The Rhone Flashcards
How many grapes are allowed for use in the Rhone Valley
23
What does Carignan add to a blend?
earthy notes
What is Cinsaut prized for?
cherry and cranberry notes
Name some white grapes of S Rhone
Picpoul
Bourboulenc
Clairette
Grenache Blanc
Roussane
Marsanne
Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains
Main white grape of N Rhone
Marsanne
Many vines in the N Rhone are least __ years old
40
Many wineries in N rhone practice _____-______ fermentation
whole cluster
The two famous slopes of Cote Rotie
Cote Brune and Cote Blonde
Where are the slopes Cote Brune and Cote Blonde found?
Cote-Rotie
What is Viognier like?
exotically aromatic & richly oily texture.
This AOC is across the river from Hermitage
St.-Joseph
Origin of the “Hermitage” name
Named after a 13th century crusade veteran / hermit who the Queen granted the right to establish a sanctuary on top of the hill
Why are red wines in S Rhone typically blends, and not based on Syrah?
Syrah doesn’t deal with the heat & dryness as well in S Rhone. Loses intensity. Other grapes are available that do better in this climate – but they rarely possess enough character on their own to make great wine. Thus, blends
two types of wine found in the south, but not the north
Fortified sweet wine & rose
France’s first AOC
Chateauneuf-Du-Pape
When did Chateaneuf-du-Pape gain AOC status?
1936
Breakdown of GSM
Grenache - Syrah - Mourvedre
Grenache ripens until it tastes like homemade chery preserves
Syrah to add spice, body, color
Mourvedre to add tannins (structure)1
t/f: grenache is typically not handled with oak
true
Why does grenache not typically see oak? What vessel is used for Grenache?
Grenache is very prone to oxidation. usually vinified in concrete tanks
t/f: not much new oak is used in S Rhone
true
What is a “foudre”
generic french term for large wooden vat
This AOC covers a series of hills right below Dentelles de Montmirail
Gigondas
Does Gigondas produce a white wine?
no
Difference in grape constitution of blend Gigondas vs Vacqueryas
Vacqueyras generally has significantly more Syrah
t/f: it is illegal (with the exception of Champagne) to blend red and white wine together
true
