Rhone Valley and Southern France Flashcards
where and when was the first AOP (now AOC) in France?
1936 in Chateauneuf du Pape
What type of climate is Northern Rhone?
Continental
Describe the effects of Mistral Winds
cold and dry, a defining climatic element of S. Rhone and Provence, blows down from the Massif Central affects N. Rhone in winter adn spring. This drying wind dries the vineyard preventing mold and mildew
What soil type defines the North? Why is it important?
granitic and schistous soils retain heat extremely well.
What are the 5 Syrah AOP for syrah in N. Rhone?
Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Cornas, Cote-Rotie, Saint-Joseph
What N. Rhone AOP bottles 100% syrah?
Cornas
Describe Cote Rotie and the two slopes
Rotie is the northernmost AOP and home to the steepest vineyards. “Roasted Slope”
Cote Brune are stronger and more assertive while Cote Blonde yields softer, alluring wines.
What are the 4 major producers who dominate Hermitage?
Jean-Louis Chave, Delas, M. Chapoutier, Jaboulet.
Where are the warmest vineyards in N. Rhone?
Cornas - naked granite soil and lack of the mistral wind
Who are the most influential producers in Cornas?
Auguste Clape, Thierry Allemand, Noel Verset, Robert Michel, Raymond Trollat, Gentaz-Dervieux
What AOP’s only produces white wine in N. Rhone?
Saint-Peray (Marsanne and Roussanne) - can be made in methode traditionelle mousseux
Condrieu - Viognier (very rare) - Ch. Grillet
What is the most planted grape in S. Rhone? next most prevalent?
Grenache - offering richness of body, sweet fruit, and warmth.
Mourvedre & Syrah: add structure and depth of color
Cinsault: finesse and freshness
Carignan
Describe the S. Rhone Climate
Mediterranean - Mistral wind blows fiercely across the flat valley.
Garrigue scrubland
hot summers with cold nights and heavy autumn rain.
What soil depicts Chateauneuf du Pape
deposited pudding stones called “galets” made of quartzite and smoothed by river, they store heat and slowly release it over night
CDP two opposite major producers?
Rayas is almost always 100% Grenache while Beaucastel is dominated by Mourvedre
Who released the first CDP and when?
Ch. La Nerthe in 1785
What is traditional CDP style?
use of old oak foudres for extended aging, each producer is indicative of their style.
Describe Gigondas AOP
southern rhone, red alluvial clay soil, Reds and rose wines. Most often are 50% grenache with some syrah and mourvedre.
Describe Vin Doux Naturel
a sweet fortified wine, Pure grape spirit is added to arrest fermentation in a proportion of 5-10%.
What old practice is used in N. Rhone winemaking - how does it affect the wine?
Including stems - imbuing its aroma nd flavor with notes of sandalwood, spice, and a briary character. - increases tannin and grip.
What is the story behind Cote Brune and Cote Blonde?
named after the daughters of, one blonde and one brunette, of a feudal lord.
