SOUTHERN RHONE Flashcards
Who has greater vineyard area, Southern or Northern Rhone?
Southern Rhone
Vineyards are on?
Much flatter terrain than those of the North
Many of the best sites have what type of soils?
Very stony soils that absorb the suns heat and warm the vineyard
Where do stone or galets completely cover soil surface?
Chateauneuf-du-pape
Climate?
Mediterranean, mild winters, warm dry summers
Drought can be a problem
What wind gains speed here and can cause major damage to vineyards?
Mistral
How is Grenache trained?
Bush trained low to offer protection from wind and benefit from warmth of soil
What grape is more easily damaged by winds?
Syrah, needs support from trellis systems
What needs to be planted to protect from winds?
Windbreaks
What grape dominates most reds of Southern Rhone?
Grenache and is by far the most widely planted variety
Characteristics of Grenache?
Concentrated spiced red fruit flavors
In hot years- Can be baked and jammy
What grapes play supporting role to Grenache?
Syrah- Provides blends with extra color and tannin
Mourvedre- Deeply colored very high tannins. When fully ripe- Dense black fruit flavours, gamey, meaty aromas
What grape is at the Northern limit of where it can ripen successfully?
Mourvedre
What other grape can provide a supporting role in red wine blends?
Cinsault
Best known as blending partner to Grenache in fresh, fruity roses
Techniques of winemaking?
Cold pre fermentation maceration and storage in stainless steel
To warm extractive fermentations in traditional open fermenters and maturation in large oak vessels
