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WSET3 > Rhone Valley > Flashcards

Rhone Valley Flashcards

1
Q

Where are the vineyards of the N Rhone planted

A

On steep south facing slopes

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2
Q

What protects the vineyards of the N Rhone from the harsh north winds. What are these winds called. How are the vines supported

A

The steep valleys. Mistrals

By a single stake or tee pee like arrangement

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3
Q

What is the climate of N Rhone

A

Moderate continental and cooler than S Rhone

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4
Q

What are the principle grapes of N Rhone

A

Syrah and Viognier

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5
Q

What is the profile of typical N Rhone red

A

Powerful deeply colored with med to high tannin, black fruit, black pepper and sometimes floral aromas

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6
Q

Comment on the use of oak in N Rhone

A

Depends on winemaker. Some use high proportion of new oak others prefer large format old oak

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7
Q

What does the addition of white grapes do for N Rhone reds

A

stabliizes the color and adds an aromatic intensity

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8
Q

What kind of wines does Viognier make

A

Full bodied whites, with aromas of flowers, apricots and stone fruit. Low acid and high alcohol

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9
Q

What other white grapes are allowed in N Rhone. What are their characteristics and what flavors develop when a blend of them is aged

A

Marsanne has richness and weight
Roussanne has acidity and perfumed fruit.
When blended and aged they develop hazelnut aromas

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10
Q

Theoretically a wine not produced by any of the crus of N Rhone could be bottled. What would it be labelled as

A

Cote de Rhone

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11
Q

What is the main town of Cote Rotie and where is it in the valley

A

Ampuis a the northern end

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12
Q

In theory how much Viognier can be added to Cote Rotie

A

20%

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13
Q

Describe Cote Rotie and what distinguishes it from Hermitage

A

deeply colored, full bodied, spicy with an aromatic floral freshness and elegance that distinguish them from Hermitage

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14
Q

Where does the best Viognier come from in N Rhone. What is the name of the single property appellation there

A 
Condrieu from old vines planted on steep slopes with terraced vineyards.
Chateau Grillet ( within Condrieu )
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15
Q

Where is St Joseph

A

West bank of the Rhone from Condrieu to Tournon in the south

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16
Q

Where do the best wines of St Joseph come from

A

The terraced vineyards near Tournon ( south of Condrieu also good )

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17
Q

Where are higher volume lesser quality wines made in St Joseph. What aspect of syrah do these wines exhibit

A

on the flatter more fertile valley floor and on the plateau above the slopes. Pepper perfumed aspects

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18
Q

What is the main town of Hermitage

A

Tain l’Hermitage

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19
Q

What is Hermitage subdivided into …are these part of the appellation system

A

Lieux-Dits. No

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20
Q

How much of which wines can be blended with Hermitage

A

15 % of Marsanne and Roussanne

21
Q

How does Hermitage compare in profile to the other crus of the N Rhone

A

It is the most full bodied

22
Q

Describe the region of Crozes Hermitage and the wines made there

A

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

23
Q

Where is Cornas and what kind of wine does it make

A

Furthest south, hottest, full sun south facing slopes. Wines must be 100% syrah. Deeply colored, full bodied and in a style similar to Hermitage

24
Q

What is the climate of S Rhone. What problems do growers face

A

Mediterranean. Mild winters and warm dry summers. Summer drought and the N winds known as Mistrals can be problems

25
Q

Why are Mistrals more of an issue in S Rhone than the North

A

The South is less hilly so there is less to protect the vineyards from the winds

26
Q

Describe the soils of S Rhone

A

Stony soil covered with large stones called Galets.

27
Q

What are 2 major black grapes planted in S Rhone and how are they trained

A

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

28
Q

In what fundamental way do wines from the South differ from the North

A

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

29
Q

What are the dominant black grapes of S Rhone and what do they contribute to blends

A

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

30
Q

As well as the grape varietals what makes it difficult to describe a typical S Rhone red

A

Differing wine making styles

31
Q

What common problem do S Rhone winemakers have to overcome and what techniques do they call on

A

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

32
Q

In terms of blending what will a S Rhone winemaker do to give himself the best chance of achieving a balanced wine

A

Blend wines fermented by different techniques

33
Q

How is the use of new oak viewed in S Rhone

A

Many believe it overwhelms grenache

34
Q

How do the reds of S Rhone vary in style

A

Fresh fruity low to med bodied with low tannin to highly tannic full bodied wines with flavors of spice meat and earth

35
Q

What are 6 white grapes grown in S Rhone

A

Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc

36
Q

What is the typical profile of S Rhone white

A

Full bodied, high alcohol, low to med acid with subtle fruity aromas. New oak is rare

37
Q

What is the appellation hierarchy in S Rhone

A

regional - village - cru

38
Q

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

A

Cote de Rhone. 50% of S Rhone production. Med bodied fruity but simple reds.

39
Q

What is the village level appellation called in S Rhone and what are the more stringent requirements to achieve it

A

Cote de Rhone Village. Higher min ABV, maximin yields are specified, greater proportion of GSM used in blends

40
Q

When can a village append its name to the village appellation on a label. Give an example

A

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

41
Q

How are Village wines of the S Rhone different from the generic regional wines

A

More full bodied, structured and spiced red fruit flavors

42
Q

Where is CDP. Why does it have a place in French wine history

A

On the eastern bank of the Rhone. Largest of the crus. Was the first to have Appellation Controlee status

43
Q

Why are the reds from CDP so varied

A

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

44
Q

What grape dominates CDP reds. What is the profile of the best CDP

A

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.

45
Q

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

A

Tavel and Lirac are known for Rose made from Cinsault and Grenache.

46
Q

How do the Roses of Tavel and Lirac compare with Provence Rose

A

They are more full bodied, intensely flavored and capable of aging in the bottle

47
Q

What wines are permitted in Tavel and Lirac

A

Tavel may make only Rose

Lirac may make Rose, Reds and whites

48
Q

Apart from CDP, Tavel and Lirac what are 3 other crus of S Rhone. Discuss the wines made there

A

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

WSET3 (25 decks)

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