Rhone Valley Flashcards
Condrieu - wine styles and grape varieties?
- White only (dry)
- 100% Viognier
Southern Rhone summers are __________ and moderated by significant __________ temperature swings.
Hot; diurnal
In contrast to the Northern Rhone, where are many vineyards planted in the Southern Rhone?
Flat Valley Floor
Where is the Southern Rhone Valley located?
30 miles south of the Northern Rhone Valley
Vacqueyras - wine styles and grape varieties?
WHITE
- Blend of local varieties
RED
- Grenach-based blends
Where does the Rhone River originate?
Switzerland
Where is the Rhone Valley located?
Southeastern France
List the appellations of the Northern Rhone.
- Cote-Rotie
- Condrieu
- Saint-Joseph
- Crozes-Hermitage
- Hermitage
- Cornas
What is unique about the fermentation in the Northern Rhone Valley?
Co-fermentation or blending of small percentages of white grapes with Syrah
Which river moderates the climate in the Northern Rhone and what is its impact?
- Rhone River
- Warms the slopes and reflects sunlight up to the vines
Hermitage - wine styles and grape varieties?
- Red and White (dry)
- Red: Syrah with max 15% Roussanne and Marsanne
- White: Roussanne and Marsanne
List the Southern Rhone appellations. (4)
- Tavel
- Chateauneuf-du-Pape
- Gigondas
- Vacuqueyras
Souther Rhone Valley - important wind and what does it do?
Mistral; cools the area
Where does the Rhone Valley start and end?
Starts in Vienne; ends in the Mediterranean
Saint-Joseph - wine styles and grape varieties
- Red and White (dry)
- Red: Syrah with max 10% Roussanne and Marsanne
- White: Roussanne and Marsanne
Southern Rhone Valley - viticulture - what type of vine training?
Bush (Gobelet)
Crozes-Hermitage - wine styles and grape varieties?
- Red and White (dry)
- Red: Syrah with max 15% Roussanne and Marsanne
- White: Roussanne and Marsanne
Northern Rhone - climate?
Continental
Southern Rhone Valley - what is associated with the topography?
- Flatter plains
- Scrubland
- Broader Lowlands
- Descending toward Mediterranean Sea
<p>Where does the Northern Rhone Valley start and end?</p>
<p>- Begins 15mi south of Lyon </p>
<p>- Extends 50 miles </p>
<p>- Bookended by Vienne (north) and Valence (south) </p>
Are white wines typically fermented and aged in oak in the Northern Rhone Valley?
Yes
Name the winds associated with the Rhone Valley.
Mistral winds
What type of vessel is used for fermentation and agining in the Northern Rhone Valley?
Large oak foudres
Northern Rhone Valley - grape varieties?
WHITE 1. Viognier 2. Marsanne 3. Roussanne RED 4. Syrah
Cornas - wine styles and grape varieties?
- Red only (dry)
- 100% Syrah
Tavel - wine styles and grape varieties?
ROSE ONLY
- Grenache-based
Northern Rhone Valley - topography/aspect?
Steep hillside vineyards
Southern Rhone Valley - climate?
Mediterranean
Does the Northern Rhone Valley produce predominantly single-variety wines or blends?
Single-variety; fewer blends than mosst French regions
Northern Rhone Valley - viticultural characteristics?
- Vineyards planted on steep slopes overlooking river
- Stakes used due to steep grade and Mistral winds
- Work is perilous; Roman terraces still used
Where do the Mistral winds come from?
Switzerland at the mouth of the river
Define the Souther Rhone AOC Sytem.
- Cotes du Rhone
- Cotes du Rhone-Villages (geographic designations)
- Single Village AOC’s
Southern Rhone Valley - soil?
Alluvial clays; GALETS (alluvial deposits and river rock stones)
Chateaneuf-du-Pape - wine styles and grape varieties?
WHITE
- Blend of local varieties
RED
- Grenach-based blends (14 grape varieties authorized)
How does co-fermentation impact a wine in the Northern Rhone Valley?
- Increases aromatic complexity
- Lessens prominence of tannins
How is oak used in the Southern Rhone?
Usually large oak casks rather than barriques
How does the Rhone River impact the Southern Rhone Valley?
Moderates and cool temps in nearby vineyards
Do many producers also ferment in stainless steel in the Northern Rhone Valley?
Yes
Cote-Rotie - wine styles and grape varieties?
- Red only (dry)
- Syrah with max 20% Viognier
Do blends or single-variety wines predominate in the Southern Rhone?
Blends
Souther Rhone Valley - grap varieties?
WHITE 1. Roussanne 2. Clairette 3. Grenache Blanc RED 1. Grenache 2. Syrah 3. Mourvedre
How much of production is red wine in the Southern Rhone Valley?
90%
Describe the impact of mistral winds on the Northern Rhone Valley.
- Pick up speed heading south into France and the Northern Rhone Valley
- Slightly warms the area and dries the climate - helps prevent mildew and other molds
Are red wines typically feremented and aged in oak in the Northern Rhone Valley?
Yes
Northern Rhone Valley - soil?
- Granite
2. Schist
What is important about chaptalization in the Southern Rhone?
Not allowed
Gigondas - wine styles and grape varieties?
RED
- Grenache-based blends
If fermenting in stainless steel, how is the wine aged in the Northern Rhone Valley?
Combination of new and used oak
Which side of the Rhone River is the Northern Rhone Valley located?
<p>- Narrow band on both sides of Rhone River</p>