Southern Rhone

Question 1

Describe the climate and grape growing of the Southern Rhone.

Answer 1

Mediterranean climate (mild Winter, warm & dry Summer)
Much flatter terrain than Northern Rhone
Stony soil very common (“galet”)

Wines are often complex blends
No typical “Southern Rhone” wine

Question 2

What is Mistral?

Answer 2

Wind that gains speed blowing through the valley
Causes damage to vines and grapes

Windbreakers and bush-trained vines are used to combat it

Question 3

Describe Cotes du Rhone.

Answer 3

Accounts for more than half of appellation wines in South Rhone

Most are medium body, fruit, simple red wines
Also makes fruity rose and whites

Question 4

Describe Cotes du Rhone Villages.

Answer 4

Often GSM blend (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre)

Can add village name to label if 100% of wine comes from one village

More body, structure, and spiced red fruit than Cotes du Rhone

Question 5

Describe Chateaunuef-du-Pape.

Answer 5

Largest Cru in Rhone Valley
1st to have AOC status

Vineyard is mainly flat with variety of soils
13 grapes available for blend
Some are 100% Grenache, but some use Mourvedre
Some whites also made

Best are full body, rich, high alcohol, concentrated red fruit

Question 6

Describe Tavel.

Answer 6

One of two crus on west bank (Tavel and Lirac)
Famous for rose made from Grenache and Cinsault
Compared to Provence roses: more body, FI, bottle ageing

Only makes rose

Question 7

Describe Lirac.

Answer 7

One of two crus on west bank (Tavel and Lirac)
Famous for rose made from Grenache and Cinsault
Compared to Provence roses: more body, FI, bottle ageing

Makes rose + high quality red and white (CdP style)

Question 8

Describe Gigondas and Vacqueyras.

Answer 8

Located in hills east of CdP

Red wine similar to CdP but not as famous