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WSET Diploma D3 - Wines of the World > Southern Rhône > Flashcards

Southern Rhône Flashcards

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1
Q

What percentage of total Rhône wine production is comprised of Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Villages?

A

60%

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2
Q

What is the climate in the Southern Rhône?

A

Warm Mediterranean with warm summers and mild winters

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3
Q

How much rainfall does the Southern Rhône experience?

A

Sufficient levels for viticulture, however drought is becoming a problem in some vintages

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4
Q

True or False

Irrigation is permitted in the Southern Rhône

A

True, though with strict regulation

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5
Q

What helps to protect Southern Rhône vineyards from the Mistral?

A

Very little. The terrain is flatter and there is little protection as a result

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6
Q

How does the terrain in the Southern Rhône compare to the Northern Rhône?

A

The terrain is flatter

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7
Q

What type of training method is common in the Southern Rhône?

A

Low-trained bush vines so the grapes are offered protection from the Mistral wind.

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8
Q

What is the most planted variety in the Southern Rhône?

A

Grenache Noir

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9
Q

Is Syrah grown in the Southern Rhône? If so, how is it trained?

A

Yes, and it is usually tied to trellises that help protect it from the wind.

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10
Q

What is the appellation hierarchy in the Southern Rhône?

A

Côtes du Rhône AOC
Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC
Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC with named village
Cru (e.g. Gigondas AOC)

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11
Q

How many named villages are permitted in the Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC?

A

22

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12
Q

What is the general requirement for varietal use in red wines of the Southern Rhône AOCs?

A

Grenache Noir dominant blends with Mourvèdre and Syrah. Carignan and Cinsault are also permitted.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC is an exception

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13
Q

What is the purpose of the AOC rules of the Southern Rhône?

A

To distinguish between the the principal and complementary grapes, as well as other permitted varieties

Declare the total minimum proportion of principal and complementary grapes to be planted and used in the wine. Vineyards may be planted with different proportions than are permitted in the wine.

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14
Q

What area in the Southern Rhône is covered by the Côtes du Rhône AOC border?

A

All of it and, theoretically, everything in the Northern Rhône, as well. In the Northern Rhône, producers can make more money selling under a local AOC.

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15
Q

True or False

Côtes du Rhône AOC is the largest appellation by hectares in France.

A

False. It is the second largest after Bordeaux AOC.

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16
Q

What is the maximum yield of Côtes du Rhône AOC?

A

51 hl/ha for white, rosé, and red wines

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17
Q

What are the principal varieties for Côtes du Rhône AOC Blanc wines?

A

Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussane, and Viognier

They must comprise 80% of the blend

Other varieties may be used, including Piquepoul Blanc

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18
Q

What are the principal varieties for Côtes du Rhône AOC Rouge wines?

A

Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, and Syrah.

They must comprise 60% of the final blend. If from the Southern Rhône (most are), Grenache Noir must be 30% (min), and Mourvèdre and Syrah collectively must be 20% (min)

Other varieties may be used, including Carignan and Cinsault

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19
Q

What are the principal varieties for Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC Rouge wines?

A

The final blend must include at least 66% of Grenache Noir and at least one of Mourvèdre or Syrah.

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20
Q

What are the maximum yields of Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC? Of Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC with a named village?

A

44 hl/ha Villages

41 hl/ha Named Village

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21
Q

What are the maximum yields for the crus of the Southern Rhône?

A

Châteauneuf-du-Pape: 35 hl/ha

Other Crus: 36-38 hl/ha

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22
Q

What is the typical character of Côtes du Rhône AOC wines?

A 
Medium ruby
Medium acidity
Medium alcohol
Medium tannins
Medium intensity red plum and blackberry (NO OAK)
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23
Q

What are the crus of the Southern Rhône?

A 
Gigondas
Vacqueryras
Vinsobres
Rasteau
Cairanne
Beaumes-de-Venise
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Lirac
Tavel
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24
Q

What are the satellite appellations of the Southern Rhône?

A

There are seven, but the most important are

Ventoux
Costières-de-Nîmes
Luberon
Grignan-les-Adhémar

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25
Q

When was the Gigondas AOC created?

