Somm1 - Rhone Valley

Question 1

Define Beaumes-de-Venise AOC.

Answer 1

• Red wines.

- Grenache and Syrah.

Question 2

Define Château-Grillet AOC.

Answer 2

White wines from Viognier from a small-single estate.

Question 3

Define Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC.

Answer 3

• AOC for reds & whites
• 18 grapes authorized
• min. 12.5% potential alcohol content

Question 4

Define Condrieu AOC.

Answer 4

White wines from Viognier.

Question 5

Define Cornas AOC.

Answer 5

100% Syrah.

Question 6

Define Crozes-Hermitage AOC.

Answer 6

-Red wine from Syrah.
Up to 15% max white:
Roussane/Marsanne.

-White: Roussanne/Marsanne.

Question 7

Define Côte-Rôtie AOC.

Answer 7

Red wines from Syrah with up to 20% Viognier allowed.

Question 8

Define Côtes de Rhône Villages AOC.

Answer 8

• 17 villages with elevated status

- Red wines Grenache predominant

Question 9

Define Côtes-de-Rhône AOC.

Answer 9

• Base Rhône Appellation.

- 95% in the Southern Rhône.

Question 10

Define Gigondas AOC.

Answer 10

Red wines; 50% Grenache minimum.

Question 11

Define Hermitage AOC.

Answer 11

-Red wines from Syrah.
Up to 15% max white from:
Marsanne/Roussanne

-White: Marsanne/Roussanne

Question 12

Define Lirac AOC.

Answer 12

• Red, white, and Roses.

- Grenache predominates.

Question 13

Define Rasteau AOC.

Answer 13

• Red wines and Vin Doux Naturel (VDN).

- Grenache Noir, Blanc, Gris.

Question 14

Define St. Joseph AOC.

Answer 14

• Red wines from minimum 90% Syrah.

- White wines from maximum 10% Roussanne and/or Marsanne.

Question 15

Define St. Peray AOC.

Answer 15

Still & Sparkling wines from:

Marsanne/Roussanne

Question 16

Define Tavel AOC

Answer 16

• Red wines.

- minimum 50% Grenache.

Question 17

Define Vacqueyras AOC.

Answer 17

Red Blends from Grenache with Syrah, and Mourvèdre.

Question 18

Define Vin Sobres AOC.

Answer 18

• Red wines.

- Minimum 50% Grenache.

Question 19

The Northern Rhône is characterized by what type of climate?

Answer 19

Continental; Le Mistral winds play an important factor.

Question 20

The Northern Rhône is characterized by what type of soil?

Answer 20

Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Hermitage: steep slopes/granite soils.

St. Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage: Heavier, clay-oriented soils.

Question 21

The Rhône river is a major geographic feature; what effects does it have on Rhone vineyards?

Answer 21

• Temperature moderation.

- Light reflection.

Question 22

The Southern Rhône is characterized by what type of climate?

Answer 22

Mediterranean; with mistral and sirocco winds.

Question 23

The Southern Rhône is characterized by what types of soils?

Answer 23

Gigondas: Clays

Châteauneuf-de-Pape: Alluvial & Galets (river rock stones)

Question 24

Vineyards of the Southern Rhône are generally planted on:
(A) High-elevation ridges
(B) Southern-facing hillsides
(C) Flat-valley floors

Answer 24

(C) Flat-valley floors.

Question 25

What are the appellations of the Northern Rhône?

Answer 25

Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Château Grillet, St. Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage, Cornas, St. Peray, Clairette de Die, Châtillon en Diois.

Question 26

What are the highly regarded vintages of the Northern Rhône?

Answer 26

1999, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2010.

Question 27

What are the highly regarded vintages of the Southern Rhône Valley?

Answer 27

1998, 2001, 2005, 2007.

Question 28

What are the primary grape varieties of the Northern Rhône?

Answer 28

White: Viognier, Roussanne, and Marsanne.

Red: Syrah.

Question 29

What are the primary Northern Rhône grape varieties?

Answer 29

Whites: Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne.

Reds: Syrah.

Question 30

What are the primary Southern Rhône red varieties?

Answer 30

Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Counoise, Terret Noir, Vaccarèse & Muscardin.

Question 31

What are the primary white grape varieties of the Southern Rhône?

Answer 31

Roussanne, Clairette, Piquepoul Blanc, Bourbolenc, Picardan & Grenache Blanc.

Question 32

What are the primary wine styles of the Rhône Valley?

Answer 32

Northern Rhône: Single grape varieties.

Southern Rhône: Grenache-dominated blends. Red wines predominate but whites and roses also made.