Rhone Valley Flashcards
What century is viticulture thought to have first began in the Rhone Valley?
600 BCE
In what century did the Catholic Church take over vine cultivation in the Rhone Valley?
9th century AD
When did Pope Clement V move his court from Rome to Avignon?
1309
Which Pope succeeded Pope Clement V and where did they start planting vineyards?
Pop John XXII began planting vines around Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Until what year did Châteauneuf-du-Pape remain property of the papacy?
1791
In what centuries did the Hermitage wines start becoming famous around Europe?
18th century
Which Rhone appellation set out the original prototype for the modern AOC system?
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
How many communes are covered by Côtes du Rhône AOC?
172
What percentage of Côtes du Rhône AOC is made up of red, white, and rose wine?
Red: 87%
White: 6%
Rose: 7%
When was Côtes-du-Rhone granted AOC status?
1937
When was Côtes-du-Rhone Villages granted AOC status?
1966
What is the climate of the northern Rhone and what geographical feature largely influences this?
Continental
The Alps
How many communes fall under the Côtes-du-Rhone appellation in the Northern Rhone?
47
What village is considered the point which splits the Northern and Southern Rhone?
Montelimar
What is the climate of the Southern Rhone and which major body of water influences this?
Mediterranean
Mediterranean Sea
What is the general difference between Norther Côtes-du-Rhone and Southern Côtes-du-Rhone?
Norther Côtes du Rhône tends to be more structured and robust
Southern Côtes du Rhône rends to be richer and juicier
What is the key climactic influence dominating the temperatures of the whole Rhone Valley?
The Mistral Wind
What is the Mistral Wine?
A strong, cold wind which originates from the Massif Central and blows down the Rhone River through to Provence and the Mediterranean. It is very strong and cool, which can be helpful and dangerous to vines
Name 2 benefits of the Mistral wind on Rhone vineyards?
It helps cool/regulate temperatures in the vineyard
It reduces disease pressure
Name 2 disadvantages of the Mistral Wind on Rhone vineyards?
It can damage vines because it is so strong if they’re not sheltered
Can impact flowering hitting yields and potential growth
What are the 3 core grapes of Côtes du Rhône AOC?
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre
Which grape normally dominates the blend of a Côtes du Rhône wine?
Grenache
In the Southern Côtes du Rhône, what does Syrah and Mourvèdre contribute towards a Côtes du Rhône blend?
Syrah gives spicy characteristics
Mourvèdre gives dark chocolate notes and intense colour
What is the minimum amount of Grenache required for a Côtes du Rhône wine from the Southern Rhone?
40% Grenache
Which grape normally dominates Côtes du Rhône wines from the Northern Rhone?
Syrah
What are the 12 permited varietals for red and rose Côtes du Rhône?
Grenache
Syrah
Mourvèdre
Carignan
Cinsault
Counoise
Muscardin
Vaccarese
Picpoul Noir
Terret Noir
Grenache Gris
Clairette
Describe a typical Côtes du Rhône Blanc
Relatively full-bodied with notes of candied citrus fruits, acacia, herbs, straw, wax, and sometimes honey
What are the 8 white grape varieties which dominate Côtes du Rhône Blanc?
Grenache Blanc
Clairette
Marsanne
Roussanne
Bourboulenc
Viognier
Ugni Blanc
Picpoul Blanc
Describe the 1990 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Above average
A very good, hot, vintage. Heatwaves during the summer hurt Côte-Rotie but Hermitage was perfect and will age for decades
Describe the 1991 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Above average
Not dissimilar to 1990 though slightly less impressive. Côte-Rôtie was the stand out
Describe the 1992 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Below average
Decent summer but heavy September rains ruined the harvest leading to highly variable quality which hasn’t aged well
Describe the 1993 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Below average
Good summer but autumn was hit by rain, hail, and mildew. Wines were light and soft and should’ve been drunk immediately
Describe the 1994 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Below average
Autumn rains ruined majority of wines before harvest. Wines should’ve been drunk young
Describe the 1995 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Above average
Hot summer making lovely ripe grapes and rich, juicy wines, though they wont last beyond 20 years. Only the top top wines will age for decades
Describe the 1996 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Average
Decent year though nothing special. Wines past their best
Describe the 1997 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Average
Average season making early maturing wines
Describe the 1998 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Above average
Very dry summer stressing vines. Very tough wines in their youth which needed long term cellaring. Drinking well 20-25 years later
Describe the 1999 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Exceptional
Sunny summer and harvest allowed great, even ripening which will age for decades at the top level
Describe the 2000 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Above average
Summer was very hot with some late august rains providing needed water. A hot, sunny September allowed for excellent harvest and charming wines. Not as good as 1999, but wines are well structured and will last beyond 20 years
Describe the 2001 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Above average
Almost as good as 1999, similar to 2000. Grapes had excellent ripeness and acidity and are still drinking after 20 years
Describe the 2002 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Below average
Poor growing season with lots of rain causing rot and uneven ripeness. Wines were ok in youth but not for aging
