Rhone Valley Pt 10 - VDN production and AOCs

Question 1

Which two S. Rhone crus produce Vin Doux Naturel (VDN) wines?

Answer 1

Rasteau and Muscat de Beaumes-de -Venise AOCs.

Question 2

When was Rasteau awarded for Fortified wines?

Answer 2

Awarded 1944 for fortified white, rose and red.

Question 3

What are the primary grapes of Rasteau?

Answer 3

White -Genache Blanc;
Red - Grenache Gris;
Red - Grenache Noir.

Question 4

Where does the VDN come from in Rasteau?

Answer 4

The village of Rasteau.

Question 5

What is the area under vine in Rasteau?

Answer 5

Only 15 ac/6ha.

Question 6

What are the two types of white VDN in Rasteau?

Answer 6

Blanc (reductive) and Ambre (oxidative) styles.

Question 7

What is the blend rules for Blanc VDN?

Answer 7

Must be at least 90% Grenache Blanc and/or Grenache Gris.

Question 8

What is the ageing rule for Blanc VDN?

Answer 8

They can be released May 1st after harvest if they have at least three months in bottle.

Question 9

What is the blend rule for Ambre VDN?

Answer 9

They can contain the entire Grenache family (Noir, Gris, Blanc) and Grenache as a whole must comprise at least 90% of the blend.

Question 10

What is the ageing rule for Ambre VDN?

Answer 10

They must mature until March 1st of third year after harvest.

Question 11

What are the two types of red VDN?

Answer 11

Grenat (reductive) and Tuile (oxidative).

Question 12

What is the blend rule for red VDNs (both grenat and tuile)?

Answer 12

Must be at least 75% Grenache Noir and all three Grenache must make up at least 90% of the blend.

Question 13

What is the ageing rule for Grenat VDN?

Answer 13

They can be released May 1st after harvest if they have at least three months in bottle.

Question 14

What is the ageing rule for tuile VDN?

Answer 14

They must mature until March 1st of third year after harvest.

Question 15

What does “hors d’age” indicate on a label?

Answer 15

The VDN will have undergone five years of oxidative ageing.

Question 16

What does “rancio” indicate on a label?

Answer 16

The wine will have achieved the taste of “rancio”.

Question 17

How are roses Rasteau VDNs made?

Answer 17

They are made from at least 90% of all grenaches.

Question 18

What is the ageing requirements for Rose VDN?

Answer 18

None.

Question 19

When was Muscat de Beaumes de Venise AOC awarded? style? grapes?

Answer 19

Awarded in 1945 for Fortified white, rose and red.
White:(P) Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc;
Red:(P)Muscat a Petits Grains Rouge;

Question 20

What is styles ratio in MDBV?

Answer 20

83% white;
15% rose;
2% Red.

Question 21

What is the character of MDBV VDNs?

Answer 21

Fresh and reductive style.