Rhone Valley Flashcards
The Rhône valley is the largest AOC area in France. True or False
False. It’s the second largest after Bordeaux
Which AOC produces c. 50% of the Rhône valley production?
Côtes du Rhône
Who introduced vineyards to the Rhône?
Phocaeans
Who developed the northern Rhône vineyards?
Romans
In what century did the papal palace move to Avignon?
14th Century
What was coste du Rhône?
Famous church held wine producing area near Uzes
What was the predominant grape variety in the Rhône before Phylloxera?
Mourvèdre
What event changed the agricultural landscape in the Rhône valley away from fruit and olives towards vines?
The 1956 freeze
Wine is the Rhône valley’s number 1 business activity? True or False?
True
What are the 3 subdivisions of the Rhône?
Northern Rhône
Southern Rhône
Côtes du Rhône
What delineates the Northern Rhône?
Vienne to Valence
What delineates the Southern Rhône?
Montelimar to Nimes
What delineates Côtes du Rhône?
Vienne to Avignon
What is an eschalas?
A single stake supporting a vine (usually Syrah)
What % of production of the Rhone valley does the northern Rhône account for?
4%
What is the climate of the Northern Rhône?
Continental with some Mediterranean influence
True or false. The Northern Rhône valley is glacial.
True
What is the primary soil type of the Northern Rhône?
Granite with mica, schist and sand
Which white grape is considered higher quality - Marsanne or Rousanne?
Marsanne
Which northern Rhône grape is reductive?
Syrah
What is the primary training method for Syrah and Viognier in the Northern Rhône?
Guyot
What is the primary harvest method in the Northern Rhône?
Hand harvest
Which northern Rhône AC can make sparkling wine?
Saint-Peray
Which northern Rhône AC can make vin de paille?
Hermitage AC
How many ACs are there in the Northern Rhône?
8
How many Northern Rhône ACs make rosê?
None
What’s the maximum amount of Viognier allowed in a Côte Rôtie blend?
20%
Which northern Rhône ACs can be found on the left bank of the Rhône?
Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage
What are the two monopoles outside of Bourgogne?
Château-Grillet and Coulée de Serrant (in the Loire)
What is the maximum amount of white grapes allowed in red St-Joseph?
10%
What white grapes can be co-fermented with red Saint-Joseph?
Marsanne and Rousanne
Which Northern Rhône AC must be 100% Syrah?
Cornas
Which Northern Rhône AC is white only?
Saint-Peray AC
What is the maximum amount of white grapes that can be included in red Hermitage AC?
15%
Which Northern Rhône ACs are red only?
Côte Rôtie
Cornas
Which is the largest of the Northern Rhône crus?
Crozes-Hermitage AC