Rhone Valley & Southern France Flashcards
Where was the technique of micro-oxygenation developed, by who, and why?
In the Madiran, by Patrick Ducournau, to soften the tannins of Tannat
What AOP is Chateau Simone located in?
Palette AOP, in Provence
What white grape(s) may be added to Cote Rotie and in what percentages?
Up to 20% Viognier
What are the residual sugar requirements for Coteaux de Die? Cremant de Die?
Coteaux: max. 6 g/L RS (TA must be within 2 g/L)
Cremant: max. 15 g/L RS
Where is Fronton AOP and what is the primary grape?
Southwestern France (Haute-Garonne, Tarn-et-Garonne departments); Negrette must account for 40% of rouge and rosé(no white is made). Dry.
Where does the Cote Brune take its name from?
The black mica has faded to dark brown, which in turn has given it the Côte Brune name.
Where does Leon Barral make wine?
Faugeres
What are the mutage requirements for Floc de Gascogne?
Must be fortified with an Armagnac of at least 52% ABV that has been aged until at least April 1 of the year after it was distilled.
Domaine Gramenon, based in Montbrison-sur-Lez makes many wines, including one called “Le Sagesse” and one called “Sierra de Sud.” From what grapes are each of these wines made?
Sierra de Sud is made from 100% Syrah and La Sagesse is made from 100% Grenache, as are most of their other wines. Both are bottles as Cotes du Rhone.
What are the worst vintages of the 2000s for Northern Rhône Syrah?
2002, 2008
What is a “Râpé”?
It is the grapes discarded or used for table wine in CdP – at least 2% is required by the appellation.
What colors of wine can be made under the Côtes du Rhône Villages AOP?
White, red, and pink.
What are the three “La La” wines produced by E. Guigal?
La Mouline, La Landonne, La Turque
What is the principal variety of Fronton AOP?
Negrette
Where are the AOPs of Cassis and Bellet located? What grapes are most promising in each? What styles of wine are made?
Provence; Cassis: Clairette & Marsanne, Bellet: Rolle (aka Vermentino). Both can produce dry red, white, and pink, but are best known for white.
What are the first vintages on the LaLas?
La Mouline — 1966
La Landonne — 1978
La Turque — 1985
Which appellations in the Southern Rhone require hand harvesting?
Beaume-de-Venise, CdP, and Gigondas (as of 2014)
Who makes Renaissance? What is it?
Clape’s YOUNG VINE Cornas. The straight Cornas bottling is the top one.
What are the maximum yields for Chateau Grillet?
37 hl/ha
What is the minimum alcohol for Condrieu?
11.5% (13% acquired alcohol required for wines with at least 45 g/l of residual sugar)
Define the terms ambre, tuile, blanc, and grenat with respect to the Rasteau AOP.
Blanc – unoxidative white VdN.
Grenat – unoxidative red VdN.
Ambre – oxidative white VdN, with at least 3 years of age (may not be released until 3/1 of the third year after harvest)
Tuile – oxidative red VdN, with at least 3 years of age (may not be released until 3/1 of the third year after harvest)
What was Costières de Nîmes originally called when it became an AOP, and when did it change?
Costières de Gard (1986) and was changed to Costières de Nîmes in 1989.
Why is there a different rendement de base and maximum yield requirement in Chateauneuf du Pape?
The rendement de base is 35 hl/ha – the maximum yield includes the Râpé, which is 42 hl/ha
What grape of Corsica is a variant of Sangiovese?
Nielluccio
What is Galopine?
Galopine is an old, local word for Viognier in Condrieu. It is also a Condrieu bottling made by Delas.
What producer vinifies 40% of all Côte Rôtie produced?
E. Guigal
What is the sub AOP of Corbieres and what style of wine can be produced there?
Corbieres-Boutenac, reds made from a min. 70% of Grenache, Mourvedre, and Carignan. Syrah can flush out. No varietal can exceed 80%.
What are the communes of production for Cote Rotie from north to south?
Saint-Cyr-sur-Rhône, Ampuis, Tupin-Semons
What two appellations are defined by the Dentelles de Montmirail foothills?
Gigondas and Vacqueyras
What appellations of the Dordogne must be harvested in tries?
Saussignac and Monbazillac
Name three vineyards of Condrieu.
Côte Bonnette, Vernon, Chéry
Name the vintages that Cuvée de Capo has been made in.
1998, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2015
What is Saussignac AOP?
An appellation for Botrytis Semillon in SW France.
Where does Domaine les Mille Vignes make wine?
Fitou
What AOP is in four non-contiguous sectors, two of which cling to the southern edge of Madiran/Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh, and one of which abets the NW corner of Jurancon?
Bearn
What Rhone varietal is NOT permitted in Gigondas?
Carignan
What are the major red and white grapes of Limoux AOP Blanc and Rouge?
red: Merlot (40-75%)
white: Chardonnay, Mauzac, and Chenin Blanc
Where is Cabardès AOP? What styles of wine can be produced there, and what are the prominent grapes?
Languedoc; red and rosé only; Min. 40% combined Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot; min. 40% combined Grenache and Syrah
Who makes Barberine and La Sereine Noir? What appellation?
Yves et Mathilde Gangloff; Côte Rôtie
What are the four subzone designations that the Côtes de Provence AOP may be bottled under? Which was the most recently added? Which allows for the production of white wine?
Sainte-Victoire, Fréjus, La Londe, Pierrefeu (added in 2012); La Londe allows for the production of white wine, the others are rosé and rouge only
What is the main grape of Cahors? Supporting grapes?
Min. 70% Malbec; with Tannat & Merlot
What styles of wine are made in the Muscat Beaumes-de-Venise AOP?
VdN Blanc, Rose, and Rouge from Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains and Muscat Rouge a Petits Grains
What is the min. potential alcohol of Chateauneuf du Pape?
12.5%
What is the primary grape of Tavel? What style of wine is made?
Grenache (Gris, Blanc, and Noir). Grenache Noir must be present. Dry rosé.
What are the two principal grapes of Cassis blanc?
Clairette and Marsanne (min. 60% together)
Name the five grapes of Rivesaltes
Grenache (Noir, Blanc, Gris), Macabeo, Tourbat, Muscat de Alexandria, Muscat a Petits Grains (when a wine is a blend of the last two, it may be labeled Muscat de Rivesaltes AOP)
What is the major soil type of Cornas?
granite
Cotes du Rhone rouge is a minimum of 40% Grenache encepagement, except for vineyards north of this town?
Montélimar
What are the appellations on the following wines:
- Pignan
- Fonsalette
- Pialade
- Chateau des Tours
- Domaine des Tours
- Pignan: CDP
- Fonsalette: Côtes-du-Rhône
- Pialade: Côtes-du-Rhône
- Chateau des Tours: Vacqueyras
- Domaine des Tours: Vin de Pays de Vaucluse
What are the four main red grapes of the Languedoc AOP?
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Llandoner Pelut
What is considered the best vintage in CdP 1991-1999?
Not including 1990 - 1998 was the best of the decade- “growing conditions were close to ideal, with a baking hot summer being followed by welcome rains at the beginning of September. Sugar levels were very high, come harvest time, with all major grape varieties ripening well. The wines are rich in fruit, possess super-ripe tannins and are wonderfully harmonious and well balanced”
What larger region is Fitou located in and what are the main grapes? What styles of wine can be made?
