
Largest of the 6 Non-CdR AOC’s
Reds & rosés: Mostly Grenache, with Syrah, Cinsault and Carignan
Whites: Mostly Clairette, with Grenache Blanc and Bourboulenc
What are the characteristics of the Non-CdR AOC of Luberon?
Left Bank
Production: Mostly rosé, with red & white
Climate: Mediterranean, one of the sunniest areas in France, strong continental influences from the Mistral and Tramontane winds
Soil: Sand, clay and limestone scree
Reds & rosés: mostly Grenache, with Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault
Rosés may add up to 20% white
Whites mostly Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Bourboulenc
What is “Méridionales”?
The Southern Côtes du Rhône
What is the principal grape of Clairette de Die?
Minimum 75% Muscat
What is the primary method of making rosés in the Rhône Valley?
Saignée or the bleeding method
What is the most common style of wine in the Diois?
Sparkling white
What is the primary grape of the Rasteau AOC?
Grenache
What is the primary difference between a wine labeled “Clairette de Die” and a wine labeled ““Coteaux de Die”?
Clairette is sparkling
Coteaux is still
What Rhône Cru is devoted to making only rosé wine?
Tavel
What are the 8 Crus from North to South in the Northern Rhône
- Côte-Rôtie
- Condrieu
- Château-Grillet
- Saint-Joseph
- Crozes-Hermitage
- Hermitage
- Cornas
- Saint-Péray
What are the primary red grapes in the Southern Rhône?
Grenache Noir Mourvèdre Syrah Carignan Cinsault
When does most of the Southern Rhône precipitation fall?
In the winter - about 27”
How many hours of sunshine does the Southern Rhone receive?
2700 hours
What is the climate of the Southern Rhône ?
Mediterranean
What is the Southernmost town/area of the Côtes du Rhône area?
Avignon
What towns are the North and South ends of the Southern Rhône Valley?
Montelimar in the north and Nîmes in the south
What types of wines are made in the Diois?
The majority is sparkling white there is also some dry white and red
What is the climate and topography of the Diois?
Continental climate with alpine influences
The high elevation means cooler temperatures
Seasonal and diurnal variations are the greatest in all of the Rhône Valley
Harshest climate in the Rhône Valley
One of France’s highest wine regions up to 2,700’
Soil is mainly limestone and clay
What are the details of the Diois area of the Rhône Valley?
25 miles SE of Cornas
The SW edge of the pre-alpine region known as Massif du Vercors
Considered part of the Northern Rhône Valley but not included in Les Côtes du Rhône
What is the Échalas trellacing that is used in the Northern Rhône?
Échalas > wooden sticks
2 to 3 sticks arranged teepee style with 2 vines growing in it
What are the details on the Northern Rhône Cru AOC of Saint-Péray?
Right bank on east and southeast flanks of a deep valley
Still and sparkling Roussanne/Marsanne
100% white
Sparkling produced since 1825
What are the detail on the Northern Rhône Cru AOC of Cornas?
Right bank
Steep, southeast-facing terraced slopes of granite
100% red and 100% Syrah
What are the details on the Northern Rhône Cru AOC of Hermitage?
Left bank on steep facing granite slopes
Reds: Syrah with up to 15% Marsanne/Roussanne
Whites: Marsanne/Roussanne blends - long lived whites
Vast majority is red
What are the details on the Northern Rhône Cru AOC of Crozes-Hermitage?
Left bank with varied soils Largest of Northern Crus Reds: Syrah with up to 15% Marsanne and/or Roussanne Whites: Marsanne/Roussanne blends Majority is red
What are the 3 primary white grapes of Southern Rhône?
Grenache Blanc
Clairette Blanche
Bourboulenc
What special soil type is Châteauneuf-du-Pape known for?
Galets
What 3 Southern Rhône AOC’s are considered on the plain?
Lirac
Tavel
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Soils of Garrigue, sand/sandstone, shingle/clay, galets, loess/molasse
What 3 Southern Rhône AOC’s are considered the hill towns with vineyards at elevation?
Vinsobres
Rasteau
Cairanne
All with elevation cooling effects
What 3 Southern Rhône AOC’s are impacted by the Dentelles de Montmirail?
Gigondas
Vacqueyras
Beaumes-de-Venise
It causes garrigue, large diurnal temperature swings and a suntrap that protects them from the Mistral
Where does the Rhône River begin?