Describe the 2003 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Excellent
Exceptional heatwave in August producing wines of great concentration but still balanced. Wines will last decades
Describe the 2004 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Average
Average growing season with lower yields from 2003. Many vines developed too fast and should’ve been drunk by now. Not one for the cellar
Describe the 2005 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Above average
Good growing season producing high quality wines though they haven’t aged as well as expected
Describe the 2006 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Excellent
A mixed august across the Northern Rhone but a very warm September allowed for ripe, concentrated grapes. Wines have excellent aging potential which will go for decades
Describe the 2007 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Average
Tough growing season with a wet spring and patchy summer but a warm September saved much of the harvest. Côte-Rôtie performed best but all wines better drunk early
Describe the 2008 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Poor
Rain throughout the season led to diluted grapes and a lack of ripeness with many producing not making their top cuvées. Best to avoid and not for the cellar
Describe the 2009 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Above average
Warm and dry growing season with lower than normal yields and an earlier harvest. Wines have very good concentration and will last for 20 years
Describe the 2010 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Excellent
Low yields and exceptional quality from an almost perfect growing season. Some bottles aged better than others, but the best will go for decades
Describe the 2011 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Average
September rains ruined what would’ve been an excellent vintage diluting much of the harvest. Most wines beyond their best
Describe the 2012 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Average
Average growing season though alcohols are slightly down as is acidity with more pronounced tannins. Best drunk young
Describe the 2013 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Above average
Despite mildew in early summer and rain in September the grapes have excellent ripeness. Reds will age very well
Describe the 2014 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Below average
Reds struggled to ripen and rain around harvest diluted majority of the crop. Whites performed better but neither red or white is for aging
Describe the 2015 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Above average
A hot year with ripe grapes. Some producers over-extracted their wines but the best producers found perfect balance. Wines will age very well
Describe the 2016 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Above average
Hail damaged some crop in Hermitage and alcohols are slightly down to 2015 but the wines are ripe and have great aging potential
Describe the 2017 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Above average
Challenging growing season but the wines are ripe and concentrated and have great balance and age well. Hermitage is the standout
Describe the 2018 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Average
The previous 3 years cause some of the vines to be overripe but general quality is good with the better producers making wines with good aging potential
Describe the 2019 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Above average
A hot and dry growing season. Some august rains in Côte-Rotie helped balanced the grapes compared to a much overripe Cornas. Majority of wines have excellent potential for aging
Describe the 2020 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Above average
Uniform growing season across the region with a hot and dry summer and earlier harvest helping retain freshness
Describe the 2021 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Average
Difficult year with frost devastating much of the northern Rhone followed by summer rains. Hermitage escaped the disasters producing excellent white and reds. Reds best drunk young across the region
Describe the 2022 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Above average
A very hot season with low yields. Heatwaves in June and July saved by some august rains. Wines have fantastic potential
Describe the 2023 vintage in the Northern Rhone
Average
Tough season with lots of hail in July. Côte-Rotie performed the best. Whites are bright and fresh for early drinking and reds more variable
When was Jean-Louis Chave established and where are their main regions of production?
1481
Hermitage and Saint Joseph
Name 3 of Jean-Louis Chave’s top cuvées
Hermitage Rouge Ermite Cuvée Cathelin
Hermitage Rouge
Hermitage Blanc
Hermitage Vin de Paille
Saint Joseph Rouge Clos Florentin
When was the first vintage of Jean-Louis Chave’s Ermitage Cuvée Cathelin and Saint Joseph Clos Florentin cuvées?
Cuvée Cathelin = 1990
Florentin = 2015
When was Domaine Jamet established and what are their man regions of production?
1976
Côte-Rotie and Condrieu
Name 3 of Domaine Jamet’s top cuvées
Côte-Rotie
Cote-Rotie Fructus Voluptas
Côte-Rotie La Landonne
Côte-Rotie Cote Brune
Condrieu Vernillon
When was the first vintage of Domaine Jamet’s Côte-Rotie La Landonne and Condrieu Vernillon cuvées?
La Landonne = 2018
Vernillon = 2015
When was Auguste Clape established and what are their main regions of production?
1907
Cornas
Name 3 of Auguste Clape’s top cuvées
Cornas
Cornas Renaissance
Côtes du Rhône
Le Vin des Amis
When was Rene Rostaing established and what are their main regions of production?
1971
Côte Rotie and Condrieu
Name 3 of Rene Rostaing’s top cuvées
Côte-Rotie Classique (now labelled Ampodium)
Côte-Rotie La Landonne
Côte-Rotie Cote Blonde
Condrieu La Bonnette
When was Thierry Allemand established and what is heir main region of production?
