The Northern Rhône Flashcards
List the Northern Rhône appellations from North to South. (1 white; 4 that can be red and white; and 1 that can be red only).
Condrieu (white)
Cote Rotie
Saint Joseph
Hermitage
Crozes Hermitage
Cornas (100% Syrah)
Where are the best vineyards located?
What is a benefit of having the vineyards in a valley?
On steep slopes, close to the River Rhône, facing south. This helps achieve sufficient ripeness (balance), as well as aspect-run-off for concentration of fruit.
The valleys give protection from the cold northerly Mistral. This can also damage vines.
What’s the name of the wind that blows down the Rhône valley?
The Mistral
What is the climate like in the Northern Rhône?
Moderate continental. (Syrah can struggle to ripen).
Which black grapes are permitted in the Northern Rhône?
Only Syrah is permitted
What is the general style of Northern Rhône reds?
Some variation but generally deeply coloured, medium to high tannin (depending on quality), black fruit, with black pepper
Why might a winemaker add a up to 20% of white grapes to a red wine of the Northern Rhône?
To stabilise colour extraction or, with Viognier, to add aromatic intensity and soften tannins.
Which white grapes are used in the Northern Rhône?
Viognier
Marsanne
Rousanne
What is the style of Viognier?
Why is it picked late?
How does this contribute to its typical style?
Full bodied, aromas of blossom and apricot with stone fruit flavours, low to medium acidity, high alcohol.
Some use new oak.
Some off dry late harvest wines.
Viognier’s aromas develop late so later harvesting can mean sugars and potential alcohol are high, and acidity is low to medium.
Which two Northern Rhône appellations makes white wine only?
Condrieu and Chateau Grillet.
What is the character of Marsanne?
Adds richness and weight, often blended with Rousanne, with age develops hazelnut aromas
What is the character of Rousanne?
Adds acidity and perfume, often blended with Marsanne, with age develops hazelnut aromas
What is the style of a typical Côte Rotie?
Deeply coloured, full bodied and spicy.
At best floral with texture
Small % Viognier often added
What is the style of Saint Joseph red and why can it differ?
On slopes to aid concentration resulting in [… (B)LIC]
Valley floor so potentially more dilute so simpler styles of wine.
Wine making ranges from more extractive With higher quality wines, to whole bunch fermentations for creating lighter body wines.
How can the terrain in Hermitage differ?
What is the style of the best red Hermitage?
Varying slope steepness and aspect creating different style and body.
At best fullest bodied red of Northern Rhone and ages well
Deep ruby, tannic, red berry, toast, vanilla, liquorice and spice
Which is the highest output region of the Northern Rhône?
Crôzes-Hermitage
How does the terrain of Crôzes-Hermitage differ?
How does this influence the style of the red wines
Slopes = complex and tannic, best are oaked
South - flat plains = lighter style
What is the climate and terrain like in Cornas and how does it influence the style of wine?
Most southerly appellation, sun baked south facing slopes
100% Syrah only permitted - Deep colour, full body, similar to Hermitage
Which Appellations in the Northern Rhône make white wine?
Condrieu - only white - 100% Viognier
Saint Joseph - Marsanne and Rousanne
Hermitage - Marsanne and Rousanne
Crozes-Hermitage - Marsanne and Rousanne
How are vines supported on the steep slopes?
Either by individual stakes or a teepee like structure.
