The Northern Rhone Flashcards
1
Q
What are the flavour profile similarities and differences of the three white grapes of the northern Rhone (Viognier, Marsanne & Roussanne)?
A
- all contribute medium lemon colour (M&R can be gold)
- All three medium to high alcohol
- both Viognier & Marsanne have honeysuckle & apricot
- Viognier is pronounced aromas/flavours incl peach
- Marsanne is light incl lemon, an oily texture, full body
- Roussanne med/medium(+) pear with herbal notes
- Viognier low acidity, M&R medium, R can be med(+)
2
Q
What positive effects can the Mistral wind have on vines in the Northern Rhône?
A
- It reduces the incidence of fungal disease as the canopy will dry out quicker in wind
- It decreases vine vigour which can reduce the potential yield: decreased yields can lead to higher concentration of flavours/aromas in the grapes (though less wine!)
3
Q
list the 7 appellations of the northern Rhone from north to south
A
- Cote Rotie
- Condrieu
- Saint-Joseph
- Crozes-Hermitage
- Hermitage
- Cornas
- Saint Péray
4
Q
climate of the northern Rhone
A
- moderate continental with cold winters, warm summers
- adequate rain falls mainly in autumn/winter
- cold Mistral blows from North
- most south 40 miles from north, so can ripen better
- better vineyards on steep slopes to increase interception of sunlight and promote better drainage
- but most work done by hand (more cost)
5
Q
describe the growing environment of Hermitage (not Crozes-Hermitage)
A
- Hermitage is small (137h) red and white wine appellation on a south facing slope of the Rhône River, protected from cold winds (Mistral) but exposed to maximum sun.
- Vineyards, hot and dry; soils are thin and stony which leads to deep rooted vines and good drainage.
- Terracing is common and erosion is a constant issue.
- As a result of the gradient of the slope and the terracing, the work in the vineyard is labour intensive.
- There is a long growing season and a high diurnal range, (wines of pronounced flavour intensity, retained acidity, high tannins in the reds, and longevity)
6
Q
describe the growing environment of Crozes-Hermitage (not Hermitage)
A
- Crozes-Hermitage at 1700 ha is over 10 times the size; effectively surrounds Hermitage and spreads out. Also red and white appellation from the same varietals.
- However in contrast to Hermitage the terrain is flatter and more fertile with deeper soils. Yields 45hL/ha (v 40 in Herm + older vines), so much less concentrated
- Cooler - less wind-protection/ less sugar accumulates
- Further south more temperate, but it can rain heavily in late autumn and winter.
- Flat sites mechanization possible many vineyard tasks.
7
Q
compare red wine making in Hermitage with Crozes-Hermitage
A
- Red wine only Syrah
- Hermitage (& top Crozes from higher vineyards in north) traditional fermentation on skins, some stems in ripe vintages, warm ferment to extract maximum flavour/tannins, ageing in older oak for 12-18 months
- Hermitage new oak is used but vessels are more commonly medium to large in volume
- In contrast Crozes-Hermitage (esp from flatter south) tends to de-stem and ferment in (commonly) concrete/ stainless steel/ old oak to make wines for early consumption with no more than medium tannins.
- Crozes: fermentation on skins is common in wines intended to be aged. (Semi) carbonic maceration once used to accentuate the fruit, but rare today.
- Both red and white Hermitage are some of the worlds most structured examples of these varietals and the wines are destined for ageing. The wines are generally very good to outstanding in quality. Crozes wines are generally good to very good and mid-priced to premium, but some, like Jaboulet’s Domaine de Thalabert are outstanding.
8
Q
Quality of wines in Hermitage & Crozes-Hermitage
A
- Both red and white Hermitage are some of the worlds most structured examples of these varietals and the wines are destined for ageing. The wines are generally very good/ outstanding, (super) premium.
- Two major producers: Chapoutier- pioneered single vineyard wines, Jean-Louis Chave - believes in blending across the appellation.
- Croze-Hermitage wines are generally good/very good, mid-priced/premium, but some eg Jaboulet’s Domaine de Thalabert outstanding.
9
Q
flavour profile of Cote Rotie
A
- Syrah (up to 20% Viognier, often none and rarely > 8% if both used, must be co-fermented
- deep ruby
- medium to pronounced intensity
- violets,
- blackberry, plums (red cool year/sites, black in hot)
- black pepper, herbs, often smoked bacon
- medium to high acidity and tannins
- typically v good to outstanding, (super) premium
10
Q
vineyard management in Condrieu AOC
A
- small (197 ha), south of Cote Rotie on north end of n Rhone, where river turns s-w, so vineyards often s-facing, enhancing ripening
- 100% Viognier, max yield 41hL/ha to ensure intensity
- vines on trellises/ poles to prevent wind damage, on steep, low fertile, rocky slopes, often terraced (erosion)
- poor flowering and fruit set (coulure) unpredictable yield
- picking time crucial: full ripeness needed for pronounced aromas, but rapidly lose flavour/acidity, gain sugar, resulting in unbalanced, insipid wines
11
Q
which AOC is surrounded by Condrieu AOC?
A
- 3.5ha Ch Grillet AOC
- created the reputation of Viognier as one of France’s great wines from 1830s onwards, before it came back into fashion in 1980s
12
Q
one slide on Saint-Joseph AOC
A
- runs 30 mile Condrieu to Cornas, nearly length of n Rhone, named after lieu-dit Saint-Joseph at s end
- extended in ‘94 to incl slopes not on hillsides, but debate whether to limit it to hillsides only (better)
- Jean-Louis Chave based, done much to raise prestige
- 90% red, max 40hL/ha (some Marsanne & Roussanne allowed in red, rarely happens). Steel/ old oak ferment, mature in large wood/ barrels, occasionally barriques
- good, mid-priced to v good/outstanding at (super)premium prices (Dom Gonon also based here)
13
Q
one slide on white Crozes-Hermitage AOC
A
- 9% production
- Marsanne (more planted) and Roussanne
- top examples aged in old wood, occasionally proportion new
- mainly good to v good, mid-priced to premium, some outstanding
- med lemon (sometimes gold), med intensity honeysuckle, lemon, apricot, pear, herbal notes, med acidity, med to high alcohol, full bodied, slightly oily texture
14
Q
one slide on Cornas
A
- most southerly, warmest, a natural s & e facing amphitheatre (Cornas means “burnt land”), sheltered from wind, temps moderated by Rhone, 350m slopes, poor granitic soils, excellent aspect - often first picked
- small 145 ha
- only red, 100% Syrah, max yield 40hL/ha
- reputation for tannic intensity
- top producers Alain Voge, Auguste Clape, Verset
15
Q
one slide on Saint-Péray AOC
A
- most southerly northern Rhone region
- slightly cooler than neighbouring Cornas
- white wines from Marsanne (mainly) and Roussanne
- max yield 45hL/ha
- fermented in steel or oak, aged in same or large old oak
- high quality lees aged 10-12mths, sometimes stirring for extra body
- good to v good, mid to premium priced