Corbieres; Carignan and Grenache (min. 50% together) based reds
What is the minimum RS for Banyuls AOP?
45 g/L
What grapes may be used and styles of wine made in Condrieu?
White, still wine from Viognier
What are the communes of production for Chateauneuf du Pape?
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Orange, Bédarrides, Courthézon, Sorgues
What is the southern most appellation in continental France?
Banyuls AOP
What are the minimum potential alcohols/must weights/RS’s of Monbazillac SGN and Blanc
Blanc: 14%/221 g/L/45 g/L
SGN: 17%/255 g/L/85 g/L
What does the papal crest signify on bottles of Chateauneuf du Pape?
That it is estate bottled.
Name 5 Hermitage rouge bottlings of M. Chapoutier.
- Monier de la Sizeranne
- Le Pavillon
- Le Méal
- L’Ermite
- Les Greffieux
- Mure de Larnage
What is the primary soil type of Condrieu?
Decomposed granite
When was Pic-Saint-Loup established as an AOP? What styles are made and what is the primary grape?
2017 (formerly a subzone of Languedoc AOP), Rosé and rouge from primarily Syrah (min 30% for rosé/50% rouge), with Grenache and Mourvedre
What river separates Rasteau from Gigondas and Vacqueyras?
Ouveze
What grape must be present in Faugeres blanc?
Roussanne
What styles of wine are allowed in the St. Chinian and Faugeres AOPs?
red, white, and rosé
Who makes Luminescence? What appellation?
Sweet Condrieu made by Phillipe Guigal in 1999 and 2003
What type of wood was Cornas traditionally aged in?
Chestnut
What styles of wine are produced in Gigondas and what are the cepage requirments?
Red and pink, min. 50% Grenache, generally supplemented by Syrah & Mourvedre
Who makes Chateau d’Ampuis? When was it first introduced?
Guigal; 1995
What is the minimum amount of Grenache Noir required for:
- Rasteau grenat/tuilé
- Maury grenat/tuilé
- Rivesaltes grenat
- Rivesaltes tuilé
- Banyuls Rimmage
- Banyuls Traditionnel
- Banyuls Grand Cru
- Rasteau grenat/tuilé - 75%
- Maury grenat/tuilé - 75%
- Rivesaltes grenat - 100%
- Rivesaltes tuilé - Must be present
- Banyuls Rimmage - 90%
- Banyuls Traditionnel - 50%
- Banyuls Grand Cru - 75%
Name the five sweet white wine appellations of Bergerac.
Monbazillac, Saussignac, Rosette, Haut-Montravel, Cotes de Montravel
What AOP has Nice for its commune of production?
Bellet
Who makes Ampodium?
Rene Rostaing
What white grapes can be added to Hermitage & Crozes-Hermitage and in what percentages?
A combined total of no more than 15% Marsanne/Roussanne
What is gore?
Gore is the “naked” granite soil found in Cornas. It absorbs the sun’s heat exceptionally well and has excellent drainage, leading to grapes with high intensity of flavor and strong tannins that require plenty of bottle age to open up.
Name 5 CdR Villages?
Chusclan, Gadagne, Laudun, Massif d’Uchaux, Plan de Dieu, Puymeras, Roaix, Rochegude, Rousset-les-Vignes, Sablet, Séguret, Signargues, Saint-Gervais, Saint-Maurice, Saint-Pantaléon-les-Vignes, Valréas, Visan
What are the maximum yield requirements for Hermitage?
Blanc: 45 hl/ha
Rouge: 40 hl/ha
Vin de Paille: 15 hl/ha
What sweet white wine appellations of the Dordogne prohibit chaptalization and cryo-extraction?
Saussignac and Monbazillac SGN
Who is most famous for their Maison Rouge bottling of Côte Rôtie?
Georges Vernay
What is the primary soil type of St-Joseph?
schist and gneiss on granite bedrock
East to west: Palette, Bandol, Cassis, Bellet, Baux-de-Provence
Bellet, Bandol, Cassis, Palette, Baux-de-Provence
What are the stones that characterize the soil of Chateauneuf-du-Pape called?
Galets
What are the principal and supporting grapes for Cotes du Rhone blanc?
Principal: Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Clairette, and Viognier
Supporting: Picpoul and Ugni Blanc
True or False, Rasteau AOP can be red, white, or pink. What grapes are used?
True; Grenache Blanc, Gris, and Noir.
Starting in the northeast, name the communes of Chateauneuf du Pape in clockwise order.
Courthézon, Bédarrides, Sorgues, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Orange
When were blanc wines first allowed to be produced in Le Baux de Provence?
2011; AOP established in 1995
What are the lees requirements for Cremant de Die?
9 months on lees before disgorgement, 12 months total aging
What styles of wine are made in the Luberon AOP?
Dry white, red, and rose.
Who makes Brune et Blonde?
Guigal
What region is intersected by the Têt, Agly, and Tech rivers?
Côtes du Roussillon
What grapes/styles of wine are allowed in the Clairette de Die, Coteaux de Die AOP and Cremant de Die AOP?
Coteaux de Die — blanc sec from 100% Clairette
Cremant de Die — vin moesseux blanc, max. RS 15 g/l. Min 55% Clairette with Aligote and Muscat
Clairette de Die — vin moesseux blanc, 100% Clairette, max. 15 g/l RS; Methode dioise ancestral, min. 75% Muscat, min. 35 g/l RS.
What are the principal soil types of Crozes-Hermitage?
North: Granitic slopes, similar to Hermitage
South: Alluvial soils of glacial origin
Northeast to southwest: Saint Chinian, Faugeres, Limoux, Minervois
Faugeres
Saint Chinian
Minervois
Limoux
What are the communes of production for Chateau Grillet?
Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône, Vérin
What are the grapes of Monbazillac AOP and what style of wine is produced?
Min. 90% combined Muscadelle, SB, Semillon, and Sauvignon Gris. Botrytised dessert wines are made here (min. 45 g/L RS)
What river runs through Bergerac AOP? What styles of wine are produced there?
Dordogne River; white, red, and rosé sec (rosé can be up to 10 g/l RS though)
What are the aging requirements for ambré and tuilé wines from Rivesaltes?
Must be aged in an oxidative environment until at least March 1st of the 3rd year following harvest.
What appellation of Roussillon requires hand harvesting in successive tries?
Banyuls
What are the principal red varieties of Bellet rouge?
Braquet and Fuella Nera
Who makes “La Chappelle”? What AOP and climat is it located in?
Jaboulet; Hermitage; “the Chapel” is in L’Hermite but the wine is sourced from Méal, Bessards, Greffieux, Rocoules, and La Croix.
Name two appellations devoted to Vin doux Naturel wines in the Southern Rhone?
Rasteau AOP and Muscat Beaumes de Venise AOP
In 2011 Francois Pinault purchased Chateau Grillet. List 3 other major wine properties he owns as well.
Araujo - Napa, California, (recently purchased)
Chateau Latour - Bordeaux, France
Domaine Eugenie (Vosne-Romanee) - Burgundy, France
What department is Chateauneuf du Pape in?
Vaucluse
True or False: Muscat Beaumes de Venise can only be white?
False, can be red, white or pink.