As a glacier in Switzerland on Lake Geneva, flowing through the lake and becoming a river in Geneva
What are the details on the Northern Rhône Cru AOC of Saint-Péray?
Right bank
Red: Syrah up to 10% Marsanne or Roussanne
Whites: Marsanne and Roussanne
Majority of production is red
What are the details on the Northern Rhône Cru AOC of Château-Grillet?
Right Bank
Very steep terraces constructed by the Romans
100% white Viognier only
Very small AOC only 8.6 acres
What are the details on the Northern Rhône Cru AOC Condrieu?
Right Bank
100% white Viognier only
90-95% dry although sweet is allowed
What are the details on the Northern Rhône Cru AOC Côte-Rôtie?
Northernmost of Northern Cru AOC’s
Right Bank on steep slopes
Southeast facing
100% red with up to 20% Viognier, co-planted and co-fermented
What is the Rhône Valley wine industry like?
France’s 2nd largest producer of AOC wine
The wine industry is the regions #1 business activity
What is the path of the Rhône River?
It starts as a glacier in SW Switzerland
It flows from Montreux on Lake Geneva then out through the Jura Mountains down to Lyon France
In Lyon, it joins the Saone and pivots south flowing through the Gorges of Northern Rhône
It then flows onto the plains of the Southern Rhône and empties into the Mediterranean
How does the Rhône River link to other waterways?
From its start to finish the Rhône River falls 6,000’ in 505 miles
It links to the Rhine, Seine, and Loire through a series of waterways
It connects the Mediterranean to the rest of Europe
How does the Rhône link North and South as well as East and West?
The Northern Continental Climate meets the Southern Mediterranean climate here
The Granite & Schist of the Massif Central in the west meets the sedimentary soils of the Alps and its foothills in the East
Where is the Rhône Valley situated?
It is in the Southeastern corner of France
- Lyon and Beaujolais to the North
- Languedoc and Provence on the SW and SE
- The pre-alps to the east
- The Massif Central to the west
How long is the Rhône Valley and what 2 towns bookend it?
120 Miles
Vienne and Nîmes are the towns
Between Northern and Southern Rhône is a 30 Mile stretch with no vines where much of France’s produce is grown
Between what Parallels north does the Rhône Valley sit?
44th and 45th
What are the production numbers of the Rhône Valley?
Almost 300 villages
Rhône Valley Production 86% red, 9% rosé, 5% white
Les Côtes du Rhône 92% red, 4% rosé, 4% white
What is the river effect on the Northern and Southern Rhône Valley?
The moderating effects of the river is felt more in the North.
This is because the vineyards flank the river or are very close to the river.
In the south the vineyards are up to 50 miles away
What are the benefits of the Mistral?
Clears away clouds and dust increasing sunny days
Brings dry weather
Prevents frost
Chases humidity, reducing disease pressure
Drops the temperature
What are the risks of the Mistral?
Breaks shoots Rips off leaves and berries Uproots vines Damages crops Desiccates the grapes too much
What is the name of the cold north wind blowing through the Rhône?
Mistral
T or F? The Rhône River impacts the growing area of the Northern Rhône and Southern Rhône equally…
False
What is the significance of the 45th Parallel?
It is the 1/2 way point between the equator and the north pole
T or F? Rhône Valley is bordered by the Massif Central on the east..
False, it is on the west
What is the location of the Northern Rhône?
It begins 20 miles south of Lyon and stretches for 45 miles from Vienne to Valence
What is the consistency of the Rhône Valley vintages in the north & south?
In the north the continental climate equates to weather and vintage variability
In the south the Mediterranean is consistently good from year to year with low vintage variability
What is the rosé production like in the Rhône Valley?
Only in Southern Rhône Valley Primarily Grenache and Cinsault Usually done the Saignée method The pink juice is fermented like white wine Malolactic fermentation is avoided
How is red wine production like in the Rhône Valley?
Cold soak is more common
There is some co-fermenting
Fermentation usually runs 7 - 15 days but can last up to 20
Malolactic fermentation is standard
Traditionally, wines are aged in concrete, stainless steel or large wooden barrels
How is sweet fortified wine produced in the Rhône Valley?
In temperature controlled stainless steel tanks used to chill the juice and slow fermentation
In order to preserve acidity, Malolactic fermentation is often blocked by adding SO2
When are most Rhône Valley white AOC wines meant to be consumed?
