Rhone Valley Pt 5 - Southern Rhone General and Grapes

Question 1

Where does the S.Rhone begin and end?

Answer 1

At Montelimar and extends to Nimes.

Question 2

What is different about vineyard location in the S.Rhone?

Answer 2

Unlike the Northern Rhone they do not cluster around the Rhone River. Thye stretch up to 50 miles/80KM from the river.

Question 3

What is the climate of the S.Rhone?

Answer 3

Mediterranean. It receives 2600-2800 hours of sunshine.

Question 4

What are the climate hazards of S.Rhone?

Answer 4

Excessive heat in summer;
Drought;
Summer rainstorms.

Question 5

How are climate hazards mitigated?

Answer 5

The Mistral wind mitigates the heat as it is a cooling wind;
The cool air coming from the Dentelles de Montmirail;
Diurnal swings are high so vines at elevation benefit.

Question 6

How does the climate and the Mistral benefit the S.Rhone vineyards?

Answer 6

Lack of rainfall and the Mistral which blows away heat and humidity and brings clear sunny skies which reduces disease.

Question 7

What is the landscape of the S.Rhone?

Answer 7

Broad rocky plains and rugged mountain terrain. This is attributed to glacial meltwaters flowing to the Mediterranean.

Question 8

Which mountain chains border the S.Rhone?

Answer 8

Mont Ventoux, Luberon Massif and Dentelles Montmirail on the eastern border. The Alpilles near Avignon in the south. All were caused by the Alps lifting up.

Question 9

What are the five main soil types of S.Rhone?

Answer 9

Galets; Garrique (limestone); Sandstone; Clay; Loess/molasse.

Question 10

What is the style of S.Rhone wines?

Answer 10

Typically blends.

Question 11

How many grapes are authorised for the wines of CDR?

Answer 11

23 of 34 varieties planted.

Question 12

What are the major white grapes in the S.Rhone?

Answer 12

Bourbolenc; Clairette; Grenache Blanc; Roussanne;Marsanne; Viognier

Question 13

What Rose/Gris grapes are used in S.Rhone?

Answer 13

Clairette Rose, Grenache Gris, Piquepoul Gris

Question 14

What are the major red grapes in the S.Rhone?

Answer 14

Grenache; syrah; Mourvedre;Cinsaut; Counois;Carignan;Marselan

Question 15

What does Bourbolenc contribute to wines?

Answer 15

Moderate alcohol and high acidity. Used to balnce high alcohol/low acid grapes such as grenache blanc or clairette.

Question 16

What does Clairette contribute to wines?

Answer 16

High ABV/low -moderate acidity.
Has large leaves to protect against sunburn of S.Rhone.

Question 17

What does Grenache Blanc contribute to wines?

Answer 17

High ABV/low -moderate acidity.
Valued for its concentration of flavours. Drawback is that all grenache variety are oxidative in nature.

Question 18

What is the preferred grape for white Chateauneuf and CDR?

Answer 18

Grenache Blanc.

Question 19

How is Viognier different in the S.Rhone as against the N.Rhone?

Answer 19

The southern warmth reduces its acid levels and enhances its aromatics

Question 20

Which grape is important for VDN in the S.Rhone?

Answer 20

Muscat a Petit Grains Blanc.

Question 21

Which grapes form the main styles of red wine in S.Rhone?

Answer 21

Genache, Syrah, Mourvedre blends.

Question 22

What does Grenache contribute to the Rhone blends?

Answer 22

High alcohol, moderate colour and acidity. Balanced by Syrah and/or Mourvedre. Oxidative in nature.

Question 23

What does Syrah contribute to the Rhone blends?

Answer 23

It is higher acidity and has more tannin so can balance grenache. Reductive in nature.

Question 24

What does Mourvedre contribute to the Rhone blends?

Answer 24

Contributes Alcohol, tannin, acid and colour. Balances Grenache. Reductive in nature.

Question 25

What does “Meridionaux” mean.

Answer 25

Of the southern Rhone ( in nature, style or location)

Question 26

What is the rainfall in S.Rhone?

Answer 26

Between 400-900 mm with average of 700mm.

Question 27

How does the rain impact the S.Rhone?

Answer 27

The rain falls mostly in winter but there can be violent summer rainstorms. These can cause flooding on the hard-baked earth which cannot absorb the sudden volume of water.

Question 28

What is the planting % for grape varieties in S.Rhone?

Answer 28

Grenache - 55%;
Syrah - 24%;
Carignan - 6%;
Mourvedre - 4%;
Cinsaut - 3%;
Grenache Blanc - 2%;
Others - 6%.