Southern Rhône Flashcards
What percentage of total Rhône wine production is comprised of Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Villages?
60%
What is the climate in the Southern Rhône?
Warm Mediterranean with warm summers and mild winters
How much rainfall does the Southern Rhône experience?
Sufficient levels for viticulture, however drought is becoming a problem in some vintages
True or False
Irrigation is permitted in the Southern Rhône
True, though with strict regulation
What helps to protect Southern Rhône vineyards from the Mistral?
Very little. The terrain is flatter and there is little protection as a result
How does the terrain in the Southern Rhône compare to the Northern Rhône?
The terrain is flatter
What type of training method is common in the Southern Rhône?
Low-trained bush vines so the grapes are offered protection from the Mistral wind.
What is the most planted variety in the Southern Rhône?
Grenache Noir
Is Syrah grown in the Southern Rhône? If so, how is it trained?
Yes, and it is usually tied to trellises that help protect it from the wind.
What is the appellation hierarchy in the Southern Rhône?
Côtes du Rhône AOC
Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC
Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC with named village
Cru (e.g. Gigondas AOC)
How many named villages are permitted in the Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC?
22
What is the general requirement for varietal use in red wines of the Southern Rhône AOCs?
Grenache Noir dominant blends with Mourvèdre and Syrah. Carignan and Cinsault are also permitted.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC is an exception
What is the purpose of the AOC rules of the Southern Rhône?
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.
What area in the Southern Rhône is covered by the Côtes du Rhône AOC border?
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.
True or False
Côtes du Rhône AOC is the largest appellation by hectares in France.
False. It is the second largest after Bordeaux AOC.
What is the maximum yield of Côtes du Rhône AOC?
51 hl/ha for white, rosé, and red wines
What are the principal varieties for Côtes du Rhône AOC Blanc wines?
Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussane, and Viognier
They must comprise 80% of the blend
Other varieties may be used, including Piquepoul Blanc
What are the principal varieties for Côtes du Rhône AOC Rouge wines?
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
What are the principal varieties for Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC Rouge wines?
The final blend must include at least 66% of Grenache Noir and at least one of Mourvèdre or Syrah.
What are the maximum yields of Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC? Of Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC with a named village?
44 hl/ha Villages
41 hl/ha Named Village
What are the maximum yields for the crus of the Southern Rhône?
Châteauneuf-du-Pape: 35 hl/ha
Other Crus: 36-38 hl/ha
What is the typical character of Côtes du Rhône AOC wines?
Medium ruby Medium acidity Medium alcohol Medium tannins Medium intensity red plum and blackberry (NO OAK)
What are the crus of the Southern Rhône?
Gigondas Vacqueryras Vinsobres Rasteau Cairanne Beaumes-de-Venise Châteauneuf-du-Pape Lirac Tavel
What are the satellite appellations of the Southern Rhône?
There are seven, but the most important are
Ventoux
Costières-de-Nîmes
Luberon
Grignan-les-Adhémar
When was the Gigondas AOC created?
1971
At what altitude are some of the highest vineyards in the Gigondas AOC?
600 m ASL
What is the effect of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountains on the Gigondas AOC?
They shade the region from early morning sunlight, which reduces temperatures. This extends ripening and increases aromas
What is the effect of the Mistral on Gigondas AOC?
It helps to cool the grapes and reduce sugar levels, which makes Grenache Noir more balanced in the face of climate change
What is the varietal composition permitted in Gigondas wines?
50% (min) Grenache Noir.
At least one of Mourvèdre or Syrah.
When was the Vacqueyras AOC created?
In 1990
At what altitude are some of the highest vineyards in the Vacqueyras AOC?
440 m ASL
What types of wine are made in Gigondas AOC?
Dry, still red wines
What types of wine are made in Vacqueyras AOC?
Dry, still red wines
A small amount of dry, still white and rosé wines
What is the varietal composition permitted in red Vacqueyras wines?
50% (min) Grenache Noir.
At least one of Mourvèdre or Syrah.
What is the typical quality and pricing of Gigondas and Vacqueyras wines?
Good to very good
Mid-priced to Premium
When was the Vinsobres AOC created?
2006
Where is Vinsobres located in relation to the other Southern Rhône crus?
It is the most northerly and located in the northeast of the region
What plantings dominate the Vinsobres AOC?