A

1971

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26
Q

At what altitude are some of the highest vineyards in the Gigondas AOC?

A

600 m ASL

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27
Q

What is the effect of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountains on the Gigondas AOC?

A

They shade the region from early morning sunlight, which reduces temperatures. This extends ripening and increases aromas

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28
Q

What is the effect of the Mistral on Gigondas AOC?

A

It helps to cool the grapes and reduce sugar levels, which makes Grenache Noir more balanced in the face of climate change

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29
Q

What is the varietal composition permitted in Gigondas wines?

A

50% (min) Grenache Noir.

At least one of Mourvèdre or Syrah.

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30
Q

When was the Vacqueyras AOC created?

A

In 1990

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31
Q

At what altitude are some of the highest vineyards in the Vacqueyras AOC?

A

440 m ASL

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32
Q

What types of wine are made in Gigondas AOC?

A

Dry, still red wines

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33
Q

What types of wine are made in Vacqueyras AOC?

A

Dry, still red wines

A small amount of dry, still white and rosé wines

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34
Q

What is the varietal composition permitted in red Vacqueyras wines?

A

50% (min) Grenache Noir.

At least one of Mourvèdre or Syrah.

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35
Q

What is the typical quality and pricing of Gigondas and Vacqueyras wines?

A

Good to very good

Mid-priced to Premium

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36
Q

When was the Vinsobres AOC created?

A

2006

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37
Q

Where is Vinsobres located in relation to the other Southern Rhône crus?

A

It is the most northerly and located in the northeast of the region

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38
Q

What plantings dominate the Vinsobres AOC?

A

Grenache Noir

Syrah is growing in popularity for its aromatic intensity, structure, and color

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39
Q

What types of wines are made in Vinsobres AOC?

A

Dry, still red wines

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40
Q

What is the varietal composition of Vinsobres wines?

A

50% (min) Grenache Noir.

At least one of Mourvèdre or Syrah.

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41
Q

What is the aspect and altitude of Vinsobres vineyards?

A

South and southeast facing

200-500 m ASL

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42
Q

How does the terrain in Vinsobres affect the quality of the grapes there?

A

The hillside offers some protection from the Mistral

The sloped vineyards have good drainage and sunlight interception

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43
Q

What old vine varietals found in Vinsobres and other regions are increasingly valued for their high quality fruit?

A

Carignan and Cinsault

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44
Q

What is the typical quality and pricing of Vinsobres wines?

A

Good to very good

Mid-priced to premium

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45
Q

When was the Rasteau AOC created?

A

2010

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46
Q

What types of wines are made in Rasteau AOC?

A

Dry, still red wines

Vins doux naturels in small amounts

47
Q

What is the varietal composition of Vinsobres red wines?

A

50% (min) Grenache Noir.

At least one of Mourvèdre or Syrah.

48
Q

What is the terroir of Rasteau AOC? What effect does this have on the wines?

A

Lower altitude (100 m) vineyards sheltered from the Mistral by a warm enclave.

The wines are ripe and full bodied

49
Q

How are the grapes fermented in Rasteau AOC?

A

In large vats, typically concrete

50
Q

How are the wines of Rasteau AOC matured?

A

In large oak vessels

Some higher quality Syrah is aged in small barrels

51
Q

What is the typical quality and pricing of Rasteau AOC wines?

A

Good to very good

Mid-priced to premium

52
Q

When was the Cairanne AOC created?

A

2015

53
Q

What is the style of Cairanne AOC wines? Why?

A

The wines are a fruitier, more approachable style.

The area is not as warm as neighboring Rasteau nor as steep as Gigondas

54
Q

What is the varietal composition of Cairanne AOC red wines?

A

40% (min) Grenache Noir.

At least one of Mourvèdre or Syrah.

55
Q

What types of wines are made in Cairanne AOC?

A

Dry, still red and white wines

56
Q

What is the reputation of white Cairanne wines?

A

Highly regarded for quality

57
Q

What types of wines are made in Beaumes-de-Venise AOC?

A

Dry, still red wine

Vins doux naturels, for which the area is known

58
Q

When was the Beaumes-de-Venise AOC created?

