Rhone Valley Flashcards
CDP and Pope history?
In 1309, the Southern Rhône suddenly became the center of Christian Europe as Pope Clement V moved his court from Rome to Avignon. His successor, 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.
These rules became the prototype for the Appellation Contrôlée system, and in 1936, (blank) became the first AOC (now AOP) in France.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
What is the climate of the Northern Rhone?
Continental
What is the climate of the Southern Rhone?
Mediterranean
What is the wind called in the Rhone Valley?
Mistral Wind
What does the Mistral Wind do for the Northern Rhone?
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 are the soil types of the 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.
Fine sand and loess topsoil throughout the Northern Rhône are prone to erosion, a threat partially mitigated by terrace construction.
What topsoil is in Condrieu?
Near the commune of Condrieu, the thin topsoil is rich with powdery, decomposed mica, known locally as arzelle.
What are the soils in Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, and Saint-Péray?
The soils become heavier with clay
What is the main grape of the Northern Rhone?
the Syrah grape achieves its classic status. The wines are full-bodied, firm, and savory, and they manifest a host of signature secondary aromas including smoke, grilled meat, olive, lavender, and peppercorn.
What is aging like in the Northern Rhone?
The wines are typically fermented and aged in large oak foudres, although some producers are now experimenting with new barriques.
What are the appellations of Syrah in the Northern Rhone?
Cote Rotie AOP Saint - Joseph AOP Hermitage AOP Crozes - Hermitage AOP Cornas AOP
In Cornas, Syrah is bottled as a (Blank %) varietal wine
100%
White grapes can be blended or often fermented together in the Northern Rhone. What are the legal percentages allowed?
Côte-Rôtie - 20% Viognier
Hermitage - 15% Marsanne and Roussanne
Crozes Hermitage - 15% Marsanne and Rousanne
Saint-Joseph - 10% Marsanne and Roussanne
Cornas - 100% syrah
Why would a co-fermentation of the white and red grapes happen?
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 is used, if any.
Who is the largest producer in Cote Rotie?
E. Guigal
What is the topography like in Cote Rotie?
Côte-Rôtie, the northernmost appellation in the Northern Rhône Valley, is home to some of France’s steepest vineyards. On parts of the slope, the gradient is a precipitous 55 degrees or more. Côte-Rôtie, the “roasted slope,” rises up a southeasterly aspect behind the riverside town of Ampuis, home to E. Guigal
What are two vineyards near Ampuis that are considered the heart of the appellation’s terroir?
Côte Brune
Côte Blonde
What are the characteristics of Côte Brune and Côte Blonde?
The wines derived from these two hillsides are said to mirror their feminine namesakes: Côte Blonde yields softer, alluring wines, whereas the wines of Côte Brune are stronger and more assertive.
What are the principal soil types of Cote Brune and Cote Blond?
Côte Brune (north): mica-schistous rock
Côte Blonde (south): gneiss
What is the minimum potential alcohol for Cote Rotie AOP?
10.5% abv
What are the communes of Production in Cote Rotie?
Saint-Cyr-sur-Rhône
Ampuis
Tupin-Semons
What are the LaLa’s (also known as the Big Three), where are they located, and who is famous for them?
Vineyards in Cote Rotie
La Landonne (in Cote Brune) La Turque (Cote Blonde) La Mouline (Cote Blonde)
E. Guigal
Name some producers of Cote Rotie?
E. Guigal
Jamet
Rostaing
Vidal - Fleury
Name the producers that dominate Hermitage?
the singular Jean-Louis Chave
and the négociants Delas
M. Chapoutier,
and Jaboulet
What is Jaboulet’s premier wine?
“La Chapelle”
What is Jaboulet’s La Chapelle named after?
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 the important climates of Hermitage?
West to East les Bessards L’Hermite le Méal Gréffieux Beaume Péléat
Behind the hill of Hermitage are the vineyards of (Blank).
Crozes-Hermitage
What style of wine does Crozes-Hermitage make?
The red wines of Crozes-Hermitage are generally lighter and less ageworthy, although the better wines can approach Hermitage in quality.
Which vineyards are the warmest in the Northern Rhone?
