Rhone Valley Pt 8 - S.Rhone Cru AOCs Flashcards
How many Crus in S.Rhone? What acreage?
Nine encompassing 27.000 ac/11,000 ha.
What is production % in styles of wines of S.Rhone Crus?
In 2019, it was circa 85% red, 10% rose, 5% white.
What is the core red blend of S.Rhone Crus?
Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. Other red varieties of S.Rhone can be added and white in some AOCs
What is the core white blend of S.Rhone Crus?
Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Marsanne and Rousanne. Proportions vary by AOC.
What is the core Rose blend of S.Rhone Crus?
Grenache with Cinsaut and Syrah as typical partners.
What grapes are used for VDN?
Grenache or Muscats a Petits Grains depending on AOC.
What are the production % for Southern Rhone AOCs?
Chateauneuf - 27%;
Vacqueyras - 14%;
Gigondas - 11%;
Rasteau - 10%;
Tavel and Cairanne - 9% each;
Beaumes de Venise, Lirac, Vinsobres - 6% each;
Muscat de BV - 2%
Which 3 hilltop towns in S.Rhone focus on production of dry wines?
Vinsobres, Rasteau and Cairanne.
They are in the NE, all above the plain which mitigates the summer heat.
When was Vinsobres AOC awarded? Styles? Grapes?
Awarded 2006 for red only.Only Primary grape is red Grenache. (S) Syrah and Mourvedre.
What is the location of Vinsobres vineyards?
They are terraced and lie between 650 - 1500 feet on sand and clay with pockets of gravel and limestone.
What % of Vinsobres vineyards are organic?
Over 30%.
What are the blends of Vinsobres?
Grenache based and must contain Syrah or Mourvedre.
When was Vinsobres AOC awarded? Styles? Grapes?
Awarded in 1944 for fortified White ,Rose and Red.; 2010 for Dry Red.
White: (P) Grenache Blanc;
Rose/Gris: (P) Grenache Gris;
Red: (P) Grenache.
What is the climate of Rasteau?
The mesoclimate is unique. The vineyards face south and form a large amphitheatre that traps sunlight and blocks the Mistral.
What is the elevation of Rasteau vineyards?
They lie at an average of 750ft/230 mtr on red clay, sand and some pockets of gravel.
What are the main blends of Rasteau?
Mainly GSM blends.
When was Cairanne AOC awarded? Styles? Grapes?
Awarded 2018 for dry red and white.
White: (P) Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne;
Red: (P) Grenache
What is the primary RED blend of Cairanne?
Reds are grenache based with syrah or mourvedre as partners.
What is the primary RED blend of Cairanne?
Whites are typically Clairette with Grenache Blanc and/or Roussanne.
What are the soils of Cairanne?
Stony pebbles.
What is the production ratio of Cairanne?
Mostly red and half exported internationally.
Which three AOCs are nestled in the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail.
Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Beaumes de Venise.
What does the Dentelles provide for the vineyards?
They serve as a suntrap and/or wind block depending on location. The vineyards benefit from cool air masses from the peaks at night. This preserves the acidity in the grapes.
When was Gigondas awarded? Styles? Grapes?
Awarded in 1971 for Rose and Red.
Red: (P) Grenache.
What are the grapes in the red and Rose blends of Cairanne?
Grenache with Syrah and Mourvedre as partners.
What are the soils of the Cairanne? What elevation? Aspect?
Marls, limestone and sand at altitude up to 1330 ft. Most face NW and west facing.