2-4 years, some Crus are age worthy
A small percentage of Cru whites are aged in oak giving long ageability
What is the production stats of the Northern Rhône?
8,100 acres
5% of total Les Côtes du Rhône production
4% of total Rhône Valley production
What is the topography of the Southern Rhône?
Rolling hills, rocky plains and jagged mountains
What mountains flank the Southern Rhône?
Mont Ventoux Mount Luberon The Dentelles All flank the eastern side On the southern horizon near Avignon is the Alpilles
What are the primary soil types of the Southern Rhône?
Galets - rounded river stones Shingle Clay Stoney clay limestone Loess and Molasse Red sandstone
What are the white wine styles of the Southern Rhône?
Dry White
Sweet fortified white: Vins Doux Naturels VdN
What are the red wine styles of the Southern Rhône?
Dry Red
Sweet fortified red: Vins Doux Naturels VdN
T or F? The wine of the Southern Rhône are blended products…
True
What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhône white grape Grenache Blanc?
Vigorous variety with average ripening
Fairly full bodied white with low acidity and good extract
Displays green apple and pear flavors and white flower aromatics
What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhône white grape Clairette?
Extremely vigorous, late ripening
Prefers warm, rocky, dry sites
High in alcohol, low in acidity
Hints of apricot, apple, peach, fennel and lime
What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhône white grape Viognier?
Vigorous and hardy vine, ripens early
Can thrive in poor, stony soils
Produces aromatic wines that are high in alcohol and moderate acidity
Hints of peach, apricot, honey, violets and white flowers
What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhone white grape Roussanne?
Moderate in vigor, mid-ripening
Prefers warm, stony, well drained soils, arid hillsides (and/or silt limestone)
Elegant and complex wines with floral notes, high alcohol and moderately high acidity
Aromas of honeysuckle, quince, apricot, acacia and white peach
What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhône white grape Bourboulenc?
Vigorous, late ripening
Requires high temperatures to ripen
Produces wine of moderate alcohol and high acidity
Aromas of citrus and smoke
The synonym for Vaccarèse is?
Camarèse
What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhône white grape Piquepoul Blanc?
Shy producer and vulnerable to fungus
Name means lip stinger
Produces a wine of high acidity
Flavors of green apple and citrus
What are the 3 white grapes of the Northern Rhône ?
Viognier
Marsanne
Roussanne
What are the production stats of the Southern Rhône Cru Cairanne?
Left Bank, Newest Cru
Production: almost all red some white, rosé is made but not given AOC status
Soils: white clay, red clay and silt
Reds: 50% minimum Grenache with 20% Syrah and/or Mourvèdre and up to 20% other reds
Whites: Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc and Viognier + 20% max other whites
What are the production stats of the Southern Rhône Cru Gigondas?
Left bank
Production: Almost all red tiny amount of rosé
Climate: Diurnal temperature swings due to elevation
Soils: marls, limestone and sand
Vineyards: elevation up to 1,350’, northwest and west facing
Reds: Predominantly GSM blends
Rosés: mostly Grenache
What are the production stats on the Southern Rhône Cru Vacqueyras?
Left bank on the slopes of the Dentelles
Production: Almost all red, little white and rosé
Climate: Significant diurnal temperature swings
Wines: reds are fleshier and meatier than Gigondas
Reds: predominantly GSM blends
Rosés: Grenache, Mourvèdre and Cinsault
Whites: Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier
Soils: Sand and silt atop limestone, sandstone and marl
What are the production stats of the Southern Rhône Cru Beaumes de Venise?
Left Bank, southeast side of the Dentelles - protecting it from the Mistral Production: Dry red, Muscat VdN Elevation: 300-1800' Soils: complex array of marl, limestone and clay Climate: mountain serves as a windbreak Grapes: Grenache & Syrah dominant blend Beaumes de Venise is the red blend Muscat de Beaumes de Venise is the VdN
In the beginning around 95 million years ago what was France?
An inland sea
This resulted in sedimentary limestone soil from the shellfish dying and settling on the bottom
What occured in the center of France around 65 million years ago?
The water receded and the Massif Central rose
The area has the largest concentration of extinct volcanoes in the world resulting in granite and schist soils
The compression of the mud and soils resulted in metamorphic rocks
What is Garrigue?
Nutrient-poor cretaceous limestone
Scrub vegetation that grows upon it
Aromatics of rosemary, thyme, and lavender found in red wines of the Rhône
What major event occured to the Mediterranean Basin 5-2 million years ago?