Cornas
What is the soil in Cornas?
The sun’s warmth is magnified by the naked granite soil (gore) in the vineyards, and the appellation is shielded from the Mistral wind.
There are 4 noteworthy Lieux-dits in Cornas. What are they?
Les Chaillot
Les Mazards
Les Reynards
La Côte
Which appellation is the smallest in the Northern Rhone?
Cornas - just over 100 hectares
Who is considered the most traditionalist producer from Cornas?
Auguste Clape
eschewing destemming for whole-cluster fermentation and new oak barriques for the old demi-muids of the region.
Which appellations in the Northern Rhone only produce red wines?
Cornas and Côte-Rôtie
Which appellations in the Northern Rhone produce a small amount of white wine?
Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, and Hermitage also produce small amounts of white wines, from the Marsanne and Roussanne grapes
In Saint-Peray AOP, what kind of wine do they make?
Near Valence, the cool Saint-Péray AOP exclusively produces Marsanne and Roussanne wines, which may be made in méthode traditionelle mousseux style. Often but not always blended, the more delicate Roussanne adds acidity and waxy minerality to Marsanne’s broader, oily texture and marzipan character.
What is Vin de Paille?
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 again by Chapoutier in 1990.
Is Condrieu AOP a white wine only appellation?
yes , Viognier
Who are the high quality producers of Condrieu AOP?
Georges Vernay, Yves Cuilleron, and André Perret
What is the monopole in Condrieu called?
Chateau Grillet AOP
a monopole within Condrieu, enjoy historical acclaim but are perhaps more notable today for their scarcity than their 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
Cremant de Die AOP
Clairette de Die AOP
Chatillon-en-Diois AOP
Coteaux de Die AOP and the sparkling wine appellation Crémant de Die AOP offer whites based entirely and partially, respectively, on (blank).
Clairette.
Clairette de Die AOP provides two styles of sparkling wines:
méthode traditionnelle and méthode Dioise ancestrale. While Clairette is the sole grape in the traditional method wines, the méthode Dioise ancestrale requires its rustic sparkling wines to contain, confusingly, a minimum 75% Muscat à Petit Grains.
The méthode ancestrale is an old technique of sparkling wine production in which the wine is bottled without dosage before fermentation has concluded.
The wines are disgorged into pressurized tanks and rebottled without liqueur d’expédition. A minimum 35 grams per liter residual sugar remains, implying demi-sec sweetness.
Méthode traditionnelle wines are basically brut in style, with a maximum 15 grams per liter of sugar after dosage.
Near Die, Châtillon-en-Diois AOP is an anomaly for what kinds of wine?
Gamay-based reds and rosés and whites based on Aligoté and Chardonnay.
The Southern Rhône accounts for about (Blank %) of all wine produced in the Rhône Valley and it is overwhelmingly devoted to red wine.
95%
What are the main red grapes of the Southern Rhone?
Grenache—a Spanish import—is the most planted red grape, offering richness of body, sweet fruit, and warmth.
Mourvèdre and Syrah constitute a significant percentage of plantings, adding structure and depth of color to the blend.
Cinsault provides finesse and freshness, and is often utilized for rosé wines as well.
Carignan is the last major red grape of the Southern Rhône, but acreage is on the decline.
What is the topography of the Southern Rhone?
flat
What are the soil types of the 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 galets. Made of quartzite and smoothed by the river, the galets store heat, releasing it to warm the vines at night.
What do the galets do?
the galets store heat, releasing it to warm the vines at night.
What is the minimum alcohol for CDP?
12.5% abv
How many grapes can be in a Châteauneuf-du-Pape blend?
18
What is the blend for Beaucastel wines?
While Grenache is generally the principal variety in red wines from the appellation, Château de Beaucastel Rouge includes a significant proportion of Mourvèdre and is famously produced from a blend of every authorized variety.
What does Chateau Rayas do with their blend?
On the other end of the spectrum, Château Rayas often releases their Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge as a 100% varietal Grenache.
Additionally, AOP regulations mandate that producers declassify or discard at least (blank) of harvested grapes (le râpé), a process that serves as a safeguard against underripeness.
