Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

WSET Level 3 in Wines - Thirsty and Wise > The Northern Rhone - WSET L3 in Wines > Flashcards

The Northern Rhone - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards

1
Q

What is the climate of the Northern Rhône?

A

Moderate continental, with warm summers and cool winters, influenced by the Mistral winds.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the primary red grape variety in the Northern Rhône?

A

Syrah.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are the key white grape varieties in the Northern Rhône?

A

Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the significance of the Mistral winds in the Northern Rhône?

A

They cool the vineyards, reduce humidity, and help prevent disease.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the northernmost appellation in the Northern Rhône?

A

Côte Rôtie.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is unique about the Côte Rôtie appellation?

A

Red wines are made primarily from Syrah, with up to 20% Viognier allowed.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are the characteristics of Côte Rôtie wines?

A

Deeply colored, full-bodied, with floral and aromatic complexity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the grape in Condrieu?

A

Viognier.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is Château-Grillet?

A

A single-property appellation within Condrieu, producing high-quality Viognier wines.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the largest appellation in the Northern Rhône by production volume?

A

Crozes-Hermitage.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are the main soil types in Crozes-Hermitage?

A

Mixed soils, with slopes to the north and flat plains to the south.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the key feature of Hermitage vineyards?

A

A steep, south-facing slope divided into lieux-dits (named sites).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are the characteristics of Hermitage red wines?

A

Full-bodied, concentrated, and capable of long aging.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What makes Cornas unique among Northern Rhône appellations?

A

It must be made from 100% Syrah.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

How do Cornas wines compare to Hermitage?

A

Similar in quality and style, deeply colored and full-bodied.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is the typical style of wines from Saint-Joseph?

A

Lighter and more approachable reds, with some whites made from Marsanne and Roussanne.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

How does the terrain affect Saint-Joseph wines?

A

Steeper slopes produce more concentrated wines, while flat plains yield lighter styles.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is the primary soil type in Côte Rôtie?

A

Schist and granite.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What are the characteristics of Viognier in Condrieu?

A

Full-bodied, aromatic, with flavors of blossom, apricot, and stone fruits.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Why are steep slopes important in the Northern Rhône?

A

They provide excellent drainage and maximize sun exposure.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

How does Marsanne contribute to Northern Rhône white wines?

A

Adds richness and weight.

22
Q

How does Roussanne complement Marsanne in blends?

A

Contributes acidity and a perfumed fruit character.

23
Q

What are the characteristics of Côte Rôtie wines with added Viognier?

A

Enhanced aromatics and a silkier texture.

24
Q

What is the southernmost red wine appellation in the Northern Rhône?

A

Cornas.

25
Q

What distinguishes Cornas from other Syrah-based wines in the region?

A

It is the warmest and produces intensely ripe, powerful wines.

26
Q

What is the significance of lieux-dits in Hermitage?

A

Specific vineyard sites known for their unique terroir, contributing to blends or single-vineyard wines.

27
Q

How do producers manage erosion on the steep slopes of the Northern Rhône?

A

Use of terraces.

28
Q

What distinguishes wines from Crozes-Hermitage?

A

They range widely in style and quality, influenced by vineyard location and soils.

29
Q

How is Syrah typically fermented in the Northern Rhône?

A

Often in open-top fermenters, with some producers using whole-bunch fermentation.

30
Q

What is a common aging method for Northern Rhône red wines?

A

Aged in oak barrels, with a mix of old and new oak depending on the producer.

31
Q

How do Hermitage whites age?

A

They develop complex nutty and honeyed flavors over time.

32
Q

What are the characteristics of Saint-Joseph whites?

A

Light to medium-bodied with flavors of stone fruits and citrus.

33
Q

What is the primary challenge of growing grapes on steep Northern Rhône slopes?

A

High labor costs and difficulty in mechanization.

34
Q

What is a defining feature of Cornas vineyards?

A

Sheltered, sun-baked slopes in lateral valleys.

35
Q

What is the aging potential of Hermitage reds?

A

Decades, with evolving flavors of leather, earth, and dried fruit.

36
Q

How does Saint-Joseph compare to Hermitage in style?

A

Saint-Joseph wines are generally lighter and less concentrated.

37
Q

What are the typical aromas of Syrah from the Northern Rhône?

A

Black fruit, black pepper, and floral notes.

38
Q

Why are Northern Rhône wines often more structured than those from the South?

A

Cooler climate and use of Syrah as the sole red grape.

39
Q

What is the texture of Condrieu Viognier wines?

A

Full-bodied with a creamy texture.

40
Q

What makes Northern Rhône wines unique in the global wine market?

A

Their expression of terroir, steep vineyard sites, and use of Syrah and aromatic white varieties.

41
Q

What is the traditional vine training system used in the Northern Rhône?

A

Individual stakes or wires are used to support vines on steep slopes, often employing a goblet training system.

42
Q

Why is Viognier sometimes co-fermented with Syrah in Côte Rôtie?

A

To stabilize the color of the wine and enhance its aromatic complexity.

43
Q

How many major appellations are there in the Northern Rhône?

A

Eight: Côte Rôtie, Condrieu, Château-Grillet, Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Cornas, and Saint-Péray.

44
Q

Which Northern Rhône appellation produces exclusively white wine?

A

Condrieu and Château-Grillet, both made from Viognier.

45
Q

What are Marsanne and Roussanne used for in Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage?

A

They are blended to make white wines or added in small amounts to Syrah to enhance aromatics and texture (max 15%).

46
Q

What is the relationship between Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage?

A

Hermitage produces more prestigious and concentrated wines, while Crozes-Hermitage offers a wider range of styles, often lighter.

47
Q

What is the typical profile of Marsanne-Roussanne blends from Hermitage?

A

Medium to full-bodied with flavors of nuts, honey, and citrus, capable of aging into more complex aromas.

48
Q

How does oak aging influence Northern Rhône Syrah?

A

Adds structure, complexity, and flavors like vanilla, spice, and smoke.

49
Q

Why are Northern Rhône vineyards often hand-harvested?

A

The steep slopes make mechanization impractical.

50
Q

Why are Hermitage wines considered some of the finest in the Northern Rhône?

A

They are produced from low-yielding vines on steep, south-facing slopes, resulting in full-bodied, complex wines with excellent aging potential.

WSET Level 3 in Wines - Thirsty and Wise (41 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions