Rhône Valley Flashcards
1
Q
How does northern and southern Rhône differ in terms of the river itself?
A
Northern Rhône appellations are close to the river with vines planted on the slopes of the river itself. Southern Rhône is vastly greater with many vineyards at considerable distance from the river.
2
Q
What are the defined AOC’s called in the Rhône valley?
A
They are know as Cru’s
3
Q
Côtes du Rhône AOC and Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC stand for how many percent of all wine produced in the whole of Rhône?
A
Around 60%
4
Q
In 2021, how many percent was red respectively white and rosé in the Rhône valley (AOC wine)?
A
76% red, 14% rosé and 10% white.
5
Q
Top 9 varieties in the Rhône valley (in order if possible)?
A
Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre, cinsault, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Clairette, rousanne, Marsanne
6
Q
Syrah is a vigorous variety. What is done in the Rhône valley to protect it from the Mistral wind?
A
Careful training and tying in.
7
Q
In northern Rhône’s steep slopes normal trellising is not possible. How is Syrah treated?
A
Individual plants are tied up to one or two poles, adding cost.
8
Q
Syrah is the only black grape used in northern Rhône. What is a typical tasting note?
A
Deep ruby. Medium to pronounced intensity of violet, plum (red in cool tears and black in warm years), blackberry, black pepper and herbal notes. Acidity and tannins from medium to high.
9
Q
What three things does Syrah bring to the blends of southern Rhône ?
A
Syrah adds structure, fruit and colour.
10
Q
What grape variety is typically the major one in southern Rhône blends, and what does it bring to the blend?
A
Grenache noir. It brings pale ruby colour, ripe red fruit (strawberry, red plum, red cherry) spice and herbal notes. High alcohol, low to medium tannins and low acidity.
11
Q
Mourvèdre is almost always used as a small part of the southern Rhône blend. What does it bring?
A
Deep ruby colour. Intense blackberries, blueberries and violets. High alcohol and high, firm tannins.
12
Q
What does cinsault bring to southern Rhône blends?
A
Light ruby colour. Medium to medium(+) intensity of fresh red fruit (raspberry, red cherry), high alcohol and low to medium tannins.
13
Q
The lifted aromas of cinsault are most prominent when? Because of that, what is it highly suitable for?
A
Aromas are most prominent in the first year - highly suitable for early drinking reds and rosés.
14
Q
When does Viognier bud?
A
Early budding, therefore prone to spring frost.
15
Q
How is viognier grown in Rhône to prevent wind damage?
A
On a trellis or on poles.
16
Q
Yields for Viognier tend to be low and unpredictable, why?
A
Due to poor flowering and fruit set (coloure).
17
Q
Why is picking time crucial for Viognier?
A
Viognier needs to be fully ripe to show its typical pronounced aromas. Picked too late it rapidly lose flavour and acidity while gaining a lot of sugar leading to unbalanced wines.
18
Q
Typical tasting note for Viognier?
A
Medium lemon colour, pronounced aromas of honeysuckle, peach and apricot. Medium to high alcohol and low acidity.
19
Q
Budding, vigour and productivity for Marsanne is?
A
Late budding with high vigour as well as high productivity.
20
Q
For Marsanne to produce high quality yields must be kept low. In what way is this well suited to the northern Rhône ?
A
The soils of northern Rhône have very low fertility, Marsanne performs best in stony, low fertility soils keeping the yields low.
21
Q
Marsanne is prone to what (3)?
A
Powdery mildew, mites and botrytis bunch rot.
22
Q
Typical tasting note for Marsanne?
A
Medium lemon in colour. Low intensity honeysuckle, lemon and apricot. Oily texture. Medium acidity, full body and medium to high alcohol.
23
Q
How does northern and southern Rhône differ when it comes to Marsanne?
A
In northern Rhône Marsanne is usually treated as a varietal wine or blended with rousanne. In southern Rhône it is usually part of a blend.
24
Q
When does rousanne bud and on what kind of soil does it do best?
A
Rousanne is late budding and does best on low fertile and well drained soils.
25
Rousanne has poor resistance to what weather phenomena? How does growers deal with that?
Rousanne has poor resistance to wind. Growers have to carefully select sites that are proper for rousanne.
26
Rousanne easily suffers from coloure and is very variable in how much fruit it produces. It is also very susceptible to what diseases/hazards (3)?
Powdery mildew, botrytis bunch rot and mites.
27
What is the main reason for growers favouring Marsanne over rousanne in the Rhône valley?
Rousanne is much more difficult to grow.
28
Typical tasting note for rousanne?
Medium lemon in colour. Medium to medium(+) intensity of pear with herbal notes. Medium to medium(+) acidity and medium to high alcohol.