Grenache Noir
Syrah is growing in popularity for its aromatic intensity, structure, and color
What types of wines are made in Vinsobres AOC?
Dry, still red wines
What is the varietal composition of Vinsobres wines?
50% (min) Grenache Noir.
At least one of Mourvèdre or Syrah.
What is the aspect and altitude of Vinsobres vineyards?
South and southeast facing
200-500 m ASL
How does the terrain in Vinsobres affect the quality of the grapes there?
The hillside offers some protection from the Mistral
The sloped vineyards have good drainage and sunlight interception
What old vine varietals found in Vinsobres and other regions are increasingly valued for their high quality fruit?
Carignan and Cinsault
What is the typical quality and pricing of Vinsobres wines?
Good to very good
Mid-priced to premium
When was the Rasteau AOC created?
2010
What types of wines are made in Rasteau AOC?
Dry, still red wines
Vins doux naturels in small amounts
What is the varietal composition of Vinsobres red wines?
50% (min) Grenache Noir.
At least one of Mourvèdre or Syrah.
What is the terroir of Rasteau AOC? What effect does this have on the wines?
Lower altitude (100 m) vineyards sheltered from the Mistral by a warm enclave.
The wines are ripe and full bodied
How are the grapes fermented in Rasteau AOC?
In large vats, typically concrete
How are the wines of Rasteau AOC matured?
In large oak vessels
Some higher quality Syrah is aged in small barrels
What is the typical quality and pricing of Rasteau AOC wines?
Good to very good
Mid-priced to premium
When was the Cairanne AOC created?
2015
What is the style of Cairanne AOC wines? Why?
The wines are a fruitier, more approachable style.
The area is not as warm as neighboring Rasteau nor as steep as Gigondas
What is the varietal composition of Cairanne AOC red wines?
40% (min) Grenache Noir.
At least one of Mourvèdre or Syrah.
What types of wines are made in Cairanne AOC?
Dry, still red and white wines
What is the reputation of white Cairanne wines?
Highly regarded for quality
What types of wines are made in Beaumes-de-Venise AOC?
Dry, still red wine
Vins doux naturels, for which the area is known
When was the Beaumes-de-Venise AOC created?
2005
True or False
The vineyards of Beaumes-de-Venise are on unshaded slopes
False. They are partially shaded by the Dentelles de Montmirail mountains
What is the varietal composition of still, red wines from Beaumes-de-Venise AOC?
50% (min) Grenache Noir and Syrah
Where does the name Châteauneuf-du-Pape originate?
It was formerly the location of the Pope’s summer home in the 14th century. The papacy was temporarily relocated to nearby Avignon.
What is unique about the history of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC?
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.
What rules were established by Baron du Roy of Château Fortia in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
13 grape varieties (18 after color variations) are permitted in the production of wines
12.5% minimum ABV
What percentage of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is white? Rosé? Red?
White: 10%
Rosé: 0%
Red: 90%
What are the principle black grape varieties used in red Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
Grenache Noir with Mourvèdre and Syrah
What are the principle white grape varieties used in the production of white Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, and Roussanne
Which two important Northern Rhône white varieties are not permitted in Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines?
Marsanne
Viognier
What is the perception of Mourvèdre among Châteauneuf-du-Pape producers?
It is attracting interest for its intense black fruit aromas, but is only successful in soils with sufficient moisture
True or False
Grapes in Châteauneuf-du-Pape must be picked by hand
True
True or False
Single varietal wines are possible in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
True. There are no stipulations on what the balance of a wine must be, only that it use one of the 13 prescribed varieties
How large is Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC?
3,000 ha
What types of soils are present in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
Limestone
Clay
Sandstone
Sandy
Why are the clay soils in Châteauneuf-du-Pape important?
It is a dry region during the summers and the clay soils can retain moisture
What is the fertility and general draining potential of Châteauneuf-du-Pape soils? What effect does this have on the grapevines?
Low fertility and generally fast draining
The vines have naturally reduced vegetative growth, leading to lower yields of more concentrated fruit
What were the average yields in Châteauneuf-du-Pape from 2000-2018?
30 hl/ha
What is the name of the large pebbles in Châteauneuf-du-Pape? How are they valued in the region?
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
True or False
Lieux dit and other single vineyard wines are common in Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
False. Many producers will blend across the region not just for complexity, but to create a commercially viable amount of wine
True or False
Lieux dit and other single vineyard wines are common in Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
False. Many producers will blend across the region not just for complexity, but to create a commercially viable amount of wine
How do growers in Châteauneuf-du-Pape feel the soil types affect the aromatics of their grapes?