What is the minimum potential and acquired alcohol for Muscat Beaumes de Venise?
21.5/15.5
Where is Chante-Alouette? Who owns it?
Plot within L’Hermite in Hermitage; owned by Chapoutier and planted to Marsanne
Besides Guigal, who makes a La Landonne bottling?
Rostaing, Delas, Jean-Michel Gerin
Where is Béarn AOP and what are the primary grapes/styles?
Pyrénées-Atlantiques; Blanc (Gros + Petit Manseng, plus Raffiat de Moncade), rosé, red (min. 50% Tannat, with Cab Franc, and Cab)
What appellation of the Languedoc does Rivesaltes extend into?
Fitou/Corbieres
Name 5 lieu-dits of Cote Rotie besides Cote Brune, Cote Blonde and Landonne.
Chavaroche, Cote Rozier, Rozier, Grandes-Places, La Vialliere, Maison Rouge
Name three Grand Cru estates of Provence? How many were there originally and how many now?
Originally 23, now 18:
Château Minuty (Gassin)
Château Sainte-Roseline (Les Arcs-sur-Argens)
Château de la Source Sainte-Marguerite (La Londe-les-Maures)
Domaine de la Clapière (Hyères)
Domaine de l’Aumérade (Hyères)
Clos Cibonne (Pradet)
Domaine de Rimaurescq (Pignans)
Domaine de Castel Roubine (Lorgues)
Château du Galoupet (La Londe-les-Maures)
Château de Saint-Martin (Taradeau)
Château de Saint-Maur (Cogolin)
Clos Mireille (La Londe-les-Maures, part of Domaine Ott)
Château de Selle (Taradeau, part of Domaine Ott)
Château de Brégançon (Bormes-les-Mimosas)
Domaine de Mauvanne (Salins d’Hyères)
Domaine de la Croix (la Croix-Valmer)
Domaine du Noyer (Bormes-les-Mimosas)
Domaine du Jas d’Esclans (la Motte)
What small Cote-Rotie producer has a nursery and grafts all of their own rootstocks?
Domaine Clusel-Roch has their own small nursery on site and graft all of their own rootstocks from a selection of their own Syrah plantings. These plantings are less productive than traditional Ampuis vines but give more complex aromas. [Clusel-Roch is a small 3.5 hectare property. They manually harvest, farm organically, and are fermented with indigenous yeasts]
In what vineyard is there a giant Jaboulet sign?
La Méal, Hermitage
What style of wine can be made in the Gaillac Premieres Cotes AOP?
Dry whites from 11 communes (primary grapes: Mauzac, Mauzac Rosé, Len de l’El, and Muscadelle)
What styles of wine are made in Vacqueyras AOP?
Dry white, red, and rose. Red has to be at least 50% Grenache (with at least one of either Syrah and Mourvedre).
What is the principal white varieties of Bandol?
50-95% Clairette, plus Ugni Blanc and Bourbelenc and max. 20% combined Marsanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Vermentino
What famous Cote Rotie producer has been described as the Swami of Syrah, Guru of Gradients, Angel of Ampuis? What other Cote Rotie Producer is related to this legend?
Marius Gentaz-Dervieux; Rene Rostaing is his nephew
Name three producers of Gigondas.
Domaine Les Pallieres, Famille Perrin, Domaine Raspail-Aÿ, Chat. De Saint Cosme, Paul Jaboulet Aîné
What AOP is Triennes located in?
Coteaux Varois en Provence AOP
What style of wine is made in Gigondas?
Dry red and rose, with at least 50% Grenache, and one of either Mourvedre or Syrah.
What styles of wine can be made in the Minervois AOP? What is the sub-zone of Minervois, and what styles of wine can be made there? When did it receive AOP status?
Minervois: red, white, and rosé. Minervois-La Liviniere: red only; 1999
What is the minimum alcohol for blanc/rose in Vacqueyras?
12%
What is a synonym for Tibouren?
Rossese de Dolceaqua
What style of wine is made in Clairette de Bellegarde AOP?
Dry white wine from 100% Clairette
What is the max. yields for Cornas?
40 hl/ha
What are the cepage and aging requirements for grenat Rivesaltes?
Aged reductively for 1 year and must be bottled before June 30 of the 2nd year following harvest. 100% Grenache.
What are styles of sparkling wine are produced in Gaillac? What are the requirements each must meet.
Vin Mousseux Blanc – methode traditionelle, Len de l’El, Mauzac, Mauzac Rosé, and Muscadelle, 9 months lees, max. 50 g/L RS
Vin Mousseux Blanc Doux – methode traditionelle, Len de l’El, Mauzac, Mauzac Rosé, and Muscadelle, 9 months lees, min. 50 g/L RS
Vin Mousseux Blanc methode gaillaçoise/methode ancestral – Mauzac and Mauzac Rosé, 2 months lees, single fermentation
What are the primary red grapes of Palette?
Min. 50% combined Grenache, Mourvedre, and Cinsault
Which AOP of S. Rhone was considered part of the Languedoc until 2004?
Costieres de Nimes
What may Rivesaltes VdN that is aged for at least five years be called?
Hors d’Age
What appellation is on the labels of Grange des Peres?
Vin de Pays de l’Herault (IGP Pays de l’Herault)
In what appellation does Clos Ste. Magdeleine make wine?
Cassis
What are the traditional names for the Northern Rhone and the Southern Rhone?
N – Rhone Septentrioal
S – Rhone Meridional
What are the white grapes of CdP?
Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Bourbelenc, Picpoul, Picardin, Clairette
Who makes Domaine de Thalabert? What appellation?
Jaboulet, on the Chassis of Crozes Hermitage (was Côtes du Rhône before the appellation was expanded)
What is Muscat de Nöel?
“Christmas wine” from the fortified Muscat appellations of France – VdN from Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains, must be bottled by December 1st of harvest year
How many sub-zones of the Languedoc AOP are there? Name three.
11; Cabrières, Grés de Montpellier, La Méjanelle, Montpeyroux, Pézenas, Quatourze, Saint-Christol, Saint-Drézéry, Saint-Georges-d’Orques, Saint-Saturnin, Sommières
What are the cepage requirements for Beaumes-de-Venise AOP & Vinsobres AOP?
Rouge only: Min. 50% Grenache.
Name the principal and supporting grapes in Bandol blanc and rouge.
Red: 50-95% Mourvedre, plus Cinsault and Grenache (neither Carignan or Syrah may exceed 10%).
White: 50-95% Clairette, plus Bourboulenc and Ugni Blanc (Marsanne, SB, Vermentino, and Semillon may not individually exceed 10%)
What is the appellation for vin doux naturel in Corsica?
Muscat du Cap Corse AOP
What two appellation of SW France can label their wines VT? What are the primary grapes used in each?
Gaillac; Len de l’El and Ondenc
Jurancon: Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng
Which “Côte” of Côte Rotie can each of the “La Las” be found in?
Mouline – within Côte Blonde
Turque - within Côte Brune
Landonne – north of both, on the Côte Brune side
Where is the vineyard Ste-Épine? Name a producer.
In St. Joseph (St. Jean de Muzols); Herve Souhaut
T or F: The common practice in the N. Rhone for the addition of white grapes is to vinify separately.
False; co-fermentation is usually employed.