The sill of Gibraltar was breached filling the Mediterranean Basin
This resulted in clay and red sandstone, iron rich soils which are very water retentive
How big is the Rhône Valley, and what cities mark the north and south ends of the Rhône Valley?
120 miles long with 300 villages
In the north is the city of Vienne
In the south is the city of Nîmes
What is the most important soil of the Northern Rhône?
Granite/Schist
Secondary soils: Garrigue Galets Shingle clay Loess/Molasse
What are the major soils of the Southern Rhône?
Garrigue Galets Shingle Clay Loess/Molasse Sandstone
What are the windblown silts and sands known as?
Loess/Molasse
What is the result of windblown silts and sands on wine?
Fruit forward and less structured
What do Galets do to the grape?
Adds alcohol & tannins, age worthy wines?
What was the major geologic event that occured 2 million to 10,000 years ago in the Rhône?
The Rhône Glacier slides into France
The Massif Central stops it
The glacier ground the soil creating polished rocks called Galets
What cities bookend Les Côtes du Rhône?
Vienne in the north
Avignon in the south
What is the climate of the Southern Rhône?
Mediterranean, much warmer than the Northern Rhône
What cities bookend the Southern Rhône?
Montelimar in the north
Nîmes in the south
What marks the boundary of the Northern Rhône?
Vienne in the north
Valence in the south
45 miles long
4% of total production
What is the climate of the Northern Rhône?
Continental
Except the Diois which is more Alpine
What are the beneficial effects of the Mistral?
Chases clouds, dust and humidity
Drops temperatures
Dessicates the grapes
What are some of the detrimental effects of the Mistral?
Breaks shoots
Rips off leaves and berries
Shuts down the vine
Desiccates the grapes too much
What are the production stats of the Southern Rhône Cru of Tavel?
Right bank Production: 100% rosé Mostly Grenache Soil: sand, limestone and galets Vinification must be Saignée
What are the production stats of the Southern Rhône Cru of Lirac?
Right bank
Production: Mostly red some rosé and white
Climate is hot and arid, the mistral blows full force
Whites: Clairette, Bourboulenc and Grenache Blanc
Rosés: Both Saignée & Direct Press. Mostly Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvèdre
Dark in Color
Reds: Same as Rosés
What are the core red and white blends of the Southern Rhône?
Core Red: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault & Mourvedre
Core White: Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Marsanne & Roussanne
What are the 9 Crus of the Southern Rhône from north to south?
Vinsobres Rasteau Cairanne (most recent Cru) Gigonda Vacqueyras Beaume de Venise Châteauneuf du Pape Lirac Tavel
What are the 8 Crus of the Northern Rhône from north to south?
- Côte-Rôtie
- Condrieu
- Château-Grillet
- Saint-Joseph
- Crozes-Hermitage
- Hermitage
- Cornas
- Saint-Péray
What percentage of Cru production comes from the northern and southern Rhône regions?
25% from the North
75% from the South
Majority is red
What 2 Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC’s produce Vin doux Naturels (VdN)?
Rasteau
Muscat de Beaumes de Venise
> 10% RS and 15% alcohol
How many villages have been awarded AOC status and can add their name to CDRV wines as CDRV-named village?
17
What are the production stats for CDRV AOC wines?
95 villages that can produce it
Standards are more stringent than CdR
Blending formula refers to what’s in the bottle not the field
What percentage of Regional CdR AOC comes from the Southern Rhône ?
95%
There are 171 villages in both the north and south that can contribute to the blend
What percentage of wine production come from outside the CDR zone of production?
25%
What are the Rhône Valley AOC’s that lie outside the CdR zone of production?
The Diois
- 2 Sparkling: Clairette de Die & Cremant de Die
- 2 Still: Coteaux de Die & Chatillon en Diois
In the South: Côtes du Vivarais Grignan-les-Adhémar Duché d'Uzès Ventoux Luberon Costières de Nîmes Clairette de Bellegarde
What are the CdR zones of production AOC’s?
Côtes du Rhône Regional AOC: 171 villages located here both north and south
Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC: 95 villages, south only
Côtes du Rhône Villages - named Villages: 17 villages south only
17 Cru AOC’s: 8 in the north and 9 in the south including the 2 VdN AOCs
What is the key effect of being near a body of water?
It equalizes the diurnal and seasonal temperatures
Helps bud break
Reduces frosts - stays a little warmer 2 -4 degrees
When did the vine begin in the Rhône Valley?
