Southern Rhone

Question 1

Climate

Answer 1

Mediterranean. Mild winters and warm dry summers (drought can be a problem)

Question 2

Soil

Answer 2

Stony soil (absorb the heat from the sun)

Question 3

Black grapes

Answer 3

Grenache: ripe fully. Concentrated spiced red fruit. In hot years it can become jammy and baked
Syrah and Mourvedre: Play a surpporting role. Syrah adds colour and tannin. Mouvedre adds even more colour and tannin. Black fruit
Cinsault: red fruit rather than tannin and colour (fresh rose)

Question 4

White grapes

Answer 4

Minority of white wine production. Clariette, Grenache Blanc and Bourboulenc

Question 5

Viticulture

Answer 5

For most parts Grenache is bush trained to benefit from the heat and be protected from the strong wind, Mistral.
Syrah is more easily damaged and benefit from being support be trellising system.

Question 6

Winemaking

Answer 6

Often complex blends with many varieties. Dozen or more can appear. New oak can appear.

Question 7

Style

Answer 7

Style vary from light to medium body fresh, fruity with low tannins. To Highly tannic, full-body red with flavours of spice, meat and/or earth.

Question 8

Quality

Answer 8

Quality vary.

Question 9

Name the key generic appellations (and style)

Answer 9

Cote du Rhone (medium body, fruity, simple wines) and Cote du Rhone Village (stringent minimum alcohol and maximum yield)

Question 10

Name the crus (and style)

Answer 10

Chateauneuf-du-Pape (range of grape varieties. Best are full body, rich texture, concentrated spicy red fruit, high alcohol) Tavel and Lirac (Only crus on the west bank, rose. Mainly Grenache and Cinsault, full bodied) Gigondas and Vacqueyras (Grenache based blends. Full body, spicy