Rhône Valley

Question 1

How is the Rhône Valley divided?

Answer 1

North and South

Question 2

Northern Rhône Valley Factors of Production

Answer 2

Location: A narrow band on both sides of the Rhône River about 15 miles south of Lyon between the towns of Vienne and Valence.
Climate: Continental. The Rhône River acts as a moderator warming the adjacent slopes and reflecting sunlight up on to the vines. Mistral winds are prominent warming and drying the area
Topography: Steep hillside vineyards
Soil: Grantie and schist
Viticulture: Vines are often staked to the ground to protect them from the intense Mistral wind and from erosion due to the steep grade.
Vinification: Single variety wines dominate with fewer blends than most French regions. Oak is common.

Question 3

Northern Rhône Valley Grape Varieties

Answer 3

Viognier
Marsanne
Roussanne
Syrah

Question 4

Northern Rhône Appellations

Answer 4

Côte-Rôtie - Red only - Syrah with 20% Viognier
Condrieu - White only - 100% Viognier
Saint-Joseph - Roussanne, Marsanne and Syrah
Crozes-Hermitage - Roussanne, Marsanne and Syrah
Hermitage - Roussanne, Marsanne and Syrah
Cornas - 100% Syrah

Question 5

Southern Rhône Valley Factors of Production

Answer 5

Location: There is a 30 mile gap between Northern Rhône and Southern Rhône
Climate: Mediterranean. Mistral winds serve to cool the area. Hot summers moderated by significant diurnal temperature swings. The Rhône River moderates and cools temperatures in nearby vineyards.
Topography/Aspect: Flatter plains, scrubland and broader lowlands descending toward the Mediterranean Sea.
Soil: Alluvial clays and alluvial deposits of large river rocks (galets)
Viticulture: Bush (gobelet vine training). Many vineyards planted on the flat valley floor.
Vinification: Blends dominate, fewer single variety wines. Oak use depends on the area and the producer. When used it is normally large. No chapatalization is allowed.

Question 6

Southern Rhône Grape Varieties

Answer 6

90% Grenache
Roussanne
Clairette
Grenache Blanc
Syrah
Mourvèdre

Question 7

Southern Rhône AOC System

Answer 7

Côte du Rhône
Côte du Rhône-Villages
Single Village AOC

Question 8

Southern Rhône Single Village Appellations

Answer 8

Châteauneuf-du-Pape - White blends and Grenache red blends
Gigondas - Grenache red blends
Vacqueyras - White blends and Grenache red and rosé blends
Tavel - Grenache base rosé only