1981
Cornas
Name 2 of Thierry Allemand’s top cuvées
Cornas Reynard
Cornas Chaillot
Cornas Sans Souffre
When was the first vintage of Thierry Allemand’s Cornas Reynard and Cornas Chaillot?
Both 1991
When was E.Guigal established and what are their main regions of production?
1946
Côte-Rotie
Hermitage
Condrieu
Saint-Joseph
What are the 3 famous Côte-Rotie cuvées of E.Guigal and when were their first vintages?
Côte Rotie La Landonne = 1978
Côte-Rotie La Mouline = 1966
Côte-Rôtie La Turque - 1985
Name 5 of E.Guigal’s top cuvées
Côte-Rotie La Mouline
Côte-Rôtie La Landonne
Côte-Rôtie La Turque
Côte-Rotie Chateau d’Ampuis
Ermitage Rouge Ex-Voto
Ermitage Blanc Ex-Voto
Condrieu Luminescence
When was the first vintage of E.Guigal’s Ermitage Ex-Voto cuvées?
2001
When was Alain Graillot established and what re their main regions of production?
1985
Crozes-Hermitage
When was Yves Cuilleron established and what are their main regions of production?
1920
Condrieu, Côte-Rôtie, Saint-Joseph
Name 3 of Yves Cuillerons top cuvées
Condrieu Chaillets
Condrieu Vertige
Côte Rotie Bassenon
Côte Rotie Madiniere
Côte Rotie Terres Sombres
Saint-Joseph Le Lombard
Saint-Joseph Saint-Pierre
Saint Joseph Les Serines
When was Pierre Gonon established and where are their main regions of production?
1958
Saint Joseph
Name 2 of Pierre Gonon’s top cuvées
Saint Joseph Blanc Les Olivieres
Saint Joseph Rouge VV
Saint Joseph
When was Domaine Ogier established and what is their main region of production?
1982
Cote-Rôtie
Name 2 of Domaine Ogier’s top cuvées
Côte-Rotie La Belle Helene
Côte-Rotie Lancement
Cote-Rotie
When was M. Chapoutier established and what is their main region of production?
1808
Hermitage but they own vineyards across the Rhone Valley
Name 5 of M. Chapoutier’s top cuvées
Ermitage Blanc de l’Oree
Ermitage Blanc et Rouge L’Hermite
Ermitage Blanc et Rouge Le Meal
Ermitage Rouge Les Greffieux
Ermitage Rouge Le Pavillon
Côte-Rotie La Mordoree
Saint Joseph Blanc et Rouge Les Granits
Hermitage Vin de Paille
When was the first vintage of M. Chapoutier’s:
- Ermitage Blanc de l’Oree
- Ermitage Rouge Le Meal
- Ermitage Rouge Le Pavillon
Blanc de l’Oree = 1991
Rouge Le Meal = 1989
Rouge Le Pavillon = 1989
When was Georges Vernay located and what are their main regions of production?
1953
Condrieu and Côte-Rotie
Name 3 of Georges Vernay’s top cuvées
Condrieu Terrases de l’Empire
Condrieu Chaillees de l’Enfer
Condrieu Coteau du Vernon
Côte-Rotie Maison Rouge
Côte-Rotie Blonde de Seigneur
When was Paul Jaboulet Aîné established and what are their main regions of production?
1834
Hermitage and Crozes Hermitage though they own land across the Northern Rhone
Name 3 of Paul Jaboulet Aine’s top cuvées
Hermitage Rouge La Chapelle
Hermitage Blanc La Chapelle
Hermitage Blanc Chevalier de Sterimberg
Crozes-Hermitage Domaine Thalabert
Crozes-Hermitage Rouge Domaine de Roure
Crozes-Hermitage Blanc Domaine de Roure
When was the first vintage of Paul Jaboulet Aîné’s Crozes-Hermitage Domaine de Roure?
1996 for rouge and Blanc
When was Clusel-Roch established and what is their main region of production?
Established 1969
Côte-Rotie
Name 2 of Clusel-Roch’s top cuvées
Côte-Rotie Les Grandes Places
Côte-Rotie La Viallerie
Côte-Rotie
What was the first vintage of Clusel-Roch’s Les Grands Places?
1988
Name the 3 top cuvées of Chateau Grillet
Chateau Grillet
La Cathery
Pontcin
When was the first vintage of Chateau Grillet’s Pontcin?
2011
When was Jean-Michel Stephan established and what is their main region of production?
Established 1994
Côte-Rotie
Name 3 of Jean-Michel’s top cuvées
Côte-Rotie
Cote-Rotie Coteaux du Bassenon
Côte-Rotie Coteaux de Tupin
Côte-Rotie VV en Coteaux