600BC with the Phoceans
When did the Romans arrive and what was one of the first things they did?
121 BC and they built terraces into the steep slopes of the north
What major event happened in the 14th century?
The French Popes during the Avignon Papacy moved to Avignon
What major changes occured to the Côtes du Rhône in the 1600-1800s?
The effort to protect the wine and certify the Côtes du Rhône name
Wine barrels were stamped “CDR” and in the 1800s Côte du Rhône was changed to Les Côtes du Rhône
What was one of the most significant ways Phylloxera in the early 1870’s changed the vineyards of Southern Rhône?
Mourvèdre was exceedingly difficult to graft, plantings decreased dramatically - from 33% to 3%
What happened in 1956 that resulted in a huge increase in Viticulture?
A severe winter frost killed off the olive and fruit trees, the vines survived
Many farmers switched to viticulture
What are the CdR stats?
171 of the Rhône Valleys 300 villages can produce CdR
92% red, 4% rosé and 4% white
What is the vine spacing in the Southern Rhône?
They are spaced wider apart due to the depleted soil and lack of water
Irrigation is not illegal but permission is needed
Can be either machine or hand harvested
How are the new vineyards usually trained in the Rhône?
They are often trellised
This is for better sun exposure, ease of pruning, elimination of humidity build-up within the canopy, structural support against the Mistral
What training method is traditionally used in the Southern Rhône?
The Gobelet method
This is to keep the vines close to the ground to protect it from the Mistral
What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhône red grape Syrah?
Densely pigmented, tannic wines with moderate alcohol and acidity
Raspberry, black currant, cherry and plum fruits with pepper, sundried tomatoes, herb and cocoa
Sometimes leathery, gamey barnyard notes
Reductive in nature
What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhône red grape Mourvèdre ?
Late ripener requiring warmth and sunlight
Thrives best near the coast
Densely pigmented with high levels of tannin and acidity
Complexes and intensifies with age
In its youth herbs, bright plum, strawberry and meaty aromas
Truffle appear with age
What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhône red grape Grenache Noir?
Vigorous and productive
Wind and drought resistant
High alcohol, moderate acid, pigment and tannins
Bright strawberry, wild cherry and prune fruit with a dash of licorice and spice
Prone to oxidation
What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhône red grape Cinsault?
Abundant crop
Drought and wind resistant
Requires high temperatures to ripen its fruit
Moderate pigment, low acidity, supple tannins and red fruit aroma
Usually used for rosé wines
What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhône red grape Carignan?
Produces abundant crop
Late budder, late ripener, drought and wind resistant
Prefers low vigor sites such as warm dry hillsides
Produces well structured, tannic wines with good acidity and color
What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhône white grape Ugni Blanc?
Known as Trebbiano in Italy
Late budding, late ripening, vigorous and high yielding
Possesses good acidity
Crafts delicate whites with hints of citrus and almond
What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhône white grape Marsanne?
Extremely vigorous and hardy
Generous producer and early ripener
Produces powerful wines with high alcohol
High extract and moderately low acidity
Tastes of melon and flowers; transitions to hazelnut
When did Phylloxera hit the Rhône ?
Early 1870’s
What did Phylloxera do to the grape landscape in the Rhône?
Greatest impact on Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre was very difficult to graft
This reduced vineyard plantings form 30 to 3%
What grapes took over vineyard production after Phylloxera?
Easy to Graft: Grenache and Syrah
Mourvèdre now less than 3%
Grenache: 65%
Syrah: 18%
What are the 4 seasons of the Northern Rhône?
Spring: Variable, wet with fog or sunny and dry
Summer: Hot & Sunny with 2,100 hours of sunlight and 27-35” of rainfall
Autumns: Dry & Windy with danger of hail
Winter: Cold with light snowfall
What is the topography of the Northern Rhône?
Vineyards are planted on slopes facing the Rhône up to 60 degrees
Romans carved terraces on these slopes to stop slope wash and make vineyard work easier
In the Northern Rhône what is the ideal vineyard aspect?
South
What is the only red grape of the Northern Rhône?
Syrah
- Early ripening
- Densely pigmented
- Tannic
- Moderate acidity and alcohol
- The wine can express leather & gamey notes due to Syrahs reductive nature
What is the soil type of the Northern Rhône?