Which appellations in Languedoc-Roussillon have ‘rancio’ designations for their wines.
Clairette du Languedoc Banyuls Banyuls Grand Cru Grand Roussillon Maury Rivesaltes
What are the two styles of sparkling wine allowed in the Clairette de Die AOP? What are the required grapes, RS, and lees time?
Blanc Mousseux/Methode Traditionelle – 100% Clairette, max. 15 g/L RS., 9 months lees.
Methode Dioise Ancestrale - min. 75% Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains (plus Clairette), min. 35 g/L RS., 4 months lees
What is the primary soil type of Hermitage?
granite with topsoils of mica, schist and gneiss
What are the cepage and aging requirements for Bandol Rouge?
50-95% Mourvedre, blended with Grenache and Cinsault primarily (Carignan and Syrah are allowed, but neither can exceed 10%). 18 months in oak, may not be released before May 1 of the 2nd year following harvest.
When was AOP Picpoul de Pinet established?
2013
What is the department of Hermitage & Crozes-Hermitage?
Drôme
Name three producers of Côtes du Roussillon Villages.
Domaine Gauby, Roc des Anges, Domaine de Bila-Haut (M. Chapoutier)
In what appellations of the Northern Rhone is manual harvesting required?
Condrieu, Chateau Grillet, Hermitage, Cote Rotie, Cremant de Die
What are the best soil types for Marsanne in the Rhône Valley?
Clay/chalk and loess with a granite base
What is the minimum potential alcohol for Rasteau VdN? Acquired?
21.5%/15%
In what year was Costieres de Nimes transferred to the Rhone department?
2004
What styles of wine can be made in the Banyuls AOP?
VdN Blanc, VdN Ambre, VdN Traditionnel (Rouge), VdN Rimage (Vintage-dated Rouge), VdN Rosé, VdN Hors d’Age
What styles of wine are made in the Clairette de Languedoc AOP? What AOPs does it touch?
Blanc: 100% Clairette Blanc
Blanc “Rancio”
Vin de Liqueur Blanc
Languedoc AOP, Languedoc AOP Montpeyroux, Languedoc AOP Saint Saturnin, Terrasses du Larzac
What is serine and what are its characteristics?
The heritage vine of Syrah in Côte Rôtie. Smaller berries; coulure, oidium and Downey mildew are all issues.
What are the principal soil types of Cote Rotie?
Côte Blonde (south): gneiss, granite, and limestone (most of the Viognier of Cote Rotie is planted here)
Côte Brune (north): mica-schistous rock
Where is the Pécharmant AOP? What style of wine is produced there?
Bergerac; blended reds (longest lived reds of Bergerac) from Cab, Cab Franc, Merlot, and Cot
Do the appellation boundaries for Beaumes de Venise and Muscat Beaumes de Venise exactly overlap?
No, Muscat Beaumes de Venise is from the southern portion of Beaumes de Venise.
What appellation lies directly south of Luberon? What river separates the two?
Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence; Durance
What is the minimum alcohol of Crozes-Hermitage?
10.5%
In what appellation of the Languedoc are still whites required to be fermented in oak?
Limoux
Where is Pierrevert AOP and what styles of wine are made there?
In the Southern Rhone (Alpes-du-Haute-Provence department). Dry whites, reds, and roses. Whites based on Grenache Blanc and Vermentino, reds and roses on Grenache.
What are the subzones of Vin de Corse AOP?
Figari, Porto-Vecchio, Coteaux du Cap Corse, Sartène, Calvi
What is the minimum RS for Muscat de Lunel and Muscat de Mireval AOP?
110 g/L
What are the three single vineyard wines of Tempier?
La Migoua, La Tourtine, Cabassaou
What is the minimum residual sugar for Muscat Beaumes de Venise?
100 g/L (110 g/L prior to 2011)
What white grape(s) may be added to Syrah in St-Joseph and in what percentages?
Up to 10% Marsanne/Roussanne may be added.
What styles of wine can be produced in Banyuls Grand Cru AOP?
VdN Rouge, VdN Rancio, VdN Hors d’Age
What are the two non-contiguous sectors of Fitou AOP? What larger AOP do they lie within?
Fitou Maritime & Fitou Montagneux; Corbieres
What is Égrappage?
Destemming
Why is racking so common in Cornas?
To fight reduction; Thierry Allemand doesn’t rack because he believes that using low/no sulfur will sufficiently combat reduction.
What recently changed with the yield requirements for Condrieu and when?
Was changed from 37 hl/ha in 2011 to 41 hl/ha
What is the mistral wind, and what regions does it affect?
A cold, dry wind - a defining climactic element in the Southern Rhone & Provence. Affects Northern Rhone in the winter & spring, drying vineyards, preventing mold and mildew.
What if any harvesting methods are mandated in Condrieu?
Hand harvesting is required; harvesting in tries is required for wines with greater than 45 g/L RS
In what year did the papacy move to Avignon?
1308
What are the lowest rendement de base in France?
Hermitage Vin de Paille, 15 hl/ha
What are the red grapes of CdP?
Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvedre, Counoise, Picpoul Noir, Terret Noir, Muscardin, Vacaresse
What appellations lie within Costieres de Nimes?
Clairette de Bellegarde and Duché d’Uzès
The Adour River is most influential to what appellations?
Madiran and Pacherenc-du-Vic-Bilh
What is the minimum alcohol for St-Joseph?
10.5%
How many communes may append their name to the Cotes du Rhone Villages AOP?
20
What is the generic appellation for Corsican wine?
Vin de Corse AOP
What river does Cahors fall on?
Lot River
What are the worst vintages of the 90s for Northern Rhône Syrah?
1992 and 1993
What AOP does unfortified red, white, and rosé made in Banyuls fall under?
Collioure AOP
Name three regions of France where the terms ambre, tuile, blanc, and grenat used?
Rasteau, Rivesaltes, and Maury (Banyuls uses Ambre and Blanc, but not Grenat and Tuilé)
What is the furthest east appellation of Provence?
Bellet
What is the principal red variety of Montravel? White? What department?
Rouge (no rose permitted): Merlot
Blanc: SB, SG, Muscadelle and Semillon
Department: Dordogne
Who makes La Doriane? What appellation?
E. Guigal, Condrieu
What grapes are used in the St-Peray AOP? What styles of wine may be made?
Marsanne & Roussanne; still, dry white or methode traditionelle mousseux
Is hand harvesting required in CdP?
Yep.
Place the following events in chronological order (from oldest to most recent):
Marius Gentaz-Dervieux dies
Yves Cuilleron is born
Cote-Rotie AOC is established
Joseph Jamet retires and passes winemaking duties to his sons Jean-Luc & Jean-Paul
Yves Gangloff establishes his Domaine
Cote Rotie AOC established - 1940 Yves Cuilleron is born - 1961 Joseph Jamet retires - Mid 1980s Yves Gangloff establishes domaine - 1987 Marius Gentaz-Dervieux dies - 2011
What two geographic features most influence the soil of Hermitage?
The granite of the Massif Central and the glacial deposits of the alps
Who makes “Emporium”?
Dom. Faury; it comes exclusively from the lieu dit Fourvier
What are the principal white and red grapes of Bergerac AOP and Cotes de Bergerac AOP?