Sandy soils produce finer, lighter grapes
Stony, pebble soils produce more structured wines
Describe the character of Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge.
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
What is the general quality and pricing of Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge?
Good to outstanding
Mid priced to super premium
How are Châteauneuf-du-Pape blanc wines fermented?
Typically protective to preserve freshness, though some producers use barrel fermentation to add complexity
How are Châteauneuf-du-Pape white wines matured?
Either in tanks or oak barrels, the latter method sometimes seeing a small amount of new oak
What has been the recent trend in Châteauneuf-du-Pape blanc winemaking?
To make the wines fresher, more floral, and lighter in style
Where is Lirac AOC situated in the Southern Rhône?
Across the river from Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
What types of wine are produced in Lirac AOC?
Mainly red wines
Some rosé and white wines are also produced
What are the principle black varieties of Lirac AOC? How much of a red wine blend must they comprise?
Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Cinsault
They must be 90% (min) of a blend
What conditions in Lirac AOC make it highly suitable for viticulture?
Infertile, free draining soils
High sunlight hours
True or False
Producers in Châteauneuf-du-Pape generally don’t own vineyards in Lirac, and vice-versa
False
What types of wine are made in Tavel AOC?
Rosé wine only
What are the compositional requirements for Tavel AOC wine?
12 varieties are permitted
Grenache noir must be used
No variety can exceed 60% of the blend
What is the maximum yield permitted in Tavel AOC?
46 hl/ha
What is the typical character of Tavel AOC wine?
Medium pink-orange
Medium alcohol (13.5%)
Medium (+) to full body
Medium to medium (+) strawberry and raspberry
What is the quality and pricing of Tavel AOC wine?
Good to very good
Mid-priced to premium
What has been the reputation of Tavel wines? What is it today?
These wines were formerly regarded as the finest rosés from France, though this is now challenged by paler Provençal styles.
Where is Ventoux AOC situated?
In the southeastern Rhône on the southern and western slopes below Mount Ventoux.
What effect does Mount Ventoux have on the Ventoux AOC?
It provides a cooling influence due to the vineyard altitude (up to 450m) and cool air sinking from the mountain peaks
What wine is produced in Ventoux AOC?
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
How does the intensity of Ventoux AOC wines compare to other Southern Rhône appellations?
Maximum yields in Ventoux are 60 hl/ha, which can lead to less concentrated wines
What is the quality and pricing of Ventoux AOC wines?
Good to very good
Inexpensive to mid-priced
Where is Costières-de-Nîmes AOC situated?
At the southwestern boundary of the Southern Rhône on southwest facing slopes
What characteristics of the terroir in Costières-de-Nîmes AOC make it suitable for quality winemaking?
It receives good sunlight interception from southwest slopes and is exposed to cooling influences from the Mediterranean
What types of wines are made in Costières-de-Nîmes AOC?
66% is red wines made from Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and Cinsault
33% is rosé
A small amount of white is made
True or False
Cooperatives have historically been, and remain to be, the largest producer type in Costières-de-Nîmes AOC
False. Cooperatives have historically been the largest producers, but recently more privately owned small estates have emerged
What is the typical quality and pricing of Costières-de-Nîmes wines?
Good to very good
Mid-priced to premium
Where is Luberon AOC situated?
In the southeast of the Southern Rhône, bordering Provence.
What type of terrain are the vineyards of Luberon AOC planted on?
Gentle sloping or flat land
What types of wine are made in Luberon AOC?
Red wine made from Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre.
At least two of these must be used and must comprise 50% of the blend
What is the maximum yield permitted in Luberon AOC?
55 hl/ha
What is the quality and pricing of Luberon AOC wines?
Good to very good
Inexpensive to mid-priced with a few premium
Where is Grignan-les-Adhémar AOC situated?
At the northern part of the Southern Rhône
What types of wines are produced in Grignan-les-Adhémar AOC?
Red blends with a minimum 50% of Grenache Noir and Syrah
Rosé and white wines are also produced
What is the style of red Grignan-les-Adhémar wines compared to the other Southern Rhône appellations?
Slightly lighter
What is the quality and pricing of Grignan-les-Adhémar wines?
Good to very good
Inexpensive to mid-priced
