The Rhone Flashcards
Name some of the best recent vintages of the Rhone.
1989 1990*** 2000 2001 2009 2010*** 2015 2016
Describe the basic geographical layout of the Rhone Valley.
It is centered along the Rhone river, divided into two very different regions - the smaller Northern Rhone and the larger Southern Rhone.
Describe the basic geography of the Northern Rhone.
Location, climate, geographical landmarks, and soil
It extends for 50 miles from Cote-Rotie to St-Peray, with vineyards on terraced, steep slopes overlooking the Rhone River.
The climate is continental, with cold, wet winters and hot summers. The late springs and early falls make southern vineyard orientation crucial.
The soil is granite and slate, and erosion is a real threat mitigated only by terracing and manmade stone walls.
How many appellations are in the Northern Rhone?
Name them from North to South.
8
Cote-Rotie Condrieu Chateau-Grillet St.-Joseph Hermitage Crozes-Hermitage Cornas St-Peray
What kind of wine is made in the Northern Rhone?
All red wine is made from Syrah.
White wines are either Viognier or Marsanne/Rousanne blends.
No Rose is made in the Northern Rhone
Which regions of the Northern Rhone make only white wine? What are the grapes?
Condrieu and Chateau-Grillet - 100% Viognier
What is one traditional winemaking method still used in the Northern Rhone?
Stem inclusion during fermentation
What are the slopes of Cote-Rotie and how do they differ?
Cote Brune - more tannic and powerful
Cote Blonde - more elegant
What is significant about the wines of Cote-Rotie and Hermitage?
They are the only TOP French red wines that can have white grapes blended in.
***(up to 20% viognier permitted in Cote-Rotie, though less than 5% is usually used)
***(up to 15% marsanne/rousanne permitted in Hermitage, but few producers add them at all)
Name two of the four well known firms of Cote-Rotie
- Guigal
- Paul Jaboulet Aine
- M. Chapoutier
- Delas Freres
Name 2 reds and 2 whites from the Northern Rhone
Red
- Rene Rostaing (Cote-Rotie) 100% Syrah
- Paul Jaboulet Aine “La Chapelle” (Hermitage) 100% Syrah
- Alain Graillot “La Guiraude” (Crozes-Hermitage) 100% Syrah
White
- M. Chapoutier “l’Ermite” (Hermitage) 100% Marsanne
- Yves Cuilleron “Les Chaillets” (Condrieu) 100% Viognier
Describe the basic geography of the Southern Rhone.
Location, climate, geographical landmarks, and soil
Separated from the Northern Rhone by about 60 miles, it varies greatly from the North. The vineyards are spread out over 20 miles from the riverbed over gentle hills.
The Climate is sunny, dry, and hot, tempered by the cold winds of Le Mistral.
Much of the soil is large riverbed rocks (especially CDP), elsewhere it is clay, sandy limestone, and gravel.
How many varietals are allowed in Chateauneuf-du-Pape? (BONUS) What are they?
13 (14 if grenache blanc is counted separately from grenache)
Grenache Syrah Mourvedre Cinsaut Muscardin Counoise Vaccarese Terret Noir Grenache Blanc*** Clairette Bourboulenc Roussanne Picpoul Picardan
What are the 7 most important appellations of the Rhone Valley?
Chateauneuf-du-Pape Gigondas Vacqueyras Rasteau Tavel Cotes-du-Rhone / Cotes-du-Rhone Villages Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise
Which Appellation of the Rhone Valley makes only rose?
Tavel
Which Appellation of the Rhone Valley makes only fortified and sweet wines?
Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise
Do they make rose in CDP?
No, it is not allowed.
Do they make rose in Gigondas?
Yes - 1% of wine made there is rose. The rest is red.
Is new oak used in CDP? Why or why not?
Almost never - grenache is susceptible to oxidation, and is usually vinified in large cement tanks.
What are the two most important factors of CDP winemaking?
- The lowest yields allowed in France (half of Bordeaux)
2. Absence of new oak
What is significant about Vacqueyras reds?
They have a significantly higher percentage of syrah
What is significant about Chateau de Beaucastel’s CDP?
It uses all 13 (14) allowed varietals
Name a famous white wine from the Southern Rhone. What is it made from?
Chateau de Beaucastel “Vielles Vignes” (Chateauneuf-du-Pape) 100% Roussanne
Name 3 famous Southern Rhone producers from different regions
- Chateau de Beaucastel (CDP)
- Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe
- Domaine de Saint Cosme (Gigondas)
- Domaine le Sang des Cailloux (Vacqueyras)
What three La-La vineyard bottlings does Guigal produce? Which is 100% Syrah?
La Landonne (100% Syrah) La Turque (93% Syrah & 7% Viognier) La Mouline (89% Syrah & 11% Viognier)
What are the grape requirements for Hermitage AOP?
Minimum 85% syrah, up to 15% marsanne/rousanne.
Few producers add marsanne roussanne at all
What are the grape requirements for Cote-Rotie AOP?
Minimum 80% syrah, up to 20% viognier
Most producers use less than 5% viognier
What is the minimum potential alcohol for Châteauneuf reds that is the highest in France for dry AOP wines?
12.5%
How does the climate of the Northern Rhone differ from that of the Southern Rhone in regards to temperature, rainfall, and annual sunlight hours?
Norther Rhone
- Continental Climate
- More rainfall
- Bigger seasonal temperature swings
Southern Rhone
- Mediterranean Climate
- More sunshine