White: SB, Sauv Gris, Semillon and Muscadelle (min 50% combined)
Red/Rose (no rose in CdB): Cab, Cab Franc, Cot, Merlot (min. 50% combined)
What is the maximum RS for dry reds of the Northern Rhone? Southern Rhone?
N – 3 g/L unless potential alcohol is over 13.5%, then 4 g/L
S – 3 g/L unless potential alcohol is over 14%, then 4 g/L
What is the principal grape of Blanquette de Limoux?
Min. 90% Mauzac, plus Chenin and Chardonnay
What are the RS requirements for Cotes de Bergerac?
Blanc – 4-54 g/L
Rouge - max 3 g/L
What is the minimum alcohol for Bandol AOP?
Blanc/rose: 11.5%
Rouge: 12%
Is chaptalization allowed in Condrieu?
Yes, but prohibited for wines greater than 45 g/L RS
Name three viticultural benefits the gallets of CDP can provide.
They control temperature, heating the vines at night; they control evaporation, retaining moisture; and they provide good drainage
Name three appellations of the Languedoc that were formerly subzones of the Languedoc AOP.
Terrazes du Larzac, Picpoul de Penet, Pic-Saint-Loup, La Clape
What river marks the southern boundary of Crozes Hermitage?
Isère
Name five climats of Hermitage.
Beaume, Péléat, L’Hermite, Le Méal, Les Bessards, Gréffieux
What are the major white and red grapes of Les Baux de Provence? What estate is famously located here?
Red and rose: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault. White: Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Vermentino, and Roussanne. Domaine de Trevallon is based here. The AOP has a maximum of 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, Trevallon’s wines exceed that, and are released as IGP.
Name two lieu-dits bottled by Thierry Allemand?
Reynard, Chaillot
What are the elevage requirements for Banyuls?
“Blanc” and “Rimage”: Wines may not be released until May 1 of the year following the harvest
“Ambré” and “Traditionnel”: Wines may not be released until March 1 of the third year following the harvest
“Hors d’Age”: Wines may not be released until September 1 of the fifth year following the harvest
What river does the Coteaux de Die AOP lie along?
The Drome River, a tributary of the Rhone
Where is Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh and what styles of wine/grapes are made there?
SW France (shares appellation boundaries with Madiran) ; whites (blanc or blanc sec) using Petit Manseng, Gros Manseng, Petit Courbu, Courbu.
Blanc – min. 45 g/L RS
Blanc sec – max. 4 g/L RS
Name five lieu-dits of Cornas.
Les Reynards, La Cote, Les Chaillot, Les Mazards, La Geynale
What is the name of the monopole appellation in Condrieu?
Chateau Grillet
What is the minimum alcohol for Hermitage?
Blanc: 11%
Rouge: 10.5%
Vin de Paille: 19.5% (12.5% acquired)
What department is Gigondas in?
Vaucluse
Which 5 producers account for 80% of acreage in Hermitage?
Delas, Chave, Chapoutier, Jaboulet, Cave de Tain l’Hermitage
What three AOPs have Clairette in the name?
Clairette du Languedoc, Clairette de Bellegarde, and Clairette de Die
What are the principal white/red grapes for Gaillac Blanc, Rouge Primeur, and Rouge/Rose AOP.
Blanc: Len de l’El, Mauzac, Mauzac Rosé, and Muscadelle
Rouge/Rose: Duras, Fer, and Syrah
Rouge Primeur: Gamay
What is the ancestral name for Petit Sirah in the Rhone Valley?
Durif
Which of Guigal’s “La La’s” has the highest percentage of Viognier?
La Mouline, with 11%
Name three appellations that touch the Mediterranean Sea in Provence?
Côtes de Provence, Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, Cassis, Bandol
What vineyard does Belle Helene come from?
Côte Rozier
What is the name used to describe the Mistral Wind in the Northern Rhone? In what direction does it blow?
La Bise; from the north to the south
What are the two primary and four supporting grapes of Jurançon?
Gros & Petit Manseng (min. combined 50%); Lauzet, Courbu, Petit Courbu, Camaralet de Lasseube
Where is Gaillac AOP?
SW France – Tarn department
What grapes/styles of wine are allowed in the Chatillon-en-Diois AOP? Where is it?
Gamay based reds (75%, can be blended with Pinot Noir and Syrah), whites from Aligote & Chard; Drôme department of the Northern Rhône
What four appellations lie on the Drôme tributary of the Rhone?
Coteaux de Die, Cremant de Die, Clairette de Die, Chatillon-en-Diois
What are the principal varieties for Palette blanc?
Min. 55% combined Picardin (Araignan), Clairette, Bourboulenc, and Clairette Rosé
What styles of wine are made in Rasteau AOP?
Rouge sec, VdN Blanc, VdN Ambré, VdN Grenat, VdN Tuilé, VdN rosé, VdN Hors d’Age, VdN Rancio
Name three appellations in the Aude department.
Minervois, Minervois La Liviniere, Cabardès, Corbieres, Corbieres Boutenac, Fitou, Limoux, Malepère
What are the four communes of Côtes de Rousillon-Villages AOP that may append their name to the appellation? Which two require Carignan to be vinified carbonically?
Latour-de-France, Caramany, Lesquerde, Tautavel; Caramany & Lesquerde
Compare modern vs. traditional methods of vinification in Cornas.
Modern — destemming, new oak
Traditional — whole bunch, large format oak
(Thierry Allemand in a category of his own with no sulfur and carbonic maceration)
Who makes Hermitage Ex-Voto? What style of wine is it?
Guigal; makes both a blanc and a rouge
What are the communes of production for Hermitage?
Tain-l’Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Larnage
In what Northern Rhone appellation can vin de paille be made?
Hermitage
What department is Irouleguy AOP in? What styles of wine are made with what grapes? What is the soil type?
Pyrénées-Atlantique. All sec wines. Blanc: Courbu, Petit Courbu, Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng. Rouge + rosé: Min. combined 50% Tannat and Cab Franc, Cab. Sauv. allowed too. Sandstone and Jurassic limestone
What are the assemblage requirements for Ajaccio blanc and rouge/rose?
At least 80% Vermentino – blanc
At least 40% Sciaccarello – rouge
How much Grenache is required in CdR Villages rouge?
50%
What are the cepage requirements for Banyuls Traditionnel AOP? Banyuls Rimmage?
At least 50% Grenache for Traditionnel; min. 90% for Rimmage
What are the 13 grapes of Chateauneuf du Pape?
Grenache (Noir/Blanc/Gris), Mourvedre, Syrah, Cinsault, Counoise, Picpoul (Blanc/Noir/Gris), Terret Noir, Bourboulenc, Clairette/Clairette rosé, Roussanne, Vaccarese (Brun Argenté), Picardan, Muscardin
What are the assemblage requirements for Cotes du Rhone rouge?
Must be a majority Grenache, with at least one complementary variety (Syrah or Mourvedre). Vineyards north of Montélimar are excused from these requirements.
What are the two sub-zones of St. Chinian and what styles of wine are allowed there? What other additional requirements are put on the sub-zones?
Berlou & Roquebrun, red wines only; they must be manually harvested; they cannot be released until 12/1 of the year after harvest; Berlou must be destemmed
What are the cepage/aging requirments for Banyuls Grand Cru?
At least 75% Grenache, 30 months in barrel, not to be released until Sept. 1 of 3 years following harvest
What is the barrel treatment for Guigal’s “La La’s”?
