The Northern Rhone - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards
What is the climate of the Northern Rhône?
Moderate continental, with warm summers and cool winters, influenced by the Mistral winds.
What is the primary red grape variety in the Northern Rhône?
Syrah.
What are the key white grape varieties in the Northern Rhône?
Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne.
What is the significance of the Mistral winds in the Northern Rhône?
They cool the vineyards, reduce humidity, and help prevent disease.
What is the northernmost appellation in the Northern Rhône?
Côte Rôtie.
What is unique about the Côte Rôtie appellation?
Red wines are made primarily from Syrah, with up to 20% Viognier allowed.
What are the characteristics of Côte Rôtie wines?
Deeply colored, full-bodied, with floral and aromatic complexity.
What is the grape in Condrieu?
Viognier.
What is Château-Grillet?
A single-property appellation within Condrieu, producing high-quality Viognier wines.
What is the largest appellation in the Northern Rhône by production volume?
Crozes-Hermitage.
What are the main soil types in Crozes-Hermitage?
Mixed soils, with slopes to the north and flat plains to the south.
What is the key feature of Hermitage vineyards?
A steep, south-facing slope divided into lieux-dits (named sites).
What are the characteristics of Hermitage red wines?
Full-bodied, concentrated, and capable of long aging.
What makes Cornas unique among Northern Rhône appellations?
It must be made from 100% Syrah.
How do Cornas wines compare to Hermitage?
Similar in quality and style, deeply colored and full-bodied.
What is the typical style of wines from Saint-Joseph?
Lighter and more approachable reds, with some whites made from Marsanne and Roussanne.
How does the terrain affect Saint-Joseph wines?
Steeper slopes produce more concentrated wines, while flat plains yield lighter styles.
What is the primary soil type in Côte Rôtie?
Schist and granite.
What are the characteristics of Viognier in Condrieu?
Full-bodied, aromatic, with flavors of blossom, apricot, and stone fruits.
Why are steep slopes important in the Northern Rhône?
They provide excellent drainage and maximize sun exposure.
How does Marsanne contribute to Northern Rhône white wines?
Adds richness and weight.
How does Roussanne complement Marsanne in blends?
Contributes acidity and a perfumed fruit character.
What are the characteristics of Côte Rôtie wines with added Viognier?
Enhanced aromatics and a silkier texture.
What is the southernmost red wine appellation in the Northern Rhône?
Cornas.
What distinguishes Cornas from other Syrah-based wines in the region?
It is the warmest and produces intensely ripe, powerful wines.
What is the significance of lieux-dits in Hermitage?
Specific vineyard sites known for their unique terroir, contributing to blends or single-vineyard wines.
How do producers manage erosion on the steep slopes of the Northern Rhône?
Use of terraces.
What distinguishes wines from Crozes-Hermitage?
They range widely in style and quality, influenced by vineyard location and soils.
How is Syrah typically fermented in the Northern Rhône?
Often in open-top fermenters, with some producers using whole-bunch fermentation.
What is a common aging method for Northern Rhône red wines?
Aged in oak barrels, with a mix of old and new oak depending on the producer.
How do Hermitage whites age?
They develop complex nutty and honeyed flavors over time.
What are the characteristics of Saint-Joseph whites?
Light to medium-bodied with flavors of stone fruits and citrus.
What is the primary challenge of growing grapes on steep Northern Rhône slopes?
High labor costs and difficulty in mechanization.
What is a defining feature of Cornas vineyards?
Sheltered, sun-baked slopes in lateral valleys.
What is the aging potential of Hermitage reds?
Decades, with evolving flavors of leather, earth, and dried fruit.
How does Saint-Joseph compare to Hermitage in style?
Saint-Joseph wines are generally lighter and less concentrated.
What are the typical aromas of Syrah from the Northern Rhône?
Black fruit, black pepper, and floral notes.
Why are Northern Rhône wines often more structured than those from the South?
Cooler climate and use of Syrah as the sole red grape.
What is the texture of Condrieu Viognier wines?
Full-bodied with a creamy texture.
What makes Northern Rhône wines unique in the global wine market?
Their expression of terroir, steep vineyard sites, and use of Syrah and aromatic white varieties.
What is the traditional vine training system used in the Northern Rhône?
Individual stakes or wires are used to support vines on steep slopes, often employing a goblet training system.
Why is Viognier sometimes co-fermented with Syrah in Côte Rôtie?
To stabilize the color of the wine and enhance its aromatic complexity.
How many major appellations are there in the Northern Rhône?
Eight: Côte Rôtie, Condrieu, Château-Grillet, Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Cornas, and Saint-Péray.
Which Northern Rhône appellation produces exclusively white wine?
Condrieu and Château-Grillet, both made from Viognier.
What are Marsanne and Roussanne used for in Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage?
They are blended to make white wines or added in small amounts to Syrah to enhance aromatics and texture (max 15%).
What is the relationship between Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage?
Hermitage produces more prestigious and concentrated wines, while Crozes-Hermitage offers a wider range of styles, often lighter.
What is the typical profile of Marsanne-Roussanne blends from Hermitage?
Medium to full-bodied with flavors of nuts, honey, and citrus, capable of aging into more complex aromas.
How does oak aging influence Northern Rhône Syrah?
Adds structure, complexity, and flavors like vanilla, spice, and smoke.
Why are Northern Rhône vineyards often hand-harvested?
The steep slopes make mechanization impractical.
Why are Hermitage wines considered some of the finest in the Northern Rhône?
They are produced from low-yielding vines on steep, south-facing slopes, resulting in full-bodied, complex wines with excellent aging potential.
