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WSET Level 3 in Wines - Thirsty and Wise > The Southern Rhone - WSET L3 in Wines > Flashcards

The Southern Rhone - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards

1
Q

What is the climate of the Southern Rhône?

A

Mediterranean, with mild winters, warm, dry summers, and potential for drought.

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2
Q

What is the primary red grape variety in the Southern Rhône?

A

Grenache.

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3
Q

What role does Syrah play in Southern Rhône blends?

A

Adds color, tannin, and structure.

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4
Q

How does Mourvèdre contribute to blends in the Southern Rhône?

A

Adds dense black fruit flavors, tannins, and gamey, meaty aromas.

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5
Q

What is the typical training system for Grenache in the Southern Rhône?

A

Bush-trained vines to protect against the mistral winds and benefit from soil warmth.

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6
Q

What are galets in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

A

Large stones that cover the soil surface, retaining heat and aiding grape ripening.

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7
Q

What are the three key white grape varieties in the Southern Rhône?

A

Clairette, Grenache Blanc, and Bourboulenc.

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8
Q

What is the Côtes du Rhône appellation?

A

A regional appellation producing medium-bodied, fruity wines, mostly red.

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9
Q

What is the difference between Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages?

A

Villages wines must meet stricter regulations, with higher alcohol and lower yields.

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10
Q

How can a Côtes du Rhône Villages wine add a village name to its label?

A

If 100% of the grapes come from that named village.

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11
Q

What is the largest cru in the Southern Rhône?

A

Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

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12
Q

What is unique about Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines?

A

Up to 13 grape varieties are permitted in the blends.

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13
Q

What are the characteristics of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines?

A

Full-bodied, high alcohol, with concentrated spiced red fruit flavors.

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14
Q

What is Tavel known for?

A

Full-bodied, intensely flavored rosés made mainly from Grenache and Cinsault.

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15
Q

What is the primary wine style of Lirac?

A

Rosés, along with high-quality reds and whites.

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16
Q

How does the mistral wind affect Southern Rhône vineyards?

A

Reduces humidity and disease risk but can damage vines without windbreaks.

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17
Q

What distinguishes Gigondas wines?

A

Grenache-led blends similar in style to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with spicy, full-bodied characteristics.

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18
Q

What is the main style of wines from Vacqueyras?

A

Full-bodied reds, with some production of whites and rosés.

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19
Q

What is Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise?

A

A fortified sweet wine made from Muscat grapes.

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20
Q

How do stony soils benefit vineyards in the Southern Rhône?

A

Retain heat to aid ripening and improve drainage.

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21
Q

What is a defining feature of Southern Rhône whites?

A

Richly textured, full-bodied, with low to medium acidity.

22
Q

What is the primary grape used for rosés in the Southern Rhône?

A

Grenache, often blended with Cinsault.

23
Q

What distinguishes the soils of Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

A

A mix of galets, clay, and sandy soils, contributing to varied wine styles.

24
Q

What are the characteristics of Southern Rhône Grenache wines?

A

Spiced red fruit flavors, high alcohol, and sometimes a jammy quality in hot vintages.

25
Q

How does Cinsault contribute to blends?

A

Adds red fruit flavors without much tannin or color.

26
Q

Why are some Syrah vines trellised in the Southern Rhône?

A

To provide support and reduce wind damage from the mistral.

27
Q

What distinguishes Beaumes-de-Venise wines?

A

Known for its fortified Muscat and some Grenache-led reds.

28
Q

What makes Côtes du Rhône Villages Cairanne unique?

A

It is one of the most prominent villages within the Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation, producing wines of higher quality.

29
Q

How does Mourvèdre contribute to Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines?

A

Adds structure, tannins, and gamey, meaty flavors when fully ripe.

30
Q

What is the typical alcohol content of Southern Rhône reds?

A

High, often exceeding 14% ABV.

31
Q

What grape variety is primarily used in Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise?

A

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains.

32
Q

How are Tavel rosés different from Provence rosés?

A

They are more full-bodied and intensely flavored, capable of aging in the bottle.

33
Q

What are the key characteristics of Châteauneuf-du-Pape reds?

A

Full-bodied, high alcohol, with red fruit, spice, and earthy notes.

34
Q

Why are drought conditions a concern in the Southern Rhône?

A

The Mediterranean climate provides limited rainfall, stressing vines.

35
Q

What is the role of windbreaks in Southern Rhône vineyards?

A

Protect vines from the mistral winds, which can damage growth.

36
Q

How does Clairette contribute to Southern Rhône whites?

A

Adds freshness and delicate floral notes.

37
Q

How are rosés in the Southern Rhône typically made?

A

Through direct pressing or short maceration, with fermentation in inert vessels.

38
Q

What are the main appellations producing fortified wines in the Southern Rhône?

A

Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise and Rasteau (for Vin Doux Naturel).

39
Q

How does Grenache perform in the Southern Rhône climate?

A

Thrives in warm, dry conditions, developing spiced red fruit and high sugar levels.

40
Q

What is the aging potential of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines?

A

High-quality examples can age for decades, developing complex tertiary flavors.

41
Q

How does Bourboulenc contribute to Southern Rhône whites?

A

Provides acidity and freshness, complementing richer varieties.

42
Q

What is the key difference between Cairanne and Gigondas wines?

A

Cairanne wines are often lighter and more approachable, while Gigondas wines are more robust and structured.

43
Q

How does the mistral affect grape health in the Southern Rhône?

A

Reduces disease risk by keeping vines dry and well-ventilated.

44
Q

What are the characteristics of Rasteau Vin Doux Naturel?

A

Fortified sweet wines with concentrated flavors of dried fruit and chocolate.

45
Q

Why are Gigondas and Vacqueyras often compared to Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

A

They produce similarly robust, Grenache-led blends but at a lower price point.

46
Q

What role does Cinsault play in Southern Rhône rosés?

A

Adds red fruit flavors and freshness without contributing much tannin.

47
Q

Name all white grape varieties used in the Southern Rhône.

A

Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier.

48
Q

Name all black grape varieties commonly used in the Southern Rhône.

A

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault.

49
Q

What are common winemaking techniques for Southern Rhône reds?

A

Pre-fermentation maceration, fermentation in large open tanks, aging in old oak or concrete, and sometimes whole-bunch fermentation.

50
Q

Where are Lirac and Tavel located?

A

On the west bank of the Rhône River, south of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

WSET Level 3 in Wines - Thirsty and Wise (45 decks)

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