Rhône Valley (General Knowledge) Flashcards
What is the difference in climate between the Northern and Southern Rhône?
The Northern Rhône is continental and the Southern Rhône is Mediterranean
What is the difference in grape vine planting between the Northern and Southern Rhône?
Syrah is the predominant varietal in the Northern Rhône while several varieties are planted in the South
True or False
The Rhône Valley is a contiguous region situated on both sides of the Rhône river
False. The Northern and Southern Rhône are separated by about 30 miles where few grapes are grown.
The Northern Rhône is located primarily on the west side of the Rhône River and the Southern Rhône has appellations on both sides.
True or False
The Southern Rhône is a vastly larger area under vine than the Northern Rhône
True. The Northern Rhône is about 4,000 ha while the Southern Rhône is about 66,000
What is the general relationship between the Rhône River and the distance of vineyards from it in the Northern and Southern Rhône?
Vineyarda in the Northern Rhône are generally closer to the river while the Southern Rhône is spread out
What is the difference between the design of the appellations in the Northern Rhône and the Southern Rhône
The Northern Rhône is made of several clearly defined AOCs known locally as crus
The Southern Rhône has several established AOCs but also appellations and production of general (basic) regional and IGP wines
What percentage of total Rhône Valley wine production is comprised of Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages?
60%
In 2018, what percentage of wine produced in the Rhône Valley was white, rosé, and red?
White: 10%
Rosé: 16%
Red: 74%
What percentage of Rhône Valley vineyards were certified organic in 2018?
8%
What are the principal black grape varieties of the Southern Rhône? (Jkf edited)
Syrah Grenache Noir Mourvèdre Cinsault (aka Cinsaut) Carignan
What are the principal white grape varieties of the Rhône Valley?
Viognier Marsanne Roussanne Grenache Blanc Clairette Bourboulenc
What is the general winemaking method used across the Rhône Valley?
Fermentation in concrete vats, though stainless steel and large wooden barrels may also be used
Maturation in small and large wooden barrels
Why is Grenache Noir typically aged in concrete vats or stainless steel in the Rhône Valley?
It is prone to oxidation and premature loss of color if it is exposed to too much oxygen
Why is Syrah more often aged in oak in the Rhône Valley?
It is prone to reduction. It is thus pumped over more often and aged in barrel to provide gentle oxidation
Is new oak common in the production of Rhône Valley Syrah?
Some producers use it but new oak is not as prevalent as it was in the ’90s
How are black grapes harvested in the Rhône Valley? How are they transported to the winery?
They are harvested by hand and transported in small crates to ensure the berries do not break
In the Rhône Valley, what happens to black grapes for cru level when they arrive at the winery?
Destemmed, chilled, and cold soaked for 1-3 days to extract color
Some producers vinify whole clusters to promote intense aromatics
What vessel is used to ferment cru level red wines in the Rhône Valley?
In stainless steel, large concrete vats, or open top wooden barrels. Ambient and cultured yeasts are the producer’s choice.
What temperatures are used to ferment cru level red wines in the Rhône Valley? How long does the maceration take place?
Warmer temperatures are used to extract more color, aroma, and tannins. 20-30 days is the typical maceration range.
What types of cap management techniques are used in the production of Rhône Valley cru level red wines?
Punching down
Pumping over
Rack and return
Are cru level red wines from the Rhône Valley matured before release?
Yes. 12-24 months is common. Grenahce Noir may be matured in large oak barrels while Syrah and Mourvèdre may be matured in small barrels.
How much new oak is common in the maturation of cru level red wines from the Rhône Valley?
20-25%
How are grapes for inexpensive Rhône Valley red wine harvested and processed?
Machine harvesting is common. Fermentation is initiated quickly so any broken grapes do not oxidize or otherwise affect the final product. Flash detente or thermovinification May be used to produced low-tannin fruity style quickly.
Are hand-picking and carbonic maceration options for winemakers in the Rhône Valley who want to produce inexpensive wine?