29
Rousanne is made as a varietal wine in both northern and southern Rhône but what is it normally blended with in northern respectively in southern Rhône ?
In northern rousanne is often blended with Marsanne. In southern Rhône rousanne is often blended with Clairette and Grenache Blanc.
30
In Rhône, a white grape almost exclusively grown in the south. Has a tendency to reach high potential alcohol. Contributes low intensity ripe green fruit and some floral notes. High alcohol and low acidity. Name?
Grenache Blanc
31
Is clairette vigorous? What is done to contain clairette’s vigour? In what kind of soil does do well?
Yes, very vigorous. But pruned short and with excessive buds removed you contain the vigour. Clairette grows well in low fertility, dry soils - well suited to southern Rhône and its low rainfall.
32
When does Clairette ripen? And is it prone to oxidisation or reduction in the winery?
Clairette ripens late and is prone to oxidisation.
33
Clairette goes into white blends in the southern Rhône. What does it contribute with?
Freshness and fruit with white flower, fennel, grapefruit and apple. High alcohol and low to medium(-) acidity.
34
When does Bourboulenc ripen?
Bourboulenc ripens late.
35
Bourboulenc has disease resistance from botrytis bunch rot and can withstand a late ripening. Why?
Bourboulenc has thick skin and loose bunches.
36
Bourboulenc is most often used in southern Rhône white blends. What does it bring?
Lemon flavour, medium(+) acidity and medium alcohol.
37
Grenache is prone to oxidation and Syrah to reduction, how is this reflected in the general winemaking in the Rhône valley?
Grenache is typically fermented and aged in concrete or stainless while Syrah is pumped over more often and aged in old oak.
38
When producing red Cru-level Rhône, hand or machine harvest? Large or small crates? Whole bunch or destemmed?
Hand harvest in small crates (not to crush grapes), may be destemmed, chilled and cold soaked for 1-3 days. Or as whole bunches (or partially destemmed).
39
What is it that red Cru-level Rhône winemakers want to promote when vinifiing using whole bunches?
It is said to promote more intense aromatics.
40
Red Cru-level Rhône : name three types of fermentation vessels.
Stainless steel, large concrete, open-top wood
41
For red Cru-level Rhône: cultured or ambient yeast? Fermentation at generally what temperature, and how long can maceration on skins carry on (# of days)
Producers may chose either ambient or cultured yeast. Fermentation is generally at warm temperature and maceration may last 20-30 days.
42
Why does red Cru-level Rhône winemakers let the maceration go on for 20-30 days with punch-downs, pump-overs or rack and returns?
To enhance extraction of colour, flavour and tannins. This is also the reason why fermenting at warm temperatures.
43
How long in general is the maturation before bottling for red Cru-level Rhône wines? In what vessels for Grenache? And what vessel for Syrah and Mourvèdre? Typically how many percent new oak?
12-24 months. Large old oak for Grenache and small barrels for Syrah and Mourvèdre, typically 20-30% new.
44
Inexpensive red Rhône wines are typically machine harvested, crushing of some grapes are inevitable. Why is it important to process the entire volume quickly?
To avoid bacterial infection.
45
Large producers sometimes use two techniques to make a red Rhône wine with low tannins and in a fruity style for early consumption. Name the techniques.
Flash détente and thermovinification
46
Why do producers of inexpensive red Rhône wine use cultured yeast?
To ensure a quick and reliable fermentation to dryness.
47
What fermentation temperature is used for inexpensive red Rhône wines to retain fruit flavour and avoid high levels of tannin?
Mid-range temperatures.
48
Rosé in Rhône is made by a period of maceration and then pressing. How long is the maceration generally?
12-48 hours
49
In what vessels are rosé Rhône wine typically aged?
Oak or concrete large vats, or stainless steel.
50
At what temp are most white Rhône wines fermented? Why?
Mid-range to retain fruit.
51
Most white Rhône wines are aged in what vessels?
Large old oak or stainless steel
52
Why is lees stirring most often avoided for white Rhône wines? One famous producer does it though. Who and why?
The white Rhône grape varieties have a natural full body and stirring the lees would make them too full body. M. Chapoutier’s Hermitage is made with stirred lees for an even fuller body.
53
Why are some white Rhône wines matured in oak?
To add a layer of complexity
54
Climate in northern Rhône ?
Moderate continental.
55
The cold Mistral wind affects the vines and WINES of northern Rhône , elaborate.
The Mistral reduce fungal diseases but also vigour. Less vigour leads to lower yields and higher concentration in the wines. BUT also lower production.
56
What is the distance between the most northerly and southerly vineyards in northern Rhône ? Why does this matter?
65 kilometres. Ripening can be better in south due to this.
57
Where do you find many of the better vineyards in northern Rhône ? Why?
On steep slopes to increase sunlight and promote better drainage. This means most work has to be done by hand, adding cost.
58
Côte-Rôtie AOC. Only what colour of wine? Why does grapes ripen fully here?
Steep slopes (often terraced) that mostly face east and south-east, sheltered from the cold northerly winds. High levels of sunlight and heat, rapid drainage and poor stony soils.
59
How does growers in Côte-Rôtie deal with erosion (steep slopes easily cause erosion)?
Many vineyards are terraced.
60
Due to the mistral wind growers in Côte-Rôtie AOC tie their vines down to what? What is it called locally?
The single or double guyot trained vines are tied to one or two poles. Locally known as échalas.
61
Why did Côte-Rôtie shrink to only 70 ha in the early 1970’s? Who revived the AOC?
Lack of commercial interest and the hard work involved in the area made Côte-Rôtie shrink to 70 ha. Etienne Guigal and his son Marcel revived the AOC.
62
Etienne Guigal’s single vineyard wines from Côte-Rôtie was originally just two, which ones and who gave them the high scores that put the AOC back in fashion?
La Mouline and La Landonne . Robert Parker, the wine advocate.
63
There are now 250 ha planted (from just 70 ha in the 1970’s) in Côte-Rôtie. Quality and price for Côte-Rôtie?
Typically very good to outstanding quality. Premium to super-premium in price.
64
Grape varieties in Côte-Rôtie? Allowed percentage and most normal percentage?
Syrah is the only red grape, with up to 20% Viognier permitted. In practice the amount of Viognier is often zero and normally no more than 8%
65
What rootstock is preferred by most growers in Côte-Rôtie? Why?
3309 is considered relatively productive and give grapes with a good depth of colour.
66
Planting density in Côte-Rôtie? Why?
10.000 vines per hectare. To create competition, reducing yields and producing concentrated fruit.
67
Max yield in Côte-Rôtie?
40 hL/ha
68
When both Syrah and Viognier is used in Côte-Rôtie, how is the wine fermented?
Must be Co-fermented.
69
If Viognier is used in the Côte-Rôtie blend, what does it bring?
Floral and fruity aromas.
70
Why is natural yeast frequently used in Côte-Rôtie?
For greater perceived terroir expression
71
Stylistically, how does Côte-Rôtie differ from other top appellations such Hermitage and Cornas?
Pronounced aromas and typically softer, less full-bodied.
72
The wine must be 100% Viognier, what is the name of the AOC and what is max yield?
Condrieu AOC, max yield is 41 hL/ha
73
The Rhône river turns south-west in condrieu, what does that mean for the vineyards?
They are often south-facing, enhancing fruit ripening.
74
The small appellation of condrieu (197 ha) surrounds a single estate 3,5 ha AOC. What is the name of the single state?
Château-Grillet AOC
75
What estate created the reputation of Viognier as one of France’s great wines before the variety came back into fashion in the 1980’s?
Château-Grillet
76
Most condrieu is fermented in stainless steel or large wooden vessels. Some, however, ferment in something else to enhance texture and flavour. In what?
Small barrels
77
The wines of Condrieu are often aged on the lees for how long?
10-12 months
78
Quality and price for Condrieu?
Very good to outstanding and premium to super-premium in price.
79
Where is the historical heart of the Saint-Joseph appellation in northern Rhône ?
At the southern end, opposite Tain l’Ermitage is a lieu-dit called Saint-Joseph.
80
When was the Saint-Joseph appellation extended? What happened and what is happening today?
1994. Extended to include sites that are not on hillsides that normally produce lesser quality. Today there is discussion to limit the appellation to hillsides only.
81
Name two producers that has raised the prestige of the Saint-Joseph appellation.
Jean-Louis Chave and Domaine Gonon
82
Nearly 90% of all Saint-Jos-eh is red wine. What is max yield?
40 hL/ha
83
It is rare to include white grapes in Saint-Jospeh but small proportions are allowed. What varieties ?
Marsanne and rousanne
84
Quality and price for Saint-Joseph?
Wide range from good at mid-price to very good and outstanding at premium and super-premium price.
85
The most famous of the northern Rhône appellations? Named after a 12th century crusader called what?
Hermitage AOC, Gaspard de Stérimberg
86
Hermitage is a small appellation. How many hectares? How much is devoted to white wine?
137 ha, one third is white wine.
87
Hermitage is located just above what town? What direction does the slope face?
Tain L’Hermitage. South facing, catching the sun and protecting from cold winds.
88
The most famous “climats” for Syrah are at the western end of the Hermitage hill that record the highest temperatures. Name one “climat”.
