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