The Southern Rhone Flashcards
What is the climate of the Southern Rhone?
Mediterranean with mild winters and warm summers. Drought can be a problem.
What is the name of the wind that can cause extensive damage to vineyards?
Mistral. In the Southern Rhone there are fewer slopes to protect the vineyards from the wind.
How do trellising methods differ for Syrah and Grenache in the Southern Rhone?
Syrah is easily damaged in the wind and benefits from the support of trellising systems. Grenache is bush-trained low to the ground to protect it from the wind and to benefit from the warmth of the soil.
How does the variety of grapes going into a Southern Rhone wine differ from Northern Rhone?
Instead of being made from just one or two varieties, Southern Rhone wines are often complex blends with perhaps up to a dozen varieties.
Name four black varieties in the Southern Rhone.
Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedre and Cinsault.
Of the black varieties, which is the most widely planted?
Grenache. Warm summers allow it to fully ripen with concentrated spiced red fruit flavors. However in hot years it can become baked and jammy.
What does Syrah add to a Southern Rhone blend?
Extra color and tannin, but can struggle in the hottest sites.
What does Mouvedre contribute?
It is deeply colored and very high in tannins. It develops dense black fruit flavors as well as gamey and meaty aromas.
What role does Cinsault play?
A supporting role in blends providing red fruit flavors rather than tannin or color. It is best known as a blending partner to Grenache in the production of fresh, fruity roses.
What are two winemaking issues that must be dealt with by all Southern Rhone winemakers?
Managing high tannins and high alcohol levels to produce a balanced wine.
List some of the various techniques used by Southern Rhone winemakers in making a typical red.
Cold pre-fermentation maceration and storage in stainless steel to warm extractive fermentations in traditional open fermenters and maturation in large old oak vessels. Usually wines are made from wines that have been fermented using different techniques.
Is new oak used in the Southern Rhone?
Used by some, but may traditional winemakers feel it overwhelms the flavor of Grenache.
Describe the style of wines made in the Southern Rhone.
Vary from light to medium-bodied fresh, fruity wines with low tannins to highly tannic full bodied reds with flavors of spice, meat and/or earth.
What whites are grown in the Southern Rhone?
In addition to the Northern Rhone trio of Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne, there is Clairett, Grenache Blanc and Bourboulenc.
Characterize a premium Southern Rhone white?
Richly textured, full bodied, high in alcohol, low to medium acidity and subtle fruity aromas. New oak is rarely used.
