Rhone Valley Pt 7 - Regional AOCs and CDR hierarchy

Question 1

How are the AOCs of the Rhone Valley categorised?

Answer 1

Two groups - those that can produce under Regional CdR AOC and those that cannot.

Question 2

Where does the CdR production zone comprise?

Answer 2

It extends from Vienne to Avignon and includes the 17 Crus.

Question 3

Where do the vast majority of grapes for CdR AOC come from?

Answer 3

Mainly the S.Rhone as the Northern vineyards fall under the more prestigious Cru AOCs.

Question 4

How many wine producing villages are there in the Rhone Valley?

Answer 4

300

Question 5

How many wine producing villages are there in the CdR AOC zone?

Answer 5

171.

Question 6

How many wine producing villages can produce under the CdR Villages AOC?

Answer 6

Within the 171 of the CdR AOC there are 95 producung grapes of proven and consistent quality each year.

Question 7

How many wine producing villages in the CdR Village can add their name to the label?

Answer 7

22 villages with consistent quality and distinctiveness, in recognition of the uniqueness of their terroir. They are DGCs.

Question 8

Where is the CdR Villages zone located?

Answer 8

Entirely in the S.Rhone.

Question 9

What category is at the top of the Cotes du Rhone AOC hierarchy?

Answer 9

Crus followed by; CdR Village plus DGC name; CdR Village AOC and CdR AOC.

Question 10

Can promotion occur in the CdR hierarchy?

Answer 10

Yes a Village may become DGC level; A DGC can become a Cru.

Question 11

When were the last promotions in CdR?

Answer 11

2020 - Nyons became DGC level;
Laudun is expected to become a Cru in 2023

Question 12

What % of total Rhone Valley production does CdR AOC represent?

Answer 12

More than 40%

Question 13

When was CdR AOC awarded? which styles? grapes?

Answer 13

Awarded 1937 for Dry white, rose,red.
White: (P) Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc; Marsanne, Rousanne, Viognier.
Rose - No Primary;
Red - Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre.

Question 14

What is the planted area of CdR AOC?

Answer 14

Circa 75,000 Ac/30,000 ha.

Question 15

What is the blending regulation for RED AND ROSE CdR vinified SOUTH of Montelimar?

Answer 15

At least two of the primary grapes must comprise at least 60% of the blend. GRENACHE is Mandatory..

Question 16

What is the blending regulation for RED AND ROSE CdR vinified NORTH of Montelimar?

Answer 16

It must have any one of the primary grapes and this must be at least 60% of the blend. None of them is mandated to be in the blend.

Question 17

What grape is often incorporated in CdR rose? What does it bring?

Answer 17

Cinsaut. It adds perfume, finesse and fruit without adding much tannin or pigment.

Question 18

What is the blending regulation for CdR whites?

Answer 18

It must be made from a majority of the primary white varieties in any combination or proportions.

Question 19

What white variety is the backbone of CdR white wines?

Answer 19

Grenache Blanc.

Question 20

When was CdR Villages AOC awarded? which styles? grapes?

Answer 20

Awarded 1966 for Dry white, Rose and red.
White: (P) Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc; Marsanne, Rousanne, Viognier.
Rose - No Primary;
Red - Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre.

Question 21

How do CdR Villages wines differ from the CdR AOC?

Answer 21

They have more stringent rules. They are expected to display more distinct and concentrated flavours and aromas. They should also age longer.

Question 22

What are the blending rules for RED CdR Villages AOC wines?

Answer 22

They must comprise 66% of at least two of the primary varieties; one of these must be Grenache.

Question 23

What are the blending rules for WHITE CdR Villages AOC wines?

Answer 23

They must have a majority of primary white varieties.

Question 24

What are the blending rules for ROSE CdR Villages AOC wines?

Answer 24

There is no prescribed rules but they are similar to CdR.

Question 25

How do RED CdR Villages + DGC wines differ from the CDRV wines?

Answer 25

CDRV+ reds are expected to have lower yields and achieve higher ABV levels.