42 months in 100% new French oak
Can VdN Blanc be produced in Banyuls Grand Cru?
No, it is an appellation for VdN Rouge only.
Where is Dom. de Trevallon located? What appellation does it bottle its wines under?
Domaine Trevallon is located in Les Baux de Provence, about a half an hour drive south of Avignon. The wines were bottled as:
- 1977-1985: Coteaux des Baux en Provence VDQS
- 1986-1993: Coteaux d’Aix en Provence “Les Baux” AOP
- 1994-2008: Vins de Pays de Bouches de Rhône
- 2009+: IGP Alpilles.
The red is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The white is a blend of Marsanne, Roussanne, with a little Chardonnay.
What are the main soil types of Corsica?
Schist in the north, limestone/clay in Patrimonio, granite in the west (Ajaccio), and marly sand in the east
What department are Bergerac and Cotes de Bergerac in?
Dordogne
What four communes are shared by Condrieu and St. Joseph?
Chavanay, Malleval, St-Pierre-de-Boeuf, Limony
What are the five appellations for Syrah in the Northern Rhone?
Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Cornas, Cote Rotie, and St-Joseph
What is the maximum RS for Chateau Grillet?
4 g/L
What are the assemblage/encepagement requirements for Patrimonio AOP? Where is it in Corsica?
On the north side of the island, shares partial boundaries with Muscat du Cap Corse.
Blanc – 100% Vermentino
Rose – Min. 75% Nielluccio
Rouge – Min. 90% Nielluccio
In what appellation must producers declassify or discard at least 2% of harvested grapes?
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
What are the harvesting requirements for Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh?
All wines not labeled “sec” must be harvested in tries and by hand
What appellation is Mas de Daumas Gassac currently released under?
St. Guilhem-le-Désert IGP
What are the RS requirements for Montravel AOP?
Both blanc and rouge have a max. RS of 3 g/L
What is the maximum RS for Bergerac AOP?
Blanc/rouge: 3 g/L
Rose: 10 g/L
Until 1987, what size bottle was Chateau Grillet bottled in?
700 cl.
What departments does the Languedoc AOP span?
Aude, Gard, Hérault, Pyrénées-Orientales
Who produces Coteau de Vernon?
Georges Vernay, Condrieu
What river marks the southern border of Côtes du Roussillon Villages?
La Têt
Name four Southern Rhone appellations that were formerly Cotes-du-Rhone Villages communes?
Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaumes-de-Venise, Vinsobres
What are the principal grape varieties of Banyuls Blanc and Ambre?
Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Tourbat (Malvoisie du Roussillon), Macabeu
From what years did Jean-Paul and Jean-Luc run the Jamet estate?
1991-2013; they split in 2013 and now Jean-Paul owns the domaine with wife Corrine and son Loic
What is Raffiat de Moncade and where is it found?
Raffiat de Moncade is an indigenous grape to SW France; required in white wines of the Bearn AOP with a min. of 50%
What does “Hors d’Age” indicate on a bottle of Rasteau?
Aged at least 5 years prior to release. (may not be released until September 1 of the fifth year after harvest)
In what general region are 90% of France’s fortified wines made?
Roussillon
J L Chave makes a white wine from Marsanne and Roussanne from Hermitage. From which lieux-dit does most of the Marsanne come from?
Most of the Marsanne comes form the Peleat lieux-dit within Hermitage which is a monopole of Chave. The vines are almost a century old.
What is arzelle?
Powdery, decomposed mica found in the topsoil of Cote Rotie, Condrieu and Hermitage.
Where are the climats Le Méal, Les Bessards, Gréffieux, and Beaume-Péléat found?
Hermitage
Where is Maury AOP and what is produced there?
Rousillon; mainly VdN from Grenache Blanc/Noir/Gris. As of 2011, Maury can be dry, unfortified wine, but only red.
What are the assemblage requirements of Bearn AOP?
White: Min. 50% Raffiat de Moncade
Red/Rose: Min. 50% Tannat
What are the assemblage requirements of Madiran? What are the supporting grapes?
Min. 50% Tannat, with Cab Franc, Cab, Fer
Where does Chateau Tirecul-la-Graviere make wine?
Monbazillac
What are the dominant grapes for Cotes du Vivarais? Where is it?
Blanc – Grenache Blanc
Rose – Grenache
Rouge – Syrah
It lies across the Rhone from Grignan-les-Adehmar in the northern part of the Southern Rhone.
Name the 7 AOPs of the Dordogne. Which are below the river, and which above?
Above: Montravel, Cotes de Montravel, Haut Montravel, Rosette, Pecharmant
Below: Saussignac, Monbazillac
What département is Rosette AOP located within? What style of wine is made there?
Dordogne; sweet white wine (25-51 g/L) based on SB, SG, Semillon and Muscadelle
What is Hermitage the only appellation on the east bank of the Rhône to have the same granite outcroppings as the west?
Thousands of years ago, the Rhône flowed on the other side of the hill.
What is the only assemblage requirement for Tavel?
Grenache Noir must be present in the blend.
Who are the three largest growers in Condrieu?
Georges Vernay, Guigal, and Cuilleron
What is the soil type of Faugeres?
Schist
What was the last vintage of Noel Verset?
2000
Name five wines made by Auguste Clape.
Cornas Cornas Renaissance Côtes du Rhône Vin des Amis - Vin de France St. Peray
What is the only appellation outside of Bordeaux to publish a ranking of grand cru classe estates? In what year was this established?
Cotes de Provence AOP; 1955
What is the department of St. Joseph?
Mainly Ardeche, except for Loire communes shared with Condrieu in the north
What styles of wine can be made in Hermitage?
Blanc: Marsanne and/or Roussanne
Rouge: Syrah plus a max. 15% combined Marsanne and Roussanne
Vin de Paille (Blanc): Marsanne and/or Roussanne
What style of wine is made in Beaumes-de-Venise AOP? When did it become an AOP?
2005; dry red wine from predominately Grenache and Syrah.
Who is often referred to as the “Pope of Condrieu”?
Georges Vernay
What is gress and where is it found?
The local name for the alluvial rounded pebbles that make up the soil in Costieres de Nimes.
What appellation of the Dordogne can be labeled SGN?
Monbazillac
What AOP rises up above the town of Ampius?
Côte Rôtie
What styles of wine can be made under the Cotes de Provence AOP?
White, red, and pink.
What does “Rimmage” on a bottle of Banyuls mean?
Vintage dated, generally bottled within a year
What is the main soil type of Chateau Grillet?
Granitic sand
In what region did Jean-Louis Grippat and Raymond Trollat famously make wine? What were their last vintages, respectively?
St. Joseph; 2000 (Grippat) and 2005 (Trollat)
What is the highest min. potential alcohol required for a French AOP (for dry, unfortified wine)? Which appellations require it?
12.5% - CdP, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaumes-de-Venise, and Vinsobres
What producers only two wines are Cuvée des Coteaux and La Geynale?
Robert Michel
What are the three sweet wines of Gaillac?
Gaillac Doux (blanc) -- min. 45 g/L Gaillac VT (blanc) -- min. 100 g/L Gaillac Vin Mousseux Doux -- min. 50 g/L
What styles of wine can be produced in the Corbieres AOP?
