Southern Rhone Flashcards
What type of climate is characteristic of the Southern Rhône?
Mediterranean climate
Features hot summers and mild winters with heavy autumn rainfall.
What are the Mistral winds known for?
Drying and cooling down vineyards
These winds are fierce and significantly impact the local climate.
What are the key soil types found in the Southern Rhône?
Alluvial soils, calcareous clay, galets
Galets are large pudding stones mainly found in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Which grape variety is the backbone of Southern Rhône wine?
Grenache
It is the most planted grape in the region, contributing body, richness, and ripe red fruits.
What characteristics do Syrah and Mourvèdre add to wines?
Structure, depth, and spices with gamey aromas
Both are significant red grape varieties in the region.
Which grape variety is typically used for rosé production?
Cinsault
It adds finesse and freshness to the wine.
What is the base appellation for the entire Rhone Valley?
Cote du Rhone AOP
Mostly produces wines from the Southern Rhône, allowing reds, whites, and rosés.
What is required for a wine to be classified under Côtes du Rhône Villages AOP?
Must be from a delimited area of 22 communes
This classification represents a step up in quality.
How many grape varieties are accepted in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
18 total varieties
Principally Grenache
What is the minimum alcohol content for Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines?
12.5% alcohol
Typically, these wines reach around 15% alcohol.
What are galets?
Large round pudding stones made of quartzite
They are known for high heat retention.
What is the specific focus of the Tavel AOP?
Exclusively for rosé production
Rosés are primarily Grenache-based and dry.
What is the minimum percentage of Grenache required in Gigondas red wines?
50% Grenache
Typically blended with Syrah and Mourvèdre.
What distinguishes Beaumes-des-Venise from other AOPs?
Allows reds only with a minimum of 50% Grenache
It also includes a separate AOP for sweet fortified wines.
What is the primary focus of the Rasteau AOP?
Sweet fortified wines
It can also produce dry unfortified reds sourced from Rasteau itself.
What does the term ‘Hors d’age’ signify in Rasteau AOP labeling?
Minimum 5 years maturation
This term is used for aged wines.
What is *rancio means in Rasteau AOP?
deliberate oxidation where the wine is aged in an open barrel exposed to sunlight
What is the labelling term for white and red with oxidative ageing in Rasteau?
Ambré (white) & Tuilé (red)
Minimum 3 years ageing
What is the labelling term for fresh white & red for Rasteau?
Blanc & Grenat
