The Southern Rhône Flashcards
List the key appellations of Southern Rhone
Cotes du Rhone / Cotes du Rhone Villages Chateauneuf du Pape Gigondas / Vacqueras Tavel / Lirac
What is the climate of Southern Rhone and what are the risks of the climate?
Mediterranean - Mild winters, warm dry Summers Risks - drought and vine damage from Mistral winds
How is Grenache usually trained?
Bush trained to protect from Mistral and to get warmth from stony soils
The Mistral can easily damage Syrah so what do vine growers do?
Give support by trellising
What are the best soils in Southern Rhone?
Stony soils to absorb heat, some with large stones called Galets
What are the 4 key black grapes of the Southern Rhone?
Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre plus some Cinsault
What is the style of Southern Rhone Grenache At its best / worst
At best concentrated spiced red fruit BUT in V. hot years can become baked and jammy
What does Syrah bring to Southern Rhone blends?
Extra colour and tannin but struggles in hotter sites
What does Mourvèdre bring to Southern Rhone blends?
Very high tannin, dense black fruit and meaty aromas Thrives in the heat
What does Cinsault bring to Southern Rhone blends and what is it often used for?
Low tannin, red fruit flavours Often blended with Grenache to make fruity Rosé
How do fermentation styles vary in Southern Rhone?
From cold pre-fermentation maceration and storage in stainless steel to warm extractive fermentation in open top fermenters with maturation in oak vessels
How can Southern Rhone reds style vary?
From light / medium body, med tannin fresh fruity wines to high tannin, full body, spicy, meaty, earthy
What white grapes are used in Southern Rhone?
White is minority production but Bourboulenc, Clairette and Grenache Blanc plus Northern Rhone trio; Viognier, Marsanne and Rousanne
Whilst a minority interest what is the style of the best Southern Rhone white wines?
Best have rich texture, full body, high alcohol, low acidity and subtle fruit, usually no oak
How does Cotes du Rhone Villages differ from simple Cotes du Rhone?
Higher minimum alc Max yield limits Higher % GSM Generally more body, structure and spiced fruit