Dry red, white, and rosé
Is chaptalization allowed for Rasteau AOP?
Not for VdN
What is the only communal appellation in France to be devoted to rose?
Tavel
What are the maximum yields for Cote Rotie?
40 hl/ha
What is the primary soil type of Bandol?
Limestone, Sandy Marl, Sandstone
What is the minimum alcohol of Chateau Grillet?
11.5%
What are the conditions for rosés bottled under the Cotes de Provence AOP?
Min. 20% saignee juice and a blend of at least two grape varieties.
What are the differences between Blanquette de Limoux, Cremant de Limoux, and Limoux Methode Ancestrale? Which fall inside the Limoux AOP, and which have their own?
Blanquette de Limoux: methode traditionelle sparkling wine with at least 90% Mauzac (9 mos lees)
Cremant de Limoux: Max. 20% Mauzac & Pinot Noir, in favor of more Chard & Chenin (9 mos lees, 12 mos total from date of tirage). Can be both blanc and rosé.
Limoux Methode Ancestrale: 100% Mauzac. Single fermentation that arrests in the winter and resumes in the spring (2 mos. lees)
Cremant de Limoux is its own AOP, the others fall within the Limoux AOP.
Approximately how many hectares is Condrieu?
Just under 200 ha.
What river does Grange des Peres lie on?
Hérault
What are the red wine only appellations of the Southern Rhone?
Vinsobres and Beaume de Venise
What’s the name of the stream that separates Cote Brune from Cote Blonde?
Reynard
What is the primary grape of Marcillac AOP?
Fer (min. 80%). Only pink and red wines made.
Languedoc AOP was formerly known as what?
Coteaux du Languedoc AOP
What is the only appellation of France that requires a focus on Mourvedre?
Bandol
What harvesting methods are mandated by Gaillac AOP?
Rouge Primeur and Vin Mousseux Méthode Ancestrale grapes must be hand-harvested. For VT wines, botrytis- or passerillage-affected grapes are hand-harvested in successive tries.
What is widely considered to be the greatest northern Rhône Syrah ever made?
1961 Jaboulet La Chapelle
What is the min/max alcohol for Floc de Gascogne?
16-18%
What is the maximum RS for Condrieu?
There is none!
What are the harvesting requirements for Jurancon?
Manual harvesting is mandatory for all wines, and grapes must be harvested in successive tries (except for Blanc Sec). Grapes for VT wines may not be harvested earlier than November 2.
Which communes are eligible for Rasteau AOP VdN?
Rasteau, Cairrane & Sablet
Who was the producer of Chateau Grillet pre-2011? Who is now?
Neyret-Gachet (sold to François Pinault/Artemis in 2011)
What is the minimum RS for Muscat de Frontignan AOP?
Muscat de Frontignan is allowed to produce both VdN and VdL. VdN is 110 g/L and VdL is 185 g/L
What styles of wine can be made in Limoux AOP?
- blanc sec
- rouge sec
- vin moesseux ancestral
- vin moesseux blanquette de Limoux
What are the major soil types of CdP?
Clay (argillaceous)
Sand (siliceous)
Limestone (calcareous)
Marl (molasse)
What is the minimum alcohol for Cornas?
10.5%
What river splits of from the Rhone at Avignon and cradles the bottom of Cotes du Luberon?
Durance
Who makes Chevalier de Stérimberg? What is the appellation and grapes?
Jaboulet’s Hermitage Blanc; 65% Marsanne (low for Hermitage) and 35% Roussanne
Name the producer for the following wines. "Cuvee Barbarini" "Da Capo" "Mon Aieul" "Renaissance"
“Cuvee Barbarini” - Domaine de la Solitude
“Da Capo” - Domaine de Pegau
“Mon Aieul” - Domaine Pierre Usseglio
“Renaissance” - Domaine de Cristia
Gros Manseng & Petite Manseng: which is better suited for dry wines, and which for sweet, passerillage wines?
Gros (dry), Petite (sweet)
What is bonbonnes and where is it used?
A glass vessel for aging Rivesaltes oxidatively.
What is the largest appellation of the Southern Rhone?
Cotes-du-Rhone AOP
What is the principal white grape of Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence?
Vermentino – at least 50%
What is the minimum alcohol for Cotes de Provence?
Côtes de Provence Blanc/Rosé/Rouge: 11%
Côtes de Provence with Subzone Designation Rosé: 11.5%
Côtes de Provence with Subzone Desgination Rouge: 12%
Who produces La Belle Helene?
Michel and Stephane Ogier began producing wine in 1987, they previously sold their fruit to Guigal. They began producing Cuvee la Belle Helene in 1995. Cuvee la Belle Helene is a cask selection of Cote Rotie aged in 100% new oak for 30 monthes. They only produce about 150 cases per year.
What is the northernmost AOP of the Southern Rhone? What was it formerly known as?
Grignan-les-Adhemar; Cotes du Tricastin
Les Aspres is a sub-zone of the ___________ AOP for __________ , ___________ & ___________ based wines.
Cotes de Roussillon AOP; Syrah, Grenache & Mourvedre
Approximately how many acres does Chateauneuf du Pape cover?
3000 hectares.
When was the AOP St Joseph extended? Give the name of the original communes
1969, from 6 communes to 26 communes (AOC created in 1956)
the 6 original = Mauves, Tournon, St Jean de Muzols, Lemps, Vion, Glun
Which of the following produces dry wines: Haut-Montravel AOP, Montravel AOP, Cotes de Montravel AOP
Montravel AOP (can be red or white)
What style of wine may be made in Lirac AOP, and what are the main grapes?
Red, white, and pink; red and pink, mainly Grenache. White, Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc
Name five single vineyard sites of Chateauneuf du Pape.
Montredon, Le Pied Long, Les Bousquets, Pignan, Bois de Boursan, La Crau, Mont Pertuis, Solitude, La Nerthe, Le Cristia, Le Rayas, Coudoulet, Chapouin
What are Alain Brumont’s two properties in Madiran?
Chateau Montus and Chateau Boucassé
What styles of wine are made in Muscat du Cap Corse and what are the RS requirements?
VdN from Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains; 90 g/L RS
Connect the family to their CDP estate:
- Féraud
- Reynaud
- Perrin
- Brunel
- Brunier
- Féraud: Domaine du Pegau
- Reynaud: Chateau Rayas
- Perrin: Chateau de Beaucastel
- Brunel: Domaine les Cailloux
- Brunier: Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe
What is Grand Roussillon?
An AOP for VdN wines in Roussillon (Blanc, Rose, Rouge, Rancio).
Where exactly is Ajaccio located?
On the western coast of Corsica
What AOP lies opposite Chateauneuf-du-Pape, on the western shore of the Rhone?
Lirac
What is Fronton? What is the principal grape?
Fronton is an AOP in SW France, min. 50% Negrette.
How long must Hermitage Vin de Paille be dried for? What is the minimum must weight after drying?
45 days; 350 g/l
Name the top vintages for each decade of Cote Rotie: 1980s, 1990s, 2000s
2000’s – 2009, 2007, 2003
1999’s – 1999, 1998, 1997, 1995, 1991, 1990
1980’s – 1989 1988 1985
What vintages from 2000-2010 was La Chapelle not made?
