Southern Rhône

Question 1

What are the major grapes of the Southern Rhône?

Answer 1

Grenache
Mourvèdre
Syrah
Cinsault
Carignan

Question 2

What kind of soils are found in the Southern Rhône?

Answer 2

Alluvial soils over limestone subsoils with sand, gravel, and clay
Pudding stones called galets

Question 3

How many varietals are permitted in CDP?

Answer 3

13 or 18 depending on how you count

Question 4

Which producer in CDP is famous for including all permitted varietals?

Answer 4

Château Beaucastel

Question 5

What is usually the encépagement of Château Rayas?

Answer 5

100% Grenache

Question 6

What is the minimum required alcohol for CDP?

Answer 6

12.5% - the highest in France for a dry wine

Question 7

What is le râpé

Answer 7

Producers in CDP are required to discard or declassify at least 2% of harvested grapes

Question 8

Who released the first estate bottled CDP?

Answer 8

Château La Nerthe in 1785

Question 9

Which former Côtes du Rhône-Village appellations were awarded distinct appellations?

Answer 9

Gigondas
Vacqueyras
Beaumes-de-Venise
Vinsobres
Cairanne

Question 10

Which AOPs of the Southern Rhône require a minimum of 50% Grenache for their red wines?

Answer 10

Gigondas
Vacqueyras
Beumes-de-Venise
Vinsobres
Cairanne
Rasteau

Question 11

What the appellation for Rosé only in the Rhône?
From what grapes?

Answer 11

Tavel
Grenache Gris, Grenache Blanc, and Grenache Noir (must be present) with up to 60% combined Bourboulenc, Clairette, Cinsualt, Piquepoul, Syrah. Up to 10% Carignan and Calitor

Question 12

What AOP for white, rosé, and red lies just across the Rhône river from CDP?

Answer 12

Lirac AOP

Question 13

What are the appellations in the Southern Rhône for Vin Doux Naturel?

Answer 13

Rasteau AOP (also produces red wine)
Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise AOP

Question 14

What are the styles for Vin Doux Naturel in Rasteau?

Answer 14

Blanc Grenache Gris and Grenache Blanc
Rosé and Ambre Grenache, Grenache Gris, Grenache Blanc. Amber requires more aging.
Grenat and Tuilé min 75% Grenache. Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris. Tuilé requires more aging.
Hors d’Age wines may not be released until September 1st of the 5th year following harvest
Rancio must show an oxidative character

Question 15

What other communes are eligible for Rasteau AOP vin doux naturel?

Answer 15

Rasteau, Cairanne, and Sablet

Question 16

Which AOP that used to be a part of the Languedoc is now included in the Southern Rhône as of 2004?

Answer 16

Costières de Nîmes

Question 17

Which commune from within Costiéres de Nîmes only produces white wine?
From what grape?

Answer 17

Clairette de Bellegarde AOP
Clairette

Question 18

Which AOP in the Southern Rhône requires Syrah for the Rouge wines?

Answer 18

Côtes du Vivarais AOP

Question 19

What is the Northern most AOP of the Southern Rhône valley?

Answer 19

Grignan-les-Adhémar

Question 20

What winery does Chateau Rayas own in Vacqueyras?

Answer 20

Château des Tours

Question 21

Which side of the Rhône river is CDP on?

Answer 21

East side

Question 22

What is the inaugural vintage of Chateau de Beaucastel Hommage a Jacques Perrin and Rousanne Vielles Vignes?

Answer 22

Hommage a Jacques Perrin - 1989
Rousanne Vielles Vignes - 1986