A

2005

59
Q

True or False

The vineyards of Beaumes-de-Venise are on unshaded slopes

A

False. They are partially shaded by the Dentelles de Montmirail mountains

60
Q

What is the varietal composition of still, red wines from Beaumes-de-Venise AOC?

A

50% (min) Grenache Noir and Syrah

61
Q

Where does the name Châteauneuf-du-Pape originate?

A

It was formerly the location of the Pope’s summer home in the 14th century. The papacy was temporarily relocated to nearby Avignon.

62
Q

What is unique about the history of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC?

A

It was the first area in France to be delimited, mostly by Baron du Roy of Château Fortia who compiled the region’s rules in 1923. They were approved in 1936.

63
Q

What rules were established by Baron du Roy of Château Fortia in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

A

13 grape varieties (18 after color variations) are permitted in the production of wines

12.5% minimum ABV

64
Q

What percentage of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is white? Rosé? Red?

A

White: 10%

Rosé: 0%

Red: 90%

65
Q

What are the principle black grape varieties used in red Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

A

Grenache Noir with Mourvèdre and Syrah

66
Q

What are the principle white grape varieties used in the production of white Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

A

Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, and Roussanne

67
Q

Which two important Northern Rhône white varieties are not permitted in Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines?

A

Marsanne

Viognier

68
Q

What is the perception of Mourvèdre among Châteauneuf-du-Pape producers?

A

It is attracting interest for its intense black fruit aromas, but is only successful in soils with sufficient moisture

69
Q

True or False

Grapes in Châteauneuf-du-Pape must be picked by hand

A

True

70
Q

True or False

Single varietal wines are possible in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

A

True. There are no stipulations on what the balance of a wine must be, only that it use one of the 13 prescribed varieties

71
Q

How large is Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC?

A

3,000 ha

72
Q

What types of soils are present in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

A

Limestone

Clay

Sandstone

Sandy

73
Q

Why are the clay soils in Châteauneuf-du-Pape important?

A

It is a dry region during the summers and the clay soils can retain moisture

74
Q

What is the fertility and general draining potential of Châteauneuf-du-Pape soils? What effect does this have on the grapevines?

A

Low fertility and generally fast draining

The vines have naturally reduced vegetative growth, leading to lower yields of more concentrated fruit

75
Q

What were the average yields in Châteauneuf-du-Pape from 2000-2018?

A

30 hl/ha

76
Q

What is the name of the large pebbles in Châteauneuf-du-Pape? How are they valued in the region?

A

Galets roulés

They store great and radiate it into the canopy at night to facilitate ripening. They used to be prized, but with climate change sugar levels become too high due to the constant heat

77
Q

True or False

Lieux dit and other single vineyard wines are common in Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC

A

False. Many producers will blend across the region not just for complexity, but to create a commercially viable amount of wine

78
Q

True or False

Lieux dit and other single vineyard wines are common in Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC

A

False. Many producers will blend across the region not just for complexity, but to create a commercially viable amount of wine

79
Q

How do growers in Châteauneuf-du-Pape feel the soil types affect the aromatics of their grapes?

A

Sandy soils produce finer, lighter grapes

Stony, pebble soils produce more structured wines

80
Q

Describe the character of Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge.

A

Medium ruby
Medium acid
Medium (-) to high tannins based on variety(ies), style, vintage
High alcohol
Medium (+) to pronounced red plum, blackberry, spice, sometimes new oak

81
Q

What is the general quality and pricing of Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge?

A

Good to outstanding

Mid priced to super premium

82
Q

How are Châteauneuf-du-Pape blanc wines fermented?

A

Typically protective to preserve freshness, though some producers use barrel fermentation to add complexity

83
Q

How are Châteauneuf-du-Pape white wines matured?

A

Either in tanks or oak barrels, the latter method sometimes seeing a small amount of new oak

84
Q

What has been the recent trend in Châteauneuf-du-Pape blanc winemaking?

A

To make the wines fresher, more floral, and lighter in style

85
Q

Where is Lirac AOC situated in the Southern Rhône?

A

Across the river from Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC

86
Q

What types of wine are produced in Lirac AOC?

