The Southern Rhone - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards
What is the climate of the Southern Rhône?
Mediterranean, with mild winters, warm, dry summers, and potential for drought.
What is the primary red grape variety in the Southern Rhône?
Grenache.
What role does Syrah play in Southern Rhône blends?
Adds color, tannin, and structure.
How does Mourvèdre contribute to blends in the Southern Rhône?
Adds dense black fruit flavors, tannins, and gamey, meaty aromas.
What is the typical training system for Grenache in the Southern Rhône?
Bush-trained vines to protect against the mistral winds and benefit from soil warmth.
What are galets in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
Large stones that cover the soil surface, retaining heat and aiding grape ripening.
What are the three key white grape varieties in the Southern Rhône?
Clairette, Grenache Blanc, and Bourboulenc.
What is the Côtes du Rhône appellation?
A regional appellation producing medium-bodied, fruity wines, mostly red.
What is the difference between Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages?
Villages wines must meet stricter regulations, with higher alcohol and lower yields.
How can a Côtes du Rhône Villages wine add a village name to its label?
If 100% of the grapes come from that named village.
What is the largest cru in the Southern Rhône?
Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
What is unique about Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines?
Up to 13 grape varieties are permitted in the blends.
What are the characteristics of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines?
Full-bodied, high alcohol, with concentrated spiced red fruit flavors.
What is Tavel known for?
Full-bodied, intensely flavored rosés made mainly from Grenache and Cinsault.
What is the primary wine style of Lirac?
Rosés, along with high-quality reds and whites.
How does the mistral wind affect Southern Rhône vineyards?
Reduces humidity and disease risk but can damage vines without windbreaks.
What distinguishes Gigondas wines?
Grenache-led blends similar in style to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with spicy, full-bodied characteristics.
What is the main style of wines from Vacqueyras?
Full-bodied reds, with some production of whites and rosés.
What is Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise?
A fortified sweet wine made from Muscat grapes.
How do stony soils benefit vineyards in the Southern Rhône?
Retain heat to aid ripening and improve drainage.
What is a defining feature of Southern Rhône whites?
Richly textured, full-bodied, with low to medium acidity.
What is the primary grape used for rosés in the Southern Rhône?
Grenache, often blended with Cinsault.
What distinguishes the soils of Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
A mix of galets, clay, and sandy soils, contributing to varied wine styles.
What are the characteristics of Southern Rhône Grenache wines?
Spiced red fruit flavors, high alcohol, and sometimes a jammy quality in hot vintages.
How does Cinsault contribute to blends?
Adds red fruit flavors without much tannin or color.
Why are some Syrah vines trellised in the Southern Rhône?
To provide support and reduce wind damage from the mistral.
What distinguishes Beaumes-de-Venise wines?
Known for its fortified Muscat and some Grenache-led reds.
What makes Côtes du Rhône Villages Cairanne unique?
It is one of the most prominent villages within the Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation, producing wines of higher quality.
How does Mourvèdre contribute to Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines?
Adds structure, tannins, and gamey, meaty flavors when fully ripe.
What is the typical alcohol content of Southern Rhône reds?
High, often exceeding 14% ABV.
What grape variety is primarily used in Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise?
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains.
How are Tavel rosés different from Provence rosés?
They are more full-bodied and intensely flavored, capable of aging in the bottle.
What are the key characteristics of Châteauneuf-du-Pape reds?
Full-bodied, high alcohol, with red fruit, spice, and earthy notes.
Why are drought conditions a concern in the Southern Rhône?
The Mediterranean climate provides limited rainfall, stressing vines.
What is the role of windbreaks in Southern Rhône vineyards?
Protect vines from the mistral winds, which can damage growth.
How does Clairette contribute to Southern Rhône whites?
Adds freshness and delicate floral notes.
How are rosés in the Southern Rhône typically made?
Through direct pressing or short maceration, with fermentation in inert vessels.
What are the main appellations producing fortified wines in the Southern Rhône?
Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise and Rasteau (for Vin Doux Naturel).
How does Grenache perform in the Southern Rhône climate?
Thrives in warm, dry conditions, developing spiced red fruit and high sugar levels.
What is the aging potential of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines?
High-quality examples can age for decades, developing complex tertiary flavors.
How does Bourboulenc contribute to Southern Rhône whites?
Provides acidity and freshness, complementing richer varieties.
What is the key difference between Cairanne and Gigondas wines?
Cairanne wines are often lighter and more approachable, while Gigondas wines are more robust and structured.
How does the mistral affect grape health in the Southern Rhône?
Reduces disease risk by keeping vines dry and well-ventilated.
What are the characteristics of Rasteau Vin Doux Naturel?
Fortified sweet wines with concentrated flavors of dried fruit and chocolate.
Why are Gigondas and Vacqueyras often compared to Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
They produce similarly robust, Grenache-led blends but at a lower price point.
What role does Cinsault play in Southern Rhône rosés?
Adds red fruit flavors and freshness without contributing much tannin.
Name all white grape varieties used in the Southern Rhône.
Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier.
Name all black grape varieties commonly used in the Southern Rhône.
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault.
What are common winemaking techniques for Southern Rhône reds?
Pre-fermentation maceration, fermentation in large open tanks, aging in old oak or concrete, and sometimes whole-bunch fermentation.
Where are Lirac and Tavel located?
On the west bank of the Rhône River, south of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
