The Rhone Valley Flashcards
What is the climate of Northern Rhone
moderate/warm continental
What is the climate of Southern Rhone
warm mediterranean
How many cru appellations are in N.Rhone?
8
What % of all Rhone wine is produced in the Northern Rhone?
5%
What is the soil type in Northern Rhone?
Granite
What is the name of wind, especially in S.Rhone, that has a cooling affect but can also damage the vines?
Mistral
What is the name of the stones in Chateau Neuf de Pape?
Galets
What is the main grape varietals in N Rhone?
Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne, Rousanne
What are the key AC’s in N. Rhone?
Cote Rotie Condrieu St. Joseph Crozes Hermitage Hermitage Cornas
Describe Syrah from Northern Rhone
deeply coloured, high tannin, black fruit, black pepper, floral aromas, no obvious new oak.
They become more gamey as they mature
What are the modern producer trends in Northern Rhone winemaking?
Canopy management, destemming leading to riper fruit and softer tannin. More dark fruit and less pepper. Increase in new oak use.
Which appellation can co-ferment Viognier with Syrah?
Cote Rotie
What does cofermentation of Viognier and Syrah do to cote Rotie wines?
Helps stabilize colour and tannin, adds aromatic intensity and viscosity
Describe the wine style of Viognier in Cote do Rhone
low acid, high alcohol, exotic apricot, spice, rich mouth feel
What makes N.Rhone Viognier so expensive?
It was almost extinct in the 1970’s.
New oak is increasingly used.
Low in regular yields
Describe the wine style of Marsanne and Rousanne and what each contribute to a blend?
Marsanne has richness and weight and Rousanne has acidity and perfumed fruit. Can age well and develop complex honied and hazelnut aromas.