A

Mainly red wines

Some rosé and white wines are also produced

87
Q

What are the principle black varieties of Lirac AOC? How much of a red wine blend must they comprise?

A

Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Cinsault

They must be 90% (min) of a blend

88
Q

What conditions in Lirac AOC make it highly suitable for viticulture?

A

Infertile, free draining soils

High sunlight hours

89
Q

True or False

Producers in Châteauneuf-du-Pape generally don’t own vineyards in Lirac, and vice-versa

A

False

90
Q

What types of wine are made in Tavel AOC?

A

Rosé wine only

91
Q

What are the compositional requirements for Tavel AOC wine?

A

12 varieties are permitted

Grenache noir must be used

No variety can exceed 60% of the blend

92
Q

What is the maximum yield permitted in Tavel AOC?

A

46 hl/ha

93
Q

What is the typical character of Tavel AOC wine?

A

Medium pink-orange
Medium alcohol (13.5%)
Medium (+) to full body
Medium to medium (+) strawberry and raspberry

94
Q

What is the quality and pricing of Tavel AOC wine?

A

Good to very good

Mid-priced to premium

95
Q

What has been the reputation of Tavel wines? What is it today?

A

These wines were formerly regarded as the finest rosés from France, though this is now challenged by paler Provençal styles.

96
Q

Where is Ventoux AOC situated?

A

In the southeastern Rhône on the southern and western slopes below Mount Ventoux.

97
Q

What effect does Mount Ventoux have on the Ventoux AOC?

A

It provides a cooling influence due to the vineyard altitude (up to 450m) and cool air sinking from the mountain peaks

98
Q

What wine is produced in Ventoux AOC?

A

66% is red wines made from Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and Cinsault (at least two used)

33% is rosé

A small amount of white is made

99
Q

How does the intensity of Ventoux AOC wines compare to other Southern Rhône appellations?

A

Maximum yields in Ventoux are 60 hl/ha, which can lead to less concentrated wines

100
Q

What is the quality and pricing of Ventoux AOC wines?

A

Good to very good

Inexpensive to mid-priced

101
Q

Where is Costières-de-Nîmes AOC situated?

A

At the southwestern boundary of the Southern Rhône on southwest facing slopes

102
Q

What characteristics of the terroir in Costières-de-Nîmes AOC make it suitable for quality winemaking?

A

It receives good sunlight interception from southwest slopes and is exposed to cooling influences from the Mediterranean

103
Q

What types of wines are made in Costières-de-Nîmes AOC?

A

66% is red wines made from Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and Cinsault

33% is rosé

A small amount of white is made

104
Q

True or False

Cooperatives have historically been, and remain to be, the largest producer type in Costières-de-Nîmes AOC

A

False. Cooperatives have historically been the largest producers, but recently more privately owned small estates have emerged

105
Q

What is the typical quality and pricing of Costières-de-Nîmes wines?

A

Good to very good

Mid-priced to premium

106
Q

Where is Luberon AOC situated?

A

In the southeast of the Southern Rhône, bordering Provence.

107
Q

What type of terrain are the vineyards of Luberon AOC planted on?

A

Gentle sloping or flat land

108
Q

What types of wine are made in Luberon AOC?

A

Red wine made from Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre.

At least two of these must be used and must comprise 50% of the blend

109
Q

What is the maximum yield permitted in Luberon AOC?

A

55 hl/ha

110
Q

What is the quality and pricing of Luberon AOC wines?

A

Good to very good

Inexpensive to mid-priced with a few premium

111
Q

Where is Grignan-les-Adhémar AOC situated?

A

At the northern part of the Southern Rhône

112
Q

What types of wines are produced in Grignan-les-Adhémar AOC?

A

Red blends with a minimum 50% of Grenache Noir and Syrah

Rosé and white wines are also produced

113
Q

What is the style of red Grignan-les-Adhémar wines compared to the other Southern Rhône appellations?

A

Slightly lighter

114
Q

What is the quality and pricing of Grignan-les-Adhémar wines?

A

Good to very good

Inexpensive to mid-priced

WSET Diploma D3 - Wines of the World (97 decks)

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