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