2%
Who and when released the first estate-bottled Chateauneuf du Pape?
Château La Nerthe
1785
How large is CDP?
he appellation’s size is a factor: in comparison to Cornas’ 100 hectares, Châteauneuf-du-Pape has over 3,000.
What is CDP’s soil type?
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.
What kind of oak aging is happening in CDP?
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.
What are the 18 grapes of Chateauneuf-du-Pape?
Grenache (Noir/Blanc/Gris) Mourvèdre Syrah Cinsault Counoise Picpoul (Noir/Blanc/Gris) Terret Noir Bourboulenc Clairette/Clairette Rosé Roussanne Vaccarèse Picardan Muscardin
What is the Southern Rhone’s largest appellation?
Côtes du Rhône AOP
Over (blank) of the Rhône Valley’s wines are released as Côtes du Rhône AOP.
two-thirds
What is the Cotes - du - Rhone- Villages? How many communes?
Côtes du Rhône-Villages AOP is a superior designation for red, white, and rosé wine from a delimited area within the Southern Rhône.
As of 2020, 22 communes may append their names to the appellation.
Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah are the principal red grapes for Côtes du Rhône-Villages.
When was Gigonas AOP created?
1971
What style of wines does Gigondas AOP make?
red and rose
What is the soil type of Gigondas AOP?
red clay alluvial soils
What do red wines contain in Gigondas AOP?
minimum 50% Grenache
When was Vacqueyras AOP created?
1990
What styles of wine does Vacqueyras AOP make?
The rustic Vacqueyras wines are usually red, although a small amount of white and rosé wine is produced.
What is required in a Vacqueyras AOP red wine?
minimum 50% grenache in the blend
Beaumes-de-Venise AOP and Vinsobres AOP joined the other appellations in (blank) and (blank), respectively, producing red wines based on a minimum 50% Grenache.
2005 and 2006
Cairanne is the most recent arrival to the AOP pack; since early (blank), it merits appellation status for dry white and red wines. All five appellations share Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s 12.5% minimum potential alcohol requirement for red wines.
2016
Where is Lirac AOP?
On the western bank 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.
What are the main grapes in Lirac AOP?
Grenache Noir and Blanc are prevalent in Lirac, although the white wines may see a significant proportion of Clairette and Bourboulenc added.
Despite its sandier soils, the commune of Lirac in (blank) may have served as France’s doorway to the phylloxera incursion.
1863
Tavel AOP is one of the only communal appellations in France exclusively dedicated to (blank).
rose wines
What is the main grape in Tavel AOP?
Grenache
Vin doux naturel, a sweet fortified wine, is found in greater quantities in Languedoc-Roussillon, but two appellations exist for the style in the Southern Rhône: What are they?
Rasteau AOP
Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise AOP
The local co-operative, the Vignerons de Beaumes-de-Venise, produces (blank)% of the wine labeled as Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise AOP from grapes sourced throughout the communes of Beaumes-de-Venise and Aubignan.
90%
Rasteau vin doux naturel wines may be white, rosé, or red, and they are based on the (blank)
three colors of Grenache: Blanc, Gris, and Noir.
In (year), vignerons in Rasteau adopted the labeling terminology established by the producers of Rivesaltes in Roussillon: (blank and blank) indicate, respectively, white and red VDN wines displaying a more oxidative character and subject to at least three years of aging prior to release.
2011
ambré and tuilé
How long do Vin Doux Naturel wines need to be aged for in Ratseau AOP?
at least three years of aging prior to release
Fresher versions of white and red Rasteau VDN wines are now labeled (blank and blank)
blanc and grenat
Hors d’age is a term that can be used for Vin Doux Naturel wines when….
to wines that have matured for at least five years prior to release.
Rasteau AOP wines may also be (blank), a deliberately oxidative and maderized style in which the wine is left in open barrels, exposed to the ravages of sunlight and temperature.
rancio
What is Southern Rhone’s northernmost appellation?
Grignan-les-Adhémar AOP
located directly south of Montélimar
Other appellations of the Southern Rhône include…
Luberon AOP, Ventoux AOP, and Côtes du Vivarais AOP.
