The Northern Rhone

Question 1

What are the latitude & climate of the Northern Rhône?

Answer 1

Between 45.3°N & 45°N (between Vienne & Valence)
The Climate is moderate continental

Question 2

Beside latitude and climate, what other factors influence grape growing in the northern Rhône?

Answer 2

The valley is narrow and provide steep south-facing slopes overlooking the river and protecting against the Mistral (cold north wind)
Vines are supported by stakes or tepee-like arrangement of stakes.

Question 3

What are the key grapes of the Northern Rhône?

Answer 3

Syrah of high reputation
Viognier in small quantities of premium wines.

Question 4

The northern Rhône is the coolest limit where Syrah can grow successfully. Consequently, what are the most prized sites for it?

Answer 4

Steep south-facing slopes

Question 5

What are some winemaking techniques options for producers of Syrah in the northern Rhône?

Answer 5

-(Rare) use of co-fermentation of Syrah with small quantities white grapes (Viognier) for color extraction of Syrah and extra aromatic intensity.
-Many oak treatment options (stylistic decision of the winemaker)

Question 6

What is quite unique of the northern Rhône in the winemaking of an aromatic grape variety such as Viognier?

Answer 6

The use of oak (including new oak)

Question 7

What other 2 (less aromatic) white grapes are produced to make white wines in the northern Rhône and why are they blended together?

Answer 7

-Marsanne (for richness and weight)
-Roussanne (for acidity & fruity perfume)
The resulting wines are age-worthy and develop complex hazelnut aromas.

Question 8

What Syrah based AOC located near Ampuis may include a small percentage of Viognier to make full-bodied spicy aromatic wines with textural elegance?

Answer 8

Côte-Rôtie: literally: “Roasted Slope” in reference to its steep sunny southern exposure.

Question 9

Name 2 Viognier-based AOC in the Northern Rhône

Answer 9

Condrieu
Château-Grillet

Question 10

What AOC spanning from Tournon to Condrieu is responsible Syrah-based wines (from light to concentrated versions) with peppery perfume and some whites from Marsanne & Roussanne.

Answer 10

Saint-Joseph

Question 11

What is the difference between Hermitage and Croze-Hermitage red wines?

Answer 11

-Hermitage: Small AOC on a steep south-facing slope behind the town of Tain. The wines are the most Full-bodied in the region
-Croze-Hermitage: Largest AOC in volume. Grown on mixed terrain including flat plains. Different levels of quality exist.

Question 12

Which 100 percent Syrah-based AOC located in the southern most part of the Northern-Rhône is the warmest.

Answer 12

Cornas. Producing deep colored, full-bodied wines in a style similar to Hermitage.