Rhone Valley Pt 7 - Regional AOCs and CDR hierarchy Flashcards
How are the AOCs of the Rhone Valley categorised?
Two groups - those that can produce under Regional CdR AOC and those that cannot.
Where does the CdR production zone comprise?
It extends from Vienne to Avignon and includes the 17 Crus.
Where do the vast majority of grapes for CdR AOC come from?
Mainly the S.Rhone as the Northern vineyards fall under the more prestigious Cru AOCs.
How many wine producing villages are there in the Rhone Valley?
300
How many wine producing villages are there in the CdR AOC zone?
171.
How many wine producing villages can produce under the CdR Villages AOC?
Within the 171 of the CdR AOC there are 95 producing grapes of proven and consistent quality each year.
How many wine producing villages in the CdR Village can add their name to the label?
22 villages with consistent quality and distinctiveness, in recognition of the uniqueness of their terroir. They are DGCs.
Where is the CdR Villages zone located?
Entirely in the S.Rhone.
What category is at the top of the Cotes du Rhone AOC hierarchy?
Crus followed by; CdR Village plus DGC name; CdR Village AOC and CdR AOC.
Can promotion occur in the CdR hierarchy?
Yes a Village may become DGC level; A DGC can become a Cru.
When were the last promotions in CdR?
2020 - Nyons became DGC level;
Laudun is expected to become a Cru in 2023
What % of total Rhone Valley production does CdR AOC represent?
More than 40%
When was CdR AOC awarded? which styles? grapes?
Awarded 1937 for Dry white, rose,red.
White: (P) Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc; Marsanne, Rousanne, Viognier.
Rose - No Primary;
Red - Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre.
What is the planted area of CdR AOC?
Circa 75,000 Ac/30,000 ha.
What is the blending regulation for RED AND ROSE CdR vinified SOUTH of Montelimar?
At least two of the primary grapes must comprise at least 60% of the blend. GRENACHE is Mandatory..
What is the blending regulation for RED AND ROSE CdR vinified NORTH of Montelimar?
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.
What grape is often incorporated in CdR rose? What does it bring?
Cinsaut. It adds perfume, finesse and fruit without adding much tannin or pigment.
What is the blending regulation for CdR whites?
It must be made from a majority of the primary white varieties in any combination or proportions.
What white variety is the backbone of CdR white wines?
Grenache Blanc.
When was CdR Villages AOC awarded? which styles? grapes?
Awarded 1966 for Dry white, Rose and red.
White: (P) Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc; Marsanne, Rousanne, Viognier.
Rose - No Primary;
Red - Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre.
How do CdR Villages wines differ from the CdR AOC?
They have more stringent rules. They are expected to display more distinct and concentrated flavours and aromas. They should also age longer.
What are the blending rules for RED CdR Villages AOC wines?
They must comprise 66% of at least two of the primary varieties; one of these must be Grenache.
What are the blending rules for WHITE CdR Villages AOC wines?
They must have a majority of primary white varieties.
What are the blending rules for ROSE CdR Villages AOC wines?
There is no prescribed rules but they are similar to CdR.
How do RED CdR Villages + DGC wines differ from the CDRV wines?
CDRV+ reds are expected to have lower yields and achieve higher ABV levels.
