Southern Rhone Flashcards
What is the particularity of the soils in Chateauneuf-du-Pape?
They are covered with galets - they absorb the sun’s heat during the day which heats and warms the vineyards, aiding in ripening
What are most soils like in Southern Rhone?
Stony
What is the climate in Southern Rhone?
Mediterranean climate - mild winters + dry, warm summers
What are the 2 main climate challenges in Southern Rhone?
- Mistral
2. Drought in summer
How are wineries protecting the vineyards from the Mistral in Southern Rhone (training, tools…)?
- Install windbreakers
- Low bush-trained Grenache
- Trellised Syrah
Why is the impact of Mistral more important in Southern Rhone than in Northern Rhone?
The land is flatter, so the wind gains speed and there are no hills to slow it down
What is the main difference in terms of GV used in Northern and Southern Rhone?
Northern = 1 or 2 different GV
Southern - usually a complex blend
What are the main GV in Southern Rhone (black and white)?
- Grenache (dominates)
- Syrah and Mourvèdre (supporting role)
- Cinsault (also supporting + rosé wines)
White are a minority - no need to learn
What is the most widely planted GV in Southern Rhone?
Grenache
Why is Grenache the most widely planted GV in Southern Rhone?
Warm summers = Grenache can ripen fully
BUT in hot years, it can become to jammy and baked
How is Syrah used in the Southern Rhone?
Supporting role in blends with Grenache
Extra color and tannins
How is Mourvèdre used in the Southern Rhone?
Supporting role to Syrah - used in blends
Deep color + high tannins + gamey/meaty aromas prized in CdP
What is Cinsault used for in the Southern Rhone?
Blended in red wines OR for rosé production with Syrah
What are the 2 generic appelations in the Rhône Valley?
Côtes du Rhône
Côtes du Rhône Village
What is the biggest appellation in terms of volume in the Rhône Valley?
Côtes du Rhône AOC
What color of wines can be produced in Côtes du Rhône AOC?
Mostly red, some white and rosé
Describe a Côtes du Rhône wine
Medium bodied, fruity, simple
What is the difference between Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Village?
Côtes du Rhône Village - more stringent min abv level + greater % of the blend must be from Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre
When can a specific village add its name to a Côtes du Rhône Village?
When 100% of the wine comes from the named village
How many GV are allowed in Châteauneuf du Pape?
13
Describe an excellent Châteauneuf du Pape
Full bodied, rich texture
Concentrated spicy red fruit + high alcohol
Can a Châteauneuf du Pape be white?
Yes, small % is produced
For what kind of wines are Tavel and Lirac most famous for?
Rosé
What are the most used GV in Tavel and Lirac?
Grenache and Cinsault
