The Northern Rhone Flashcards
Most premium vineyards can be found in the steep south facing slopes next to the River Rhone, which communes do they sit between?
Vienne in the North and Valence in the South.
What is the name of the wind that can cause serious damage to vines?
The Mistral.
What climate is the Northern Rhone?
Similar to Beaujolais. Moderate and continental, and is noticeably cooler than the Southern Rhone.
What methods might grape growers use to protect their vines from the Mistral?
Supported by an individual stake, or organised into a tepee of stakes.
What grape variety and style do you expect from the Northern Rhone?
Syrah, powerful styles.
Syrah is the only permitted black grape variety in the Northern Rhone. What grape variety might be blended to add extra aromatics to a wine?
Viognier.
Viognier needs to be handled carefully in the winery, what can happen if grapes are not treated correctly?
The wine can develop an oily character, restricting varietal aromas. Too much oak can also overwhelm primary aromas.
What 2 white varietals are often blended in the Northern Rhone?
Marsanne and Roussanne.
Describe what style a Marsanne Roussanne blend could create. What is the role of each grape in the blend?
Less aromatic intensity than Viognier, but they can age and develop complex hazlenut aromas. Marsanne offers weight and richness, Roussanne offers acidity, and perfumed fruit characters.
There are 6 key regions in the Northern Rhone, name them from North to South.
From North to South: Cote Rotie, Condrieu, Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Cornas.
What does Cote Rotie translate to in English?
Roasted Slope. Indicating the high sun exposure of vineyard sites here. It is the most Northerly region.
Only red wines are produced in Cote Rotie, what percentage of Viognier can be added to blends?
20%. Although it is rare to use large quantities.
What characteristics do the wines have in Cote Rotie that distinguishes them from Hermitage wines?
They have a textural elegance, and an aromatic floral freshness.
Which region in the Northern Rhone produces wines solely from Viognier grapes?
Condrieu. Steep well exposed vineyard with low yielding vines produce the best wines.
What styles can you find in Saint-Joseph?
Predominantly red wines, similar style to Hermitage can be found in the South, whereas larger quantities of lighter bodied reds are found in the North using carbonic maceration. White blends of Marsanne/Roussanne also made.
