Southern Rhone

Question 1

What is the particularity of the soils in Chateauneuf-du-Pape?

Answer 1

They are covered with galets - they absorb the sun’s heat during the day which heats and warms the vineyards, aiding in ripening

Question 2

What are most soils like in Southern Rhone?

Answer 2

Stony

Question 3

What is the climate in Southern Rhone?

Answer 3

Mediterranean climate - mild winters + dry, warm summers

Question 4

What are the 2 main climate challenges in Southern Rhone?

Answer 4

1. Mistral

2. Drought in summer

Question 5

How are wineries protecting the vineyards from the Mistral in Southern Rhone (training, tools…)?

Answer 5

1. Install windbreakers
2. Low bush-trained Grenache
3. Trellised Syrah

Question 6

Why is the impact of Mistral more important in Southern Rhone than in Northern Rhone?

Answer 6

The land is flatter, so the wind gains speed and there are no hills to slow it down

Question 7

What is the main difference in terms of GV used in Northern and Southern Rhone?

Answer 7

Northern = 1 or 2 different GV

Southern - usually a complex blend

Question 8

What are the main GV in Southern Rhone (black and white)?

Answer 8

1. Grenache (dominates)
2. Syrah and Mourvèdre (supporting role)
3. Cinsault (also supporting + rosé wines)

White are a minority - no need to learn

Question 9

What is the most widely planted GV in Southern Rhone?

Answer 9

Grenache

Question 10

Why is Grenache the most widely planted GV in Southern Rhone?

Answer 10

Warm summers = Grenache can ripen fully

BUT in hot years, it can become to jammy and baked

Question 11

How is Syrah used in the Southern Rhone?

Answer 11

Supporting role in blends with Grenache

Extra color and tannins

Question 12

How is Mourvèdre used in the Southern Rhone?

Answer 12

Supporting role to Syrah - used in blends

Deep color + high tannins + gamey/meaty aromas prized in CdP

Question 13

What is Cinsault used for in the Southern Rhone?

Answer 13

Blended in red wines OR for rosé production with Syrah

Question 14

What are the 2 generic appelations in the Rhône Valley?

Answer 14

Côtes du Rhône

Côtes du Rhône Village

Question 15

What is the biggest appellation in terms of volume in the Rhône Valley?

Answer 15

Côtes du Rhône AOC

Question 16

What color of wines can be produced in Côtes du Rhône AOC?

Answer 16

Mostly red, some white and rosé

Question 17

Describe a Côtes du Rhône wine

Answer 17

Medium bodied, fruity, simple

Question 18

What is the difference between Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Village?

Answer 18

Côtes du Rhône Village - more stringent min abv level + greater % of the blend must be from Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre

Question 19

When can a specific village add its name to a Côtes du Rhône Village?

Answer 19

When 100% of the wine comes from the named village

Question 20

How many GV are allowed in Châteauneuf du Pape?

Answer 20

13

Question 21

Describe an excellent Châteauneuf du Pape

Answer 21

Full bodied, rich texture

Concentrated spicy red fruit + high alcohol

Question 22

Can a Châteauneuf du Pape be white?

Answer 22

Yes, small % is produced

Question 23

For what kind of wines are Tavel and Lirac most famous for?

Answer 23

Rosé

Question 24

What are the most used GV in Tavel and Lirac?

Answer 24

Grenache and Cinsault

Question 25

Describe a Tavel or Lirac rosé

Answer 25

Full-bodied (when compared with Provence rosé)

Intense flavor, capable of ageing

Question 26

What appelation in the Rhone Valley can only produce Rosé?

Answer 26

Tavel

Question 27

In which Rhone Valley appellations can we find wines made in the style of Chateauneuf-du-Pape?

Answer 27

Gigondas and Vacqueyras