Mostly granite sub soils with a topsoil of decomposed schist and granite sand
Pockets of calcareous soils mixed with Galets and patches of shingle clay
What are the characteristics of the Northern Rhône white grape Roussanne?
Moderately vigorous, mid ripener
Prefers warm, stony, well drained soils and arid hillsides, also silt-limestone soils
High alcohol and moderately high acidity
Aromas of honeysuckle, quince, apricot, acacia and white peach
What are the characteristics of the Northern Rhône white grape Marsanne?
Vigorous and hardy Generous producer Early ripener Prefers warm, stony, infertile soils High in alcohol and extract Moderately low in acidity Look for aromas of melon and flowers that transition to hazelnut
What are the characteristics of the Northern Rhône white grape Viognier?
Vigorous and hardy Thrives in poor, dry, stony soils Early ripener Aromatic High in alcohol Moderate acidity Aromas of peach, honey, musk, violets and white flowers
How do we mitigate the Mistral effects?
In the South: Plant untrellised, low-facing the wind Gobelet style
In the North: Plant on protected SE facing slopes and use Echalas trellesing
What is the quality pyramid in the Les Côtes du Rhône?
Cru AOC’s (VdNs included)
Côtes du Rhône villages - named villages AOC (only in the south)
Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC (must be a blend)
Côtes du Rhône regional AOC
How many Crus are in the Northern Rhône?
8
How many Crus are in the Southern Rhône?
9
How many CdR named villages are there?
17
Are these red, white or rosé AOC's Vinsobres Cairanne (most recent Cru) Gigonda Vacqueyras Beaume de Venise Châteauneuf du Pape Lirac Tavel Rasteau
Vinsobres - red only
Cairanne (most recent Cru) - red and white
Gigonda - red and a little rosé
Vacqueyras - red, rosé and white
Beaume de Venise - dry red and Muscate VdN
Châteauneuf du Pape - red and white
Lirac - red, rosé and white
Tavel - rosé only
Rasteau - dry red plus red, rosé or white VdN
How many CdR - villages are there?
95
How many CdR wine producing villages are there?
171
How many VdN AOC’s are there and what are their names?
2
Rasteau
Muscat de Beaumes de Venise
From north to the south wat the the 8 Northern Cru AOC’s?
- Côte-Rôtie
- Condrieu (white)
- Château-Grillet (white)
- Saint-Joseph
- Crozes-Hermitage
- Hermitage
- Cornas (amphitheater)
- Saint-Péray (white)
Are the following Northern Cru AOC’s red, white or rose?
- Côte-Rôtie
- Condrieu
- Château-Grillet
- Saint-Joseph
- Crozes-Hermitage
- Hermitage
- Cornas
- Saint-Péray
- Côte-Rôtie: red only
- Condrieu: white only
- Château-Grillet: white only
- Saint-Joseph: red & white
- Crozes-Hermitage: red & white
- Hermitage: red & white
- Cornas: red only
- Saint-Péray: white only
What are the grape varieties and their percentage in the Northern Rhône?
- Côte-Rôtie: Syrah up to 20% Viognier
- Condrieu: 100% Viognier
- Château-Grillet: 100% Viognier
- Saint-Joseph: reds Syrah up to 10% Marsanne and/or Roussanne
- Hermitage: reds Syrah up to 15% Marsanne and/or Roussanne
- Cornas: 100% Syrah
- Saint-Péray: Roussanne and/or Marsanne
Which AOC in Northern Rhône makes sweet Vins de Paille?
Hermitage
What is the difference between Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu and Château-Grillet and the rest of the CRU AOCs in the Northern Rhône?
The top 3 have Viognier as the white grape, below that the rest have Marsanne and Roussanne as their whites
What are the parents of Syrah?
Dureza x Mondeuse Blanche meaning Syrah is a French grape
What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhône Cru CdP?
Left bank
Production: almost all red with some white
Largest and driest AOC
Soils: limestone, sandstone, shingle/clay and galets
Climate: dry, exposed to the full force of the Mistral
Grapes: 13 Authorized
What did the 3 week 5 degree winter freeze do to the Rhône Valley?
In addition to the cold the 60 mph Mistral winds blew through the valley
The majority of the regions olive and fruit trees perished; the vines survived
These farms replanted to the vine
What was the INAO’s first regulation text?
AOC
Defined area of origin (Origine)
Named (Appellation) product created & labeled under strictly regulated (Controlee’) production methods
May 15, 1936 INAO First AOC’s
- Arbois
- Cassis
- CdP
Who is Baron Pierre Le Roy de Boiseaumarie?
