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WSET Level 3 > The Northern Rhone > Flashcards

The Northern Rhone Flashcards

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1
Q

Describe the location of many of the premium vineyards in the Northern Rhone.

A

Situated on steep slopes next to the River Rhone between Vienne in the north and Valence in the south.

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2
Q

Where are the best vineyards in the Northern Rhone situated?

A

Close to the river on steep slopes with a south facing aspect.

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3
Q

What is the name of the cold north wind and how do growers protect themselves from it?

A

Mistrial. Vineyards are planted in lateral valleys that feed into the Rhone.

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4
Q

How are the vines on the steep slopes supported?

A

Individual stake or teepee-like arrangement of steaks.

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5
Q

What is the climate of the Northern Rhone?

A

Moderated Continental, but noticeably cooler than the Southern Rhone.

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6
Q

What type of wine is most closely associated with the Northern Rhone?

A

Powerful reds made from Syrah.

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7
Q

What white wine is associated with the Northern Rhone?

A

Viognier.

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8
Q

How many black varieties are permitted in the Northern Rhone?

A

Only Syrah. Where it is at the northern limit of where it can ripen successfully.

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9
Q

What do the best Syrah sites have in common?

A

Steep slopes and southern exposure.

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10
Q

What are the characteristics of Syrah?

A

Deeply colored, medium to high levels of tannin, and sometimes black pepper or floral aromas.

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11
Q

Why would Viognier be added to Syrah?

A

Staballize the color extraction; add aromatic intensity. it is done less frequently today.

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12
Q

How is oak used in fermenting Syrah?

A

Winemakers discretion. Some use new oak for their best wines; others use older oak or larger barrels.

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13
Q

What are the characteristics of Viognier?

A

Full-bodied white with perfumed aromas of blossom and apricots; flavors of stone fruits. Low acidity and high alcohol.

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14
Q

When does Viognier develop its signature aromas?

A

Very late in the season when they have reached a very high level of sugar ripeness.

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15
Q

What can happen to Viognier if the grapes are not handled carefully in the winery?

A

They can develop an overtly oily character that can overwhelm the varietal aromas (as can the use of too much new oak).

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16
Q

Name two other whites grown in the Northern Rhone?

A

Marsanne and Roussanne.

17
Q

Marsanne and Roussanne are usually blended together. Why?

A

Marsanne has richness and weight while Roussanne offers acidity and perfumed fruit. They do not have the aromatic intensity of Viognier but can develop hazelnut aromas when aged.

18
Q

What are the two largest wine regions in the Northern Rhone?

A

Saint Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage.

19
Q

What is the most northern appellation of the Rhone Valley?

A

Cote Rotie. Centered around the town of Ampuis.

20
Q

What is the translation of Cote Rotie?

A

roasted slope

21
Q

Describe a Cote Rotie wine?

A

Deeply-colored, full bodied, spicy; the best have an aromatic, floral freshness and textural elegance that distinguishes them from Hermitage.

22
Q

Can red and whites be produced in Cote Rotie?

A

No. Only reds. Although up to 20% Viognier can be added.

23
Q

Condrieu makes wines from what grape?

A

Viognier.

24
Q

What is Chateau-Grillet?

A

A single property appellation within Condrieu that produces wines similar in style.

25
Q

Where is the appellation of Saint-Joseph located?

A

Western bank of the Rhone from Condrieu in the north to Tournon in the south.

26
Q

What grape varieties are used in the wines from Saint-Joseph?

A

The vast majority are reds from Syrah, with some whites from Marsanne and Roussanne.

27
Q

Where do the best wines from Saint-Joseph come from?

A

Terraced vineyards near Tournon, with a flavor intensity and structure similar to Hermitage

28
Q

Describe the wines made from the more fertile, flatter sites on the valley floor and the plateau above the slopes?

A

Relatively light bodied wines often using carbonic maceration expressing a pepper aroma.

29
Q

What appellation has the reputation of being the fullest bodied of the Northern Rhone reds?

A

Hermitage.

30
Q

What is the name given the sites in Hermitage that are not part of the appellation system?

A

lieux-dits. They add a subtly different style and body.

31
Q

As in Cote Rotie, may white wines be blended with a red in Hermitage?

A

Yes, although it it rarely done today, up to 15% of Roussanne and Marsanne may be added to the fermentation.

32
Q

Marsanne and Roussanne account for what % of Hermitages total production?

A

20%

33
Q

What Northern Rhone appellation has the highest volume of production?

A

Crozes-Hermitage.

34
Q

The vineyards of Crozes-Hermitage lie both north and south of Hermitage. What is the difference in the vineyards and the style of wines produced from each?

A

North of Hermitage the vineyards are on slopes producing concentrated, complex and tannic wines. Vineyards to the south lie on a flat plane and make lighter wines from the higher yielding sites.

35
Q

Cote Rotie allows up to 15% of Roussanne or Marsanne to be blended with their reds? Does Corzes-Hermitage allow a white wine to be added to its reds?

A

Yes. Up to 15% of Roussanne or Marsanne.

36
Q

Of the following appellations, name the two with the best reputation for their wines? Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage, and Cote Rotie.

A

Hermitage and Cote Rotie.

37
Q

Name the most southernly red wine crus in the Northern Rhone.

A

Cornas. Warmest cru. Vineyards on the sheltered, well exposed sun-baked south facing slopes of the many lateral valleys.

38
Q

Does Cornas allow a white wine to be blended with their red?

A

No. 100% Syrah.

39
Q

Describe the style of a Cornas Syrah.

A

Deeply colored, full bodied, in a style and quality similar to Hermitage,

WSET Level 3 (28 decks)

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