To the west, Costières de Nîmes AOP adjoins the regions of the Southern Rhône Valley, Provence, and Languedoc. Formerly considered an appellation of (blank), INAO authorities transferred oversight of the Costières de Nîmes AOP to officials in the Rhône Valley in 2004. Wines of all three colors are made.
Languedoc
Clairette de Bellegarde AOP, a single-commune appellation within Costières de Nîmes, produces what kind of wines?
produces white wines from the Clairette grape.
In which region is Viognier typically grown?
Northern Rhone
Which of the following appellations produces vin doux naturel?
Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise
True or False: The Rhône Valley has a grand cru classification.
False
True or False: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOP may produce white wine.
True
Côte Brune and Côte Blonde are major areas in which appellation?
Côte-Rôtie
Which of the following AOPs previously appeared as a village name on labels of Côtes du Rhône-Villages?
Gigondas
CDP
Tavel
Crozes-Hermitage
Gigondas
Which of the following grapes was imported from Spain to the Rhône Valley?
Grenache
True or False: Viognier is the most important white grape in Saint-Joseph AOP.
False
What is the minimum alcohol content of Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOP?
12.5%
Which appellation produces wine from 100% Viognier?
Condrieu
Which style of wine is produced in the Tavel AOP?
Rose
Syrah wines produced in the Côte-Rôtie appellation may be co-fermented with what grape?
Viognier
Rasteau wines may be (blank)
, a maderized style in which the wines are left in open barrels, exposed to sun and heat.
Rancio
What is the maximum amount of Viognier permitted in Côte-Rôtie AOP?
20%
Which grape is NOT permitted in Hermitage AOP?
Viognier
Gore is the primary soil of what Rhône appellation?
Cornas
What style of wine is produced in Beaumes-de-Venise AOP?
Red
In which appellation does the Alain Graillot estate produce wine?
Crozes-Hermitage
Which of the following is the northernmost AOP in the Southern Rhône Valley?
Gigondas
Grignan-les-Adhémar
Tavel
Luberon
Grignan-les-Adhémar
How long are Rasteau Hors d’Age wines aged before release?
5 years
In what year was Châteauneuf-du-Pape granted AOC status?
1936
Clairette de Bellegarde AOP is a single commune appellation within what larger AOP?
Costières de Nîmes
What is the primary grape used in Vieilles Vignes Blanc from Château de Beaucastel?
Roussanne
How many liters are in a demi-muid?
600
What is the minimum residual sugar (in grams per liter) of Rasteau AOP vin doux naturel wines?
45
Which of the following most accurately describes the structure of a red wine from Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOP?
Full body, Medium acidity, High alcohol
True or False: Hermitage AOP may produce dessert wine.
True
True or False: Grenache is a grape with elevated acidity that is prone to oxidation.
False
What are some of the best vintages of the Northern Rhone in recent years?
2015: The 2015 vintage is often regarded as outstanding for both red and white wines in the Northern Rhône. The wines from this vintage are known for their depth, concentration, and excellent aging potential.
2010: Another exceptional vintage, 2010 produced red wines with great structure, elegance, and aging potential. The wines are balanced and show good fruit expression.
2009: Though warmer than typical Rhône vintages, 2009 yielded ripe and full-bodied red wines with good fruit intensity. These wines are approachable in their youth but can also age well.
2005: A classic vintage in the Northern Rhône, 2005 produced wines with excellent balance, structure, and aging potential. These wines often exhibit great complexity and finesse.
1999: An older vintage that has aged beautifully, 1999 produced wines with well-defined fruit, structure, and elegance. These wines are still drinking well today.
1995: Another classic vintage, 1995 produced red wines with depth, concentration, and great aging potential. These wines have evolved gracefully over time.
1991: This vintage is known for producing elegant and well-structured wines with aging potential. While not as powerful as some other vintages, the wines from 1991 are often appreciated for their finesse.
1989: An excellent vintage for both red and white wines, 1989 produced wines with good balance, complexity, and aging potential. The white wines are particularly notable for their richness and depth.
What are some of the best vintages for Chateau-neuf-du-pape?
