Rhone Valley Flashcards
Where are the vineyards of the N Rhone planted
On steep south facing slopes
What protects the vineyards of the N Rhone from the harsh north winds. What are these winds called. How are the vines supported
The steep valleys. Mistrals
By a single stake or tee pee like arrangement
What is the climate of N Rhone
Moderate continental and cooler than S Rhone
What are the principle grapes of N Rhone
Syrah and Viognier
What is the profile of typical N Rhone red
Powerful deeply colored with med to high tannin, black fruit, black pepper and sometimes floral aromas
Comment on the use of oak in N Rhone
Depends on winemaker. Some use high proportion of new oak others prefer large format old oak
What does the addition of white grapes do for N Rhone reds
stabliizes the color and adds an aromatic intensity
What kind of wines does Viognier make
Full bodied whites, with aromas of flowers, apricots and stone fruit. Low acid and high alcohol
What other white grapes are allowed in N Rhone. What are their characteristics and what flavors develop when a blend of them is aged
Marsanne has richness and weight
Roussanne has acidity and perfumed fruit.
When blended and aged they develop hazelnut aromas
Theoretically a wine not produced by any of the crus of N Rhone could be bottled. What would it be labelled as
Cote de Rhone
What is the main town of Cote Rotie and where is it in the valley
Ampuis a the northern end
In theory how much Viognier can be added to Cote Rotie
20%
Describe Cote Rotie and what distinguishes it from Hermitage
deeply colored, full bodied, spicy with an aromatic floral freshness and elegance that distinguish them from Hermitage
Where does the best Viognier come from in N Rhone. What is the name of the single property appellation there
Condrieu from old vines planted on steep slopes with terraced vineyards. Chateau Grillet ( within Condrieu )
Where is St Joseph
West bank of the Rhone from Condrieu to Tournon in the south
Where do the best wines of St Joseph come from
The terraced vineyards near Tournon ( south of Condrieu also good )
Where are higher volume lesser quality wines made in St Joseph. What aspect of syrah do these wines exhibit
on the flatter more fertile valley floor and on the plateau above the slopes. Pepper perfumed aspects
What is the main town of Hermitage
Tain l’Hermitage
What is Hermitage subdivided into …are these part of the appellation system
Lieux-Dits. No
How much of which wines can be blended with Hermitage
15 % of Marsanne and Roussanne
How does Hermitage compare in profile to the other crus of the N Rhone
It is the most full bodied
Describe the region of Crozes Hermitage and the wines made there
Wines from the hilly region to the North of Hermitage are more complex, tannic and concentrated. Those from the flatter plains to the south are lighter
Where is Cornas and what kind of wine does it make
Furthest south, hottest, full sun south facing slopes. Wines must be 100% syrah. Deeply colored, full bodied and in a style similar to Hermitage
What is the climate of S Rhone. What problems do growers face
Mediterranean. Mild winters and warm dry summers. Summer drought and the N winds known as Mistrals can be problems
Why are Mistrals more of an issue in S Rhone than the North
The South is less hilly so there is less to protect the vineyards from the winds
Describe the soils of S Rhone
Stony soil covered with large stones called Galets.
What are 2 major black grapes planted in S Rhone and how are they trained
Grenache - bush trained low to the ground to benefit from the heat radiated from the soil.
Syrah - is trained on trellising systems as it is more easily damaged by the wind
In what fundamental way do wines from the South differ from the North
In the North wines may be a blend of two or three grapes but more likely single varietal. In the South a wine may be a blend of a dozen or more grapes
What are the dominant black grapes of S Rhone and what do they contribute to blends
Grenache - most widely planted. Spicy red fruit flavors but in hot years the fruit can become jammy
Syrah - provides color and tannin but can struggle in teh hottest sites
Mourvedre - thrives in hot climate. Adds color, tannin and dense black fruit. Also gamey and meaty aromas.
Cinsault. Adds fresh red fruit rather than color and tannin. Most commonly seen with Grenache in Rose blends
As well as the grape varietals what makes it difficult to describe a typical S Rhone red
Differing wine making styles
What common problem do S Rhone winemakers have to overcome and what techniques do they call on
Tannin and high alcohol. Cold pre fermentation maceration and storage in SS - warm extractive fermentation in open top fermenters and maturation in large old oak vessels
In terms of blending what will a S Rhone winemaker do to give himself the best chance of achieving a balanced wine
Blend wines fermented by different techniques
How is the use of new oak viewed in S Rhone
Many believe it overwhelms grenache
How do the reds of S Rhone vary in style
Fresh fruity low to med bodied with low tannin to highly tannic full bodied wines with flavors of spice meat and earth
What are 6 white grapes grown in S Rhone
Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc
What is the typical profile of S Rhone white
Full bodied, high alcohol, low to med acid with subtle fruity aromas. New oak is rare
What is the appellation hierarchy in S Rhone
regional - village - cru
What is the regional appellation for S Rhone and what style of wine is predominant. What % of S Rhone wine is produced under this appellation
Cote de Rhone. 50% of S Rhone production. Med bodied fruity but simple reds.
What is the village level appellation called in S Rhone and what are the more stringent requirements to achieve it
Cote de Rhone Village. Higher min ABV, maximin yields are specified, greater proportion of GSM used in blends
When can a village append its name to the village appellation on a label. Give an example
When it has met the stipulations on min ABV, Yields and blend proportions plus all the grapes must come from that village. Cote de Rhone Village Cairanne
How are Village wines of the S Rhone different from the generic regional wines
More full bodied, structured and spiced red fruit flavors
Where is CDP. Why does it have a place in French wine history
On the eastern bank of the Rhone. Largest of the crus. Was the first to have Appellation Controlee status
Why are the reds from CDP so varied
CDP is a large appellation and though largely flat it has small differences in aspect which can affect how Syrah and Mourvedre perform. There are many soil types and up to 13 different grapes that can be used in a blend
What grape dominates CDP reds. What is the profile of the best CDP
Grenache. full bodied, richly textured, concentrated spiced red fruit that balance characteristic high alcohol. If Mourvedre is used the wines may have a gamey, meaty quality.
What are the only 2 S Rhone crus that are on the West bank of the Rhone. What wine are they known for and from what grapes
Tavel and Lirac are known for Rose made from Cinsault and Grenache.
How do the Roses of Tavel and Lirac compare with Provence Rose
They are more full bodied, intensely flavored and capable of aging in the bottle
What wines are permitted in Tavel and Lirac
Tavel may make only Rose
Lirac may make Rose, Reds and whites
Apart from CDP, Tavel and Lirac what are 3 other crus of S Rhone. Discuss the wines made there
Vacqueyras annd Gigondas make grenache based reds in a similar full bodied spicy style to CDP
Beaumes de Venise produces fortified Muscats. Muscat de Beaumes de Venise
