Southern Rhone Flashcards
what is production dominated by in Southern Rhone?
red wines, but there are also good white and rose’s as wel..
how is S. Rhone’s area in compared to size of N. Rhone?
vineyard area is much greater in S. Rhone
where does the Rhone Valley open out?
south of Valance
where are the best vineyards in S Rhone planted?
in a flatter terrain than N. Rhone. stony soils that absorb the sun’s heat and warm the vineyard and aiding ripening
where do stones (galets) in the soil completely cover the soil surface?
Chateauneurf-du-Pape
what is the climate in S. Rhone?
Mediterranean with mild winters and and warm dry summers. drought can be a problem.
what is a mistral and what does it do to the vineyard?
it is a north wind in S. Rhone that can cause extensive damage to the vineyard
why are windbreaks planted in S. Rhone?
fewer slopes to protect vines from the wind
how is Grenache trained in S. RHone?
bush trained low to the ground to offer protection from the wind and to benefit from the warmth of the soil
how is Syrah trained in S. Rhone?
trellising systems due to it being more easily damaged by the wind
describe S. Rhone blends
unlike N. Rhone were only 1 or two varietals are typically used. in S. Rhone uses complex blends in some cases a dozen or more varietals are used.
what varietal dominates most of the red wines in S. Rhone
Grenache
what varietal is the most widely planted in S. Rhone?
Grenache
what do warm summers in S. Rhone help Grenache to do?
ripen fully leading to wines with concentrated spiced red fruit flavors. however in years that it becomes too hot flavors can become jammy and baked.
what two varietals play a supporting role to Grenache in S. Rhone?
Syrah and Mourvedre
What does Syrah add to a Grenache blend in S. Rhone?
extra color and tannins - struggles in hot sites
What does Mourvedre add to a Grenache blend in S. Rhone?
deep color and tannins, dense black fruit, gamey and meaty aromas (seen in Chateauneurf-du-Pape - thrives in the northern limits and easily ripens.
Describe Cinsault’s role in a S. Rhone blend
supporting role, providing red fruit flavors rather than tannins and color. Best known for blending with Grenache for fresh fruity rose wines
Describe the wine making method used in S. Rhone?
no one typical style as many as there are varietals. but all winemakers must be able to manage high tannins and high alcohol to balance reds. most think new oak overwhelms Grenache
Describe a red blend from S. Rhone
vary from light to med bodied, fresh fruity wines with low tannins to high tannic full bodied reds with flavors of spice and meat and/or earth
what white varietals are grown in S. Rhone?
Voignier, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Maursanne and Roussanne. although all are miminal
describe the best white wines from S. Rhone
richly textured and full bodied, high in alcohol, with low to med acidity, and subtle fruit flavors. new oak rarely used.
What is production divided between in S. Rhone?
regional and village appellations and the crus
What counts for more than Half of the entire production of appellation wines in S. RHone?
Cotes Du rhone - most of which are red
Describe characteristics of a Cote du Rhone red
med bodied but simple wines - fruity rose and whites are made here
What is the name of a number of villages within Cote du Rhone which are are entitled to call their red and in some cases white and rose by another name>
Cotes du Rhone Villages
what do producers need to follow to qualify for Cote du Rhone Villages?
more stringent minimal alcohol levels, maximum yields and a greater percentage of blend must be made from Granache, Mourvedre, and Syrah.
What is the largest of the crus in Cotes du Rhone?
Chateauneurf-du-Pape - by far- also first to have AC status
Describe the land in Chat Pape
noticeably flat - any variation in aspect can have a marked impact on how Syrah and Mourvedre perfrom . large range of soil types aspects
HOw many varietals can be used in CHat Pape?
13
What is the dominating varietal in Chat Pape?
Grenache - some wines being 100% Grenache
What are characteristics of the best wines from Chat Pape
full bodied, rich textured, concentrated spice, red fruit flavors that balance the high alcohol. there are a lot of mediocre ones that are dilute and unbalanced by high alcohol. small amount of white made
how many S. Rhone vineyards on the west bank of the Rhone are crus, what are they and what are they famous for?
2 - Tavel and Lirac - rose’s made mostly from Grenache and Cinsault.
Describe rose from Tavel and Lirac
full bodied compared with Provence rose, intesnely flavored and capability of developing greater complexity when aged in the bottle.
What type of wine can be made in Tavel?
rose only
what type of wine can be made in Lirac
rose, but also top quality red and white in teh style of Chat du Pape
Where are cru status wines in S. RHone located?
villages that lie in and around the hills to the east of CHat Pape.
what 2 crus are the longest standing in S. Rhone?
Gigondas and Vacqueyras
Describe Gigondas and Vacqueyras wines
red wines ususally Grenache led blends, full bodied, spice style similar to Chat Pape and potentially as good, but will always remain in the shadow
