Rhone Valley Flashcards
How much larger is the Southern Rhone compared to the Northern Rhone?
Southern Rhone is 65,000ha, Northern Rhone is 4,200ha
What percentage of Rhone Valley production is accounted for by Cotes du Rhone and Cotes du Rhone Village?
Around 60%
In 2021, what percentage of wine from the Rhone was red?
76%
What is the percentage of organic wine from the Rhone in 2021?
13%
What percentage of Rhone production is IGP wine?
45%
What red variety is exclusively used in the Northern Rhone cru’s?
Syrah
What is Syrah prone to that can cause vine death?
Syrah Decline
List the primary aromas and flavors associated with Syrah wines.
- Violet
- Plum
- Blackberry
- Black pepper
- Herbal notes
What are the vineyard characteristics of Grenache?
- High yielding
- Needs a warm climate
- Late ripening
- Prone to Coulure
- Prone to various diseases
What color and flavor profile does Grenache Noir typically exhibit?
- Pale ruby
- Ripe red fruit (strawberry, cherry, plum)
- Spicy and herbal notes
What is mourvedre prone to during vinification?
Reduction
What is Cinsault primarily used for?
As a small part of the red blend
What are the key characteristics of Viognier?
- Early budding
- Medium lemon color
- Pronounced aromas of honeysuckle, apricot, and peach
Fill in the blank: The maximum yield for Condrieu is ______.
41hl/ha
What is the typical winemaking practice for Grenache Noir?
Aged in inert containers to avoid oxidation
What grape variety is known for producing deep ruby wines with high tannins?
Mourvedre
What is the maximum yield allowed for Cote Rotie?
40hl/ha
What is unique about the winemaking process for Cote Rotie?
Co-fermentation of Syrah and Viognier is required if both are used
What are the major towns in Northern Rhone?
- Ampuis
- Tain l’Hermitage
- Tournon Sur Rhone
What is the significance of Chateau Grillet in the context of Viognier?
Created the reputation for Viognier, bottling wines since 1830
What is a common fermentation practice for red wines in Hermitage?
Warm ferments allow for maximum extraction of flavor and tannin
What is the historical significance of the Hermitage hill?
A shelter was built by Sir Gaspard de Sterimberg in 1224 after he was wounded at battle, and granted permission by the Queen of france to build shelter on top of the hill to recover. The Chapel that stands there now was built to honour St Christopher, and is owned by Jaboulet
What is the typical aging duration for wines from Hermitage?
12-18 months in cask
What is the primary grape variety used in Saint Joseph wines?
Syrah
What is the typical color and intensity of wines produced from Marsanne?
Medium lemon color, sometimes gold, with low intensity aromas
What is the typical vinification method for white wines from the Rhone?
Mid-range temperatures to retain fruit
What is the maximum yield for red winemaking in the Cote Rotie?
40hl/ha
What is a vin de paille?
A wine made by drying grapes on straw mats in very ripe years
Which houses dominate the holdings in Hermitage?
- Chapoutier
- Jaboulet
- Co-op Cave de Tain (15%)
- Jean-Louis Chave
What is the climate like in the northern part of Crozes-Hermitage?
Continental climate with Alpine influences
What is the maximum yield for Crozes-Hermitage?
45hl/ha
True or False: White wines make up 9% of production in Crozes-Hermitage.
True
What is the total area of Cornas?
145ha
Which producers are known for their wines in Cornas?
- Domaine Alain Voge
- Vincent Paris
- Auguste Clape
What is the maximum yield for St Peray?
45hl/ha
What is the climate like in the Southern Rhône?
Warm Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers
Which grape variety is the most planted in the Southern Rhône?
Grenache
What are the principal appellations of Southern Rhône?
- Côtes du Rhône
- Côtes du Rhône Village
- Côtes du Rhône Village + named village
- Individual Cru appellations
What are the maximum yields for Côtes du Rhône red and rosé wines?
51hl/ha
What is the minimum percentage of principal varieties required in Côtes du Rhône red wines?
60%
What is the blend composition for Gigondas red wines?
- At least 50% Grenache
- Plus either Syrah or Mourvèdre
What is the elevation range for Vinsobres vineyards?
200-500masl
What is the maximum yield for Tavel?
46hl/ha
What percentage of the blend in Beaumes de Venise must be Grenache?
At least 50%
What significant rule was established for Châteauneuf-du-Pape in 1923?
Set the first AOC in France
How many varieties permitted in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
13 varieties
True or False: More than 90% of Châteauneuf-du-Pape production is red.
True
What is the average yield for Châteauneuf-du-Pape before 2021?
Just under 30hl/ha
What are the principal varieties in Lirac red wines?
Any combination of Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Cinsaut
What is the principal variety for Costières de Nîmes red wines?
Min 50% Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre
What is the maximum yield for Ventoux wines?
60hl/ha
What is the primary grape variety requirement for blends in Ventoux?
Blend must contain at least two of the principal varieties: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan, and Cinsaut
At least 50% of the blend must come from these varieties.
What percentage of wine produced in Ventoux is red wine?
54%
The remaining percentages are 40% rosé and 6% white.
What is the maximum yield for Ventoux vineyards?
60 hl/ha
In which region is Luberon located?
South eastern Rhone, bordering Provence
What is the maximum yield for vineyards in Luberon?
55 hl/ha
What are the principal grape varieties required in Luberon blends?
Any two of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre
These must make up at least 50% of the blend.
What types of varieties can IGP wines in the southern Rhone be made from?
Rhone varieties or international varieties
Which variety is the third most grown in Gard?
Merlot
What is a key condition for AOC irrigation permission?
Proof of water stress to vines
True or False: Irrigation can be used after veraison in AOC vineyards.
False
Which companies are some of the largest negociants in the northern Rhone?
Guigal, Jaboulet, Chapoutier
What is the relevance of co-ops in the southern Rhone?
They are more important than in the north, e.g., Cellier des Princes
What percentage of Rhone wines are sold in France?
61%
What are the top three export destinations for Rhone wines?
Belgium, UK, USA
USA is the highest by value.
What trend is occurring among growers in the Rhone region?
More growers are making and bottling their own wines
How many growers in Cote Rotie are doing their own bottling?
Over 50
What regions have a small en-primeur and investment market?
Cote Rotie, Hermitage, Chateauneuf du Pape