In 1935 he led the vine growers of CdP to delineate the CdP zone of production and set production standards
In 1936 the first AOC’s were announced and CdP was among them
What are the “non-Cru” AOC’s in the Rhône?
Diois Ventoux Grignon le Adhemar Luberon Côtes du Vivarais Duché d'Uzès Costière de Nîmes Clairette de Bellegarde
What is the northernmost Cru in the Northern Rhône?
Côte-Rôtie
Which northern Rhône Cru is known for sparkling wine?
Saint-Péray
What percentage to the total Rhône Valley production does the Cote du Rhône AOC represent?
50
What are the AOC types within the Les Côtes du Rhône?
Côtes du Rhône AOC: 68% of the Les Côtes du Rhône region
Côtes du Rhône Villages - 5%
Côtes du Rhône Villages - named Village: 9%
17 Cru AOC’s ( including 2 Vin Doux Naturals AOC’s): 17% & 1% respectively
What does the Côtes du Rhône regional AOC cover?
It is the regional AOC of the Les Côtes du Rhône region
It represents 50% of the production of the entire Rhône Valley
What are the wines form the Northern and Southern Rhône called?
Northern: Côtes du Rhône Septentrionalis
Southern: Côtes du Rhône Méridionales
What are the production stats of the Southern Rhône Cru of Vinsobres?
Left Bank
At elevation of 1,200’
Climate: Has alpine influences that preserve the wines natural acidity
Red: Min 50% Grenache plus 25% Syrah and/or Mourvedre
Soils: Sand + clay with pocket of gravel and limestone
What is the “new castle of the Pope”?
Pope John XXII built a new summer home in a small town
He named it “The New Castle of the Pope” or Châteauneuf du Pape
This name became the name of the town
When did the Romans arrive in the Rhône and what did they do for formal viticulture?
Arrived in 121 BC
They transformed te steep slopes into walled terraces
They began on the right bank and then annexed the left
When did formal viticulture begin in the Rhône?
Celtic tribes were present when the Phocéans arrived in Marseille around 600 BC
They brought the grape Muscat a Petit Grains Blanc
What is the real origin Syrah and Viognier?
Syrah: Indigenous to France
Cross of Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche
Viognier: Related to Mondeuse Blanche
What is the primary white grape of the Northern Rhône?
Viognier
What is the primary grape of the Southern Rhône?
Grenache
When was the Church in Rhône ?
1309 - 1376 the Catholic church center of power was in Avignon with 7 Catholic Popes ruling from here
What is the link between Viognier and Syrah?
Mondeuse Blanc
What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhône VdN AOC of Muscat de Beaumes de Venise?
Grape: Muscat a Petit Grains
Superior acid and sugar balance
Aromas of rose, lychee and orange blossom
What 3 Northern Rhône Crus permit Viognier?
Côte-Rôtie
Condrieu
Château-Grillet
What is “Vins de Medecine”?
Wines from CdP and other Southern Rhône areas sold to Burgundy to add pigment, tannin and riper fruit during the Avignon Papacy
When did “La Côte du Rhône “ begin?
In the 1600’s it began as an administrative district in the vicariate of Uzes
Lies within the Southern Rhône on the right bank
Growers called their wine Cote du Rhône
What was the change from La Cote du Rhône to Les Côtes du Rhône ?
1737 King Louis XV mandated the branding of all Cote du Rhône wine barrels with CDR to protect their origin
1800’s the singular name became the plural Les Cotes du Rhône becoming a regional moniker
It stretches from Vienne to Avignon on both banks
What are the production stats of the Southern Rhône Cru of Rasteau?
Left Bank
Production: dry red plus red, white and rosé VdN
Unique Mesoclimate: South facing amphitheater that traps sun and blocks the Mistral
Elevation- 1050’
Soils: marls, red clay and sand with pockets of gravel
Reds: Predominantly GSM
What are the characteristics of the VdN Rasteau AOC?
Grapes: Grenache Noir, Grenache Gris and Grenache Blanc (with up to 10% of the other varieties)
Most of this VdN is red
White VdNs: Blanc (reductive) or Ambre’ (Oxidative) styles
Red VdNs: Grenat (reductive) or Tuile (Oxidative) styles
Hors d’ Age: 5 years oxidative aging
Rancio: 12 months oxidative aging in barrel
