The Southern Rhone Flashcards
What do the best vineyard sites have in Southern Rhone?
Very stony soils that absorb the suns heat, warming the vineyard and aiding in ripening.
What is the climate in Southern Rhone?
Mediterrian with mild winters and warm dry summers – drought can be an issue
What is so important about Chateaunuf-du-Pape?
The stones and galets completely cover the surface.
What can cause damage to the vineyards in Southern Rhone?
The mistral can gain a lot of speed and damaged. There is fewer slopes to protect the vineyards so wind breaks have to be planted.
How is grenache trained in Southern rhone?
- Bush trained low to the ground to offer proection from the wind and warmth of the soil.
How is Syrah trained in Southern Rhone?
- Benefits from being supported by the trellise system. Gets damaged more by the mistral than grenache.
What variety can add red fruits and is used in Rose in southern rhone?
Cinsault
What are some common wine making techniques in Southern Rhone?
Cold pre-fermentation
storage stainless steel to warm extraction in traditional open top fermentors.
What are other white grapes used in Southern rhone?
Marsanne, Viogner, Rousanne, Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Bourboulenc.
Describe the characteristics of the best quality white wines in Southern Rhone
Richly textured, full body, high alcohol, low to mediun acid and subtle fruity flavoured.
If a wine was labeled Cotes du Rhone what shoudl you expect?
Most likely red
medium bodied, fruity and simple.
To classify your wine as a Cote du Rhone village what must your wine have?
- must be above the minimum alcohol level
- maximum yields
- greater percentage of the blend must be Syrah, mouvdre and Grenache
What was a first area in France to have appellation controlee status?
Chataunef-du-pape
How many different grapes are grown in Chataeuneuf-du-pape?
13
Describe the best wines from Chataeuneuf-du-pape.
Full bodied, richly textured, concentrated spice red fruits balanced with high alcoho.
