Southern Rhone

Question 1

How does the terrain of the Southern Rhone compare to that of the Northern Rhone?

Answer 1

Much flatter

Question 2

Describe the climate in the Southern Rhone

Answer 2

Mediterranean; mild winters, warm dry summers

Question 3

What are two climactic problems in the Southern Rhone?

Answer 3

Drought

Northerly winds AKA mistrals

Question 4

What varietal dominates much of the red wines of the Southern Rhone?

Answer 4

Grenache

Question 5

What are two varietals that play a supporting role to Grenache in the Southern Rhone?

Answer 5

Mourvedre

Syrah

Question 6

What does Syrah bring to blends with Grenache?

Answer 6

Extra color and tannin

Question 7

What does Mourvedre bring to blends with Grenache?

Answer 7

Deeply colored, high in tannins

Question 8

What aromas does Mourvedre have when ripe?

Answer 8

Gamey, meaty, black fruit

Question 9

What does Cinsault bring to Grenache brands?

Answer 9

Red fruit notes

Question 10

What is a challenge winemakers in the Southern Rhone must manage?

Answer 10

High alcohol, high tannin wines that might be unbalanced

Question 11

Describe a wine from the Cotes du Rhones

Answer 11

Fruity rosés, medium-bodied reds, simple wines

Question 12

What is the largest of all of the crus in the Rhone Valley?

Answer 12

Chataeuneuf du Pape

Question 13

Describe the terrain of Chataeuneuf du Pape

Answer 13

Flat

Question 14

How would you describe the best iterations of Chataeuneuf du Pape?

Answer 14

Many are 100% Grenache
Full-bodied
Rich texture
Spiced red fruit
High ABV

Question 15

What are the two crus in the Rhone famous for rosé?

Answer 15

Tavel

Lirac

Question 16

How do Rhone rosés compare to Provence rosés?

Answer 16

Full-bodied
Intensely flavored
age in bottle

Question 17

What are two other Southern Rhone crus adjacent to Chataeuneuf du Pape that make similarly styled wines that don’t get the same recognition?

Answer 17

Gigondas

Vacqueyras