Rhone Valley Flashcards
what geographical significance of Rhone?
- Swiss Alps, Lake Geneva to Med sea
- between city of Vienne (N) and Avignon (S)
how are vines grown?
- vines grown on river bank - very steep with granite rock
- planted on West side for max sun exposure
what are the only 2 things grown here?
- wine and olives
What is the famous wind that blows through Rhone? What is its effect?
- Mistral from N
- cooling effect, causes lots of storms
How is Northern Rhone distinguished geographically?
- Vienne–> Valence
Climate of Northern Rhone?
- continental, harsh winter mild summers
where is most of Rhones production occurring?
- south (95%) only 5% in North
what grape mainly planted in Northern Rhone and why?
- syrah, only allowed AOC wines
- often blended with up to 15% white grapes** unique to this region
- blend for aromatics and acidity
what are northern rhone red wines known for?
green olive smell
what are the 3 levels of Appellations in Rhone? (lowest to highest)
- Appellation Cotes de Rhone Controlee–> wines throughout region
- Cote de Rhone Village –> wines from south only
- Commune –> 19 Cru’s, 8 form North, 11 from South
what are Cru’s?
villages with indv AOC status
what are whites grown in Northern Rhone
Viognier in Condrieu, Rousanne and Marsanne in Crozes- Hermitage and Hermitage
what is aspect? what countries/ regions use it?
- 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
what is the climate in the Southern Rhone?
- mediterranean, mild winters hot summers
soil conditions in Southern Rhone
- not as steep, sandy soils with granitic (schist)