2008
What styles of wine are made in the Floc de Gascogne AOP and what are the primary grapes?
VdL blanc and rose; Colombard, Ugni Blanc, Gros Manseng; Cab, Cab Franc, Merlot, Cot, Tannat
In what region is Chateau du Rozay a historic producer?
Condrieu
What vintages appeal to Cornas over Hermitage/Côte Rôtie?
Cornas does better in rainy cool vintages than the others do.
What appellation occupies a large swath of the Rhone Valley to the east of Beaumes de Venise, Gigondas, and Vacqueyras?
Ventoux AOP
What is the cepage of Beaucastel known for?
Mourvedre based; using all 13 CdP grapes
What is the plain of Crozes Hermitage referred to as?
Les Chassis
What is the name of Rene Rostaing’s estate in the Languedoc?
Domaine de Puech-Chaud
Only one appellation in Languedoc requires for Mediterranean and Bordeaux-style varieties to be combined. Which is this appellation and what are the styles and encepagement requirements? What AOP is adjacent to it?
Cabardès AOP : Min 40% combined CF, CS and Merlot + Min 40% combined Grenache and Syrah
Cot, Cinsault and Fer are allowed as well. Red and Rose only appellation. Just west of Minervois.
What are the original three communes of production for Condrieu (1940)? What communes were added and in what year?
Condrieu, Vérin, and Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône; Limony, Chavanay, Malleval, and Saint-Pierre-de-Boeuf were added in 1967
Name the four fortified wine appellations of the Languedoc? Name them from east to west!! Which is permitted to produce VdL?
Muscat de Lunel, Muscat de Mireval, Muscat de Frontignan, Muscat de St-Jean-de-Minervois. All are VdN only except Muscat de Frontignan, which can produce VdL.
What is the cepage of Chateau Rayas?
100% Grenache
Who makes the following:
- Cuvée Chaupin
- Cuvée des Cadettes
- Cuvée Centenarie
- Deus ex Machina
- Reserve des Celestins
- Cuvée Chaupin - Janasse, 100% Grenache from Chapouin
- Cuvée des Cadettes - Chateau La Nerthe (lots of new oak!)
- Cuvée Centenarie - Domaine Le Callioux (old vine)
- Deus ex Machina - Clos Saint Jean (40% barrique-aged Mourvedre)
- Reserve des Celestins - Henri Bonneau
What styles of wine are made in the Cremant de Limoux AOP?
Vin Mousseux Blanc, Vin Mousseux Rosé
What was the first AOP in France and in what year?
Chateauneuf du Pape, 1936
What is the minimum alcohol for CdR vs. CdR Villages?
CdR – 11%
CdR Villages – 12%
CdR Villages w/ subzone – 12.5%
What is Cuvee Cathelin and in what years was it made?
1990, 1991, 1995, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2009. Jean Louis Chave makes it. its 100% Syrah from Hermitage. Contains the same wines as the main cuvée, but blended differently. Not all the best vintages, necessarily.
Where would you find wines labeled “Brézème” and who is the most prominent producer?
Cotes du Rhone, Eric Texier. Not a legal appellation. Varietal Syrah and Roussanne.
Who makes Hommmage á Jacques Perrin? What was its first vintage? Which vintage of the 2000s was skipped? How does it differ from the producer’s classic bottling?
Chateau de Beaucastel. The inaugural vintage was 1989, while none was made in 2002. Only made in exceptional years and names after the father of the two brothers who run the estate, Hommage á Jacques Perrin is produced from the ripest berries, primarily old vine Mourvèdre. In contrast to Beaucastel’s classic old oak foudre aging regimen, it undergoes several months in new barriques.
What styles of wine are made in Grignan-les-Adhémar AOP?
Dry white, red, and rose from Southern Rhone varietals.
What is the minimum RS for Maury VdN?
45 g/L
Who makes Cuvée de l’Orée?
M. Chapoutier, high-elevation, old-vine Marsanne Hermitage Blanc
What was VdP standardized to in the EU in 2009? How many of these zones are there?
IGP; There are 74 IGP zones: large regional ones covering many departments, departmental ones, and zonal ones, covering an area smaller than an department.
What makes the Methode Dioise Ancestrale method of sparkling production different?
Only one fermentation: wine is bottled w/o dosage before fermentation has concluded, wines are disgorged into pressurized tanks and rebottled without liqueur d’expedition.
What styles of wine are made in Vacqueyras and what are the cepage requirements?
Mainly red wine, but white and pink are allowed. Red and pink, at least 50% grenache.
What is the minimum alcohol for Cote Rotie?
10.5%
What department is Jurançon in? What styles of wine are made there?
Pyrénées-Atlantiques; blanc sec (dry, max 4 g/L), blanc (sweet, min. 40 g/L), VT (sweet, min 55 g/L)
Who is Gentaz-Derviaux? When did he last make wine? Who is working his land now?
One of the greatest producers of Cote Rotie (a Cote Brune bottling) in the classic style ever. He only had about 1.6 ha so his production was incredibly small, meaning that since he stop producing after the 1993 vintage, the already miniscule number of bottles on this earth are becoming increasingly more rare. His nephew-in-law Renee Rostaing now farms his land, which he replanted.
What is the smallest red wine appellation in the N. Rhone (by acreage)? What by production?
Cornas; Hermitage
What is the purpose of la râpé?
Safeguard against under-ripeness.
Which appellations of the Northern Rhone may produce only reds? Which red and white? Which only white?
Only Red – Cornas & Cote Rotie
White & Red – St. Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage
Only White - St. Peray, Condrieu & Chateau Grillet
Under what conditions may dry, unfortified wine be released as Rasteau AOP? Since when?
As of 2010, only from the commune of Rasteau itself.
What styles of wine are made in Lirac?
Dry red, rose, and white.
Where would you find the single vineyard Les Olivieres? Name a producer.
St. Joseph (Mauves); Gonon
Why are white grapes unsuccessful in Cornas?
Quite warm (ripens more than a week ahead of Hermitage); the exposed granite is also difficult for white grapes, which enjoy a looser and deeper top soil
What appellation in the Northern Rhone is required to be 100% Syrah?
Cornas
What are the “gris” grapes allowed in CdP?
Grenache Gris, Picpoul Gris, Clairette rose
What is a synonym for Vermentino in Corsica?
Malvoisie de Corse
North to South: Rasteau, Vinsobres, Beaumes de Venise, Vacqueyras, Gigondas
Vinsobres Rasteau Gigondas Vacqueyras Beaumes de Venise
Where is Malepère AOP and what styles of wine can be produced? What are the cepage requirements?
Languedoc; red and rosé only; red - min. 50% Merlot; rosé - min. 50% Cab Franc
What do “en ligne” and “au carre” respond to, and in what region are they used?
“In line” and “Of square” – different planting methods in CdP. Different planting density requirements for each.
What styles of wine are made in Ajaccio AOP?
Dry white, red, and rose from primarily Vermentino (blanc) and Sciaccarello (rouge/rose)
Who makes Bécasses and La Mordorée? What appellation?
M. Chapoutier’s Côte Rôties
What producer is most associated with the vineyard Coteau de Chéry?
André Perret
What are the mutage requirements for Rasteau VdN and Muscat Beaumes-de-Venise?
Min. 96° neutral alcohol in 5-10% proportion to wine