2016: The 2016 vintage is often considered one of the greatest in recent history for Châteauneuf-du-Pape. These wines are characterized by their incredible concentration, depth, and structure. They have the potential for long-term aging and are known for their balance between fruit, acidity, and tannins.
2015: Like 2016, 2015 is another outstanding vintage. The wines are ripe, powerful, and rich, with excellent aging potential. They are known for their expressive fruit flavors and good structure.
2010: The 2010 vintage produced wines with great depth, complexity, and aging potential. These wines are well-balanced, with ripe fruit flavors and a strong backbone of tannins and acidity.
2007: The 2007 vintage is known for its approachability in its youth. These wines are often characterized by their ripe and opulent fruit, making them enjoyable even in their early years.
2005: A classic vintage in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 2005 produced wines with great structure, concentration, and aging potential. These wines often exhibit notes of dark fruit, spice, and herbs.
2001: The 2001 vintage is notable for its elegance and complexity. The wines are well-balanced with aging potential, and they often display a mix of red and black fruit flavors.
1998: This vintage is known for its balance and harmony. The wines are mature and offer a combination of fruit, earthy, and spicy notes. They are enjoyable for drinking now.
1990: An older vintage that has aged gracefully, the wines from 1990 often showcase complexity, depth, and a harmonious balance of flavors. They are a testament to Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s aging potential.
1989: Another exceptional older vintage, 1989 produced wines with great depth and concentration. These wines have aged well and continue to offer an enjoyable drinking experience.
Who’s producing “La Guiraude? What is the first Vintage?
Alain Graillot Crozes Hermitage AOP 1985
Who’s produces the condrieu “Vermillon”?
Jamet
What is the name of the White Hermitage from Chapoutier (blended cuvée)?
Chante Alouette
What is the first vintage of Roussanne vielle vignes? Who’s the producer? What AOP?
Château de Beaucastel
Chateauneuf-du-Pape white AOP
Sourced from the oldest Roussane plantation on the Rhône Valley: 80 years old
Who’s producing Chateau Fonsalette?
Chateau Rayas
Who’s the largest producer of Cote Rotie?
E. Guigal
Who’s producing Chateau des Tours?
Chateau Rayas
Where could we find the lieu dit “La Crau”
In CDP, Vieux Telegraph’s vineyard
What vintages are Cuvée Cathelin produced? Who’s created this wine? Explain shortly?
1990, 1991, 1995, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2009, 2010 JL Chave - Hermitage Produced from the best parcels, in best vintages, from the best barrels only
Who’s Alain Voge?
What appellation does he produce his wines?
Iconic winemaker in Cornas AOP
helps the re-birth of the Appellation
Who’s produced the cuvée “Seigneur de Mongiron”?
Delas Frère – Côte Rôtie: 100% Syrah blend from Cote Brune and Blonde
What is the name of the White Hermitage from Chapoutier (blended cuvée)?
Chante Alouette
Where is hand harvest required on the Rhone Valley?
Hermitage, Cornas, Condrieu, Cotes Rôtie, CH. Grillet
Where is Henrie Bonneau located?
CDP
What is the famous wine made by Paul Jaboulet from Crozes Hermitage?
Domaine de Thalabert
What are the two parent grapes of Syrah?
Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche
In which appellation did the Gentaz-Dervieux estate produce wine in?
Cote-Rotie
What grapes are used in Rayas blanc?
Clairette and Grenache blanc
What is the most recent Côtes du Rhône village to be upgraded to AOP status?
Cairanne
What river does the Clairette de Die AOP lie along?
Drome
What is the minimum amount of Grenache required in Gigondas?
50%
True or False: Marsanne may NOT be used in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOP.
True
Select the top vintage for Northern Rhône wines.
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2001
What is the primary grape of Clairette de Die “Méthode Ancestrale?”
Muscat
What was the first vintage of production for “Ermitage Cuvée Cathelin?”
1990
Who is the producer of “Cuvée Ampodium?”
Rene Rostaing
What is the first vintage of “Hommage à Jacques Perrin?”
1989
Who makes this?
Yves Gangloff
