Rhone Valley Flashcards

1
Q

what geographical significance of Rhone?

A
  • Swiss Alps, Lake Geneva to Med sea

- between city of Vienne (N) and Avignon (S)

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2
Q

how are vines grown?

A
  • vines grown on river bank - very steep with granite rock

- planted on West side for max sun exposure

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3
Q

what are the only 2 things grown here?

A
  • wine and olives
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4
Q

What is the famous wind that blows through Rhone? What is its effect?

A
  • Mistral from N

- cooling effect, causes lots of storms

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5
Q

How is Northern Rhone distinguished geographically?

A
  • Vienne–> Valence
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6
Q

Climate of Northern Rhone?

A
  • continental, harsh winter mild summers
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7
Q

where is most of Rhones production occurring?

A
  • south (95%) only 5% in North
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8
Q

what grape mainly planted in Northern Rhone and why?

A
  • syrah, only allowed AOC wines
  • often blended with up to 15% white grapes** unique to this region
  • blend for aromatics and acidity
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9
Q

what are northern rhone red wines known for?

A

green olive smell

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10
Q

what are the 3 levels of Appellations in Rhone? (lowest to highest)

A
  1. Appellation Cotes de Rhone Controlee–> wines throughout region
  2. Cote de Rhone Village –> wines from south only
  3. Commune –> 19 Cru’s, 8 form North, 11 from South
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11
Q

what are Cru’s?

A

villages with indv AOC status

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12
Q

what are whites grown in Northern Rhone

A

Viognier in Condrieu, Rousanne and Marsanne in Crozes- Hermitage and Hermitage

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13
Q

what is aspect? what countries/ regions use it?

A
  • geo term indicating which direction a sloep faces
  • key component in terroir- determines timing and intensity of sun
  • more imp in cooler regions where grapes struggle to ripen
  • Germany and north rhone
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14
Q

what is the climate in the Southern Rhone?

A
  • mediterranean, mild winters hot summers
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15
Q

soil conditions in Southern Rhone

A
  • not as steep, sandy soils with granitic (schist)
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16
Q

major varietals in southern rhone?

A
  • grenache; high sugar, high alcohol, thin skin
  • mourvedre (GSM)
  • cinsault
17
Q

where else in France does carbonic maceration happen?

A

Rhone and Boujoule

18
Q

what quality of wine does Southern Rhone produce? interesting ones to know?

A
  • lower quality
  • Chateau Neuf- du- Paper, Tavel, Beumes-de-Venise
  • Gigondas and Vacqueyras - great value
19
Q

what does Chateau Neuf- de- Pape translate to? mai nvarietals this region uses?

A
  • New castle of the pope

- Grenache

20
Q

what region is famous for “Pudding Stones”

A

Chateau Neuf- de- Pape

21
Q

what does GSM stand for?

A

Grenache Syrah Mouverdre

22
Q

what are the 2 seasoning grapes used?

A

malbec and petit voudre

23
Q

what is Tavel

A

bone dry rose