Le Méal
89
Erosion is a constant problem in Hermitage. What do growers do to combat that?
Some parts are being terraced and much vineyard work has to be done by hand, raising cost.
90
Max yield for red respectively white in Hermitage? It is seldom achieved, why?
40 hL/ha for red and 45 hL/ha for white. Many producers have old vines giving much lower yields (and highly concentrated wines)
91
Red hermitage, what fermentation temp? Why? How long oak ageing? New or old oak?
Warm temperature for maximum extraction of flavour and tannins. 12-18 months in oak. A proportion of new oak is common but not always.
92
White Hermitage is what grape (or grapes)?
Marsanne with a small amount of Rousanne, or just Marsanne.
93
Fermentation vessels for white Hermitage (3)?
Old wood vats, new or old oak barrels or stainless steel.
94
Maturation for white Hermitage is done in what vessels, depending on style?
Either oak with a minority of new, or stainless steel.
95
For how long is white Hermitage aged on lees in general?
10-12 months
96
After long bottle ageing, what can white Hermitage develop?
Rich, creamy and nutty flavours with outstanding complexity.
97
In very ripe years, an additional wine style is made in Hermitage. What and how?
“Vin de Paille”, (straw wine) sweet wine made by drying grapes off the vine.
98
Two négociant houses dominate Hermitage, along with a Co-operative and a producer. Name them all.
The négociants Chapoutier and Jaboulet, Co-operative Cave de Tain and the producer Jean-Louis Chave
99
Chapoutier has pioneered what kind of approach in Hermitage? Jean-Louis Chave has long been a supporter of the opposite, being what?
Chapoutier has pioneered the focus on individual parcels, Chave is a long standing supporter of blending across the appellation.
100
The reds of Hermitage stands model as the most long lived and structured Syrahs of the world. Quality and price for both red and white Hermitage?
Good to outstanding in quality and mostly super-premium in price.
101
Crozes-Hermitage AOC is very large. What difference is there in climate between the north and south end?
North has a continental climate with Alpine influences; can be extremely cold in winter and strong mistral influences. Long growing season with high diurnal range. The southern part is more temperate.
102
The more extreme continental climate in northern Crozes-Hermitage with a long growing season and high diurnal range does what to the grapes?
A more restrained sugar accumulation and a higher acidity.
103
When was Crozes-Hermitage AOC created? When as it extended?
Created 1937 and extended 1956
104
The south of Crozes-Hermitage used to be dominated by orchards and farmsteads, in terms of topography how does north and south Crozes-Hermitage differ?
The north is dominated by relatively steep slopes while the south is flatter land with more fertile soils.
105
Max yield in Crozes-Hermitage?
45 hL/ha
106
Quality and price in Crozes-Hermitage. Who’s pioneering higher quality?
Good to very good and mid-priced. Jaboulet’ a Domaine de Thalabert does premium priced high quality.
107
Destemming is widely practised in Crozes-Hermitage but what two vessels are most common for fermentation?
Concrete tanks and stainless steel.
108
What is the general style of wine in Crozes-Hermitage?
Early drinking with medium tannins.
109
How many percent is white in Crozes-Hermitage?
9%
110
What varieties are white Crozes-Hermitage made from? Quality and price?
Marsanne and rousanne, mostly Marsanne. Good to very good quality and mid-priced to premium. Some outstanding wines.
111
Name the most southerly red wine appellation in northern Rhône.
Cornas AOC
112
In a few words, explain Cornas topography, layout and aspect.
An amphitheatre facing south and east with some steep slopes.
113
Climate in Cornas?
Warm Mediterranean climate
114
Cornas is often the place to harvest the season’s first Syrah. The AOC is 100% Syrah but what are max yield? And how big is Cornas in hectares?
40 hL/ha. 145 ha.
115
The trend in Cornas wine style is looking more to the past. What was the past style in Cornas?
Tannic intensity, robust and long-lived.
116
Name one or two significant producers in Cornas.
Domaine Auguste Clape, Domaine Vincent Paris, Domaine Alain Voge.
117
Quality and price in Cornas?
Very good to outstanding quality and premium to super-premium in price.
118
The most southern of the northern Rhône appellation is?
Saint-Péray AOC
119
Saint-Pérnay is devoted to what colour of wine, from what grapes on what soils?
White wine from mostly Marsanne but also some Rousanne on limestone and granitic soils (good water holding capacity and drainage)
120
Max yield in Saint-Pérnay?
45 hL/ha
121
Fermentation vessels in Saint-Pérnay?
Stainless steel or oak barrels
122
Higher quality wines in Saint-Pérnay are typically aged on the lees for how long?
10-12 months
123
Quality and price in Saint-Pérnay?
Good to very good, kid to premium priced.