Yes, as these can enhance color and fruit intensity. These methods can also produce wines with low tannins, making them suitable for early drinking.
What techniques do inexpensive Rhône Valley winemakers have, beyond traditional winemaking methods, to produce inexpensive red wine quickly?
Flash détente
Thermovinification
Are cultured or ambient yeasts common in the production of inexpensive red wine from the Rhône Valley? Why?
Cultured yeasts. These ensure a complete, quick, reliable ferment
What fermentation temperature is typically used for inexpensive Rhône Valley red wine? Why?
Mid-range to ensure fruit aromas are retained and high levels of tannins are avoided
How long are grapes used in inexpensive red wine from the Rhône Valley typically macerated? Why?
A short time to prevent an overly high extraction
How might inexpensive red wines from the Rhône Valley be stored prior to bottling?
Typically in stainless steel for a few months
How are rosé wines from the Rhône Valley typically produced? What village is known for this method?
By a short, cold maceration (usually 12-24 hours). Fermentation is then carried out at mid-range temperatures and malolactic conversion is blocked.
Tavel in the Southern Rhône is known for this style
How are rosé wines aged, if at all, in the Rhône Valley?
In large oak or concrete vats, or possibly stainless steel
Some producers may use small oak barrels to add texture to their top wines
How are white Rhône Valley wines typically produced? Why?
At mid-range temperatures with malolactic conversion prevented. The goal is to retain fruit aromas and maintain acidity.
How are white wines of the Rhône Valley typically aged?
In large old oak or stainless steel.
Is batonnage common in the production of Rhône Valley white wines? Why or why not?
Not usually, as Rhône Valley wines are naturally fuller bodied and the preservation of fruit aromas is desired.
Some producers use batonnage to create even fuller wines, such as Chapoutier’s Hermitage Blanc
Is oak used in the fermentation and maturation of Rhône Valley white wine?
Sometimes, in order to increase the complexity of the final product. Barrel fermentation can improve integration of oak.
Smaller barrels increase the cost of production.
What area in the Rhône valley is covered by the Côtes-du-Rhône AOC border?
All of it and, theoretically, everything in the Northern Rhône, as well. In the Northern Rhône, producers can make more money selling under a local AOC.
Is irrigation prohibited in the Rhône Valley?
Generally yes, but AOCs may apply for special permission to use it under strict conditions
What are the conditions under which appellations may apply for and use irrigation in the Rhône Valley?
The appellation must prove water stress
Irrigation cannot take place after véraison
Irrigation cannot be used to exceed maximum appellation yields
True or False
The majority of négociants in the Rhône valley do not operate in a single area (North, South) but instead work across the entire region
True. The division between Northern and Southern Rhône is reductive of the styles common in each, not the business carried out between or within the two
Where are the largest Rhône Valley companies and négociants based?
In the Northern Rhône, though cooperatives are much more prevalent and important in the South
Which producer sells the largest percentage of Crozes-Hermitage wines? What type of producer are they?
Cave de Tain, a cooperative, sells 40% of Crozes-Hermitage wines
What percentage of Rhône Valley wine sales are out of supermarkets? Specialist wine shops and hospitality? Discounters?
Supermarkets: 32%
Wine Shops and Hospitality: 29%
Discounters: 6%
The remaining 33% is exported
What are the top three export markets for Rhône Valley wines?
USA
UK
Belgium
How much Rhôone Valley wine is consumed domestically? How much is exported?
67% domestic
33% exported
What changes in wine value have occurred in the Rhône Valley recently? What effect have they had on the types of producers present in the region?
Prices of bottles have increased, leading to more privately owned wine production. Growers are producing and bottling their own wines instead of selling their wines to négociants.
How has the Rhône Valley adopted sales strategies to adjust to increasing demand (think other high-demand AOCs)?
Some top estates have begun en primeur sales, especially for Côte-Rotie, Hermitage, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape
