WSET 3 The Northern Rhône

Question 1

List Northern Rhone Appellations from North to South

Answer 1

Cote Rotie

Condrieu

Saint Joseph

Crozes Hermitage

Hermitage

Cornas

Question 2

Between which towns is the Northern Rhone located

Answer 2

Vienne to the North

Valence in the South

Question 3

Where are the best vineyards located?

Answer 3

On steep slopes, close to the River Rhone, facing south, often in lateral valleys. The valleys give protection from the cold northerly Mistral.

Question 4

What’s the name of the wind that blows down the Rhone valley?

Answer 4

The Mistral

Question 5

How are vines supported on the steep slopes?

Answer 5

Either by individual stakes or a teepee like structure.

Question 6

What is the climate like in Northern Rhone?

Answer 6

Moderate continental, similar to Beaujolais

Question 7

Which black grapes are permitted in Northern Rhone?

Answer 7

Only Syrah is permitted

Question 8

What is the general style of Northern Rhone reds?

Answer 8

Some variation but generally deeply coloured, med to high tannin, black fruit, with black pepper or floral aromas. New, old or no oak winemaker dependent

Question 9

Why might a winemaker add a small % of white grapes to his red wine?

Answer 9

To stabilise colour extraction or, with Viognier, to add aromatic intensity

Question 10

Which white grapes are used in Northern Rhone?

Answer 10

Viognier

Marsanne

Rousanne

Question 11

What is the style of Viognier? When is it picked and what risk must be averted by careful grape handling?

Answer 11

Full bodied, aromas of blossom and apricot with stone fruit flavours, low acid, high alcohol. Some new oak used Some off dry late harvest wines.

Picked late season to develop signature aromas Careful grape handling to avoid oily character

Question 12

Which Northern Rhone appellation only makes white wine?

Answer 12

Condrieu

Question 13

What is the character of Marsanne?

Answer 13

Adds richness and weight, often blended with Rousanne, with age develops hazelnut aromas

Question 14

What is the character of Rousanne?

Answer 14

Adds acidity and perfume, often blended with Marsanne, with age develops hazelnut aromas

Question 15

What is the style of Cote Rotie?

Answer 15

Deeply coloured, full bodied and spicy. At best floral with texture

20 % Viognier allowed, but rarely added. When added it’s unusal to include more than a small percentage.

Question 16

What is the style of Saint Joseph red and why can it differ?

Answer 16

From terraces - Full bodied

From valley floor - Lighter bodied

Question 17

How can the terrain in Hermitage differ? What is the style of the best red Hermitage?

Answer 17

Varying slope steepness and aspect creating different style and body. At best fullest bodied red of Northern Rhone and ages well Deep ruby, tannic, red berry, toast, vanilla, liquorice and spice

Question 18

Which is the highest output region of the Northern Rhone?

Answer 18

Crozes-Hermitage

Question 19

How does the terrain of Crozes-Hermitage differ? How does this influence the style of the red wines

Answer 19

North of Hermitage - Slopes = complex and tannic, best are oaked

South - Flat plains = lighter style

Question 20

What is the climate and terrain like in Cornas and how does it influence the style of wine?

Answer 20

Most southerly appellation, sun baked south facing slopes 100% Syrah only permitted - Deep colour, full body, similar to Hermitage

Question 21

Which Appellations in Northern Rhone make white wine?

Answer 21

Condrieu - only white - 100% Viognier

Saint Joseph - Marsanne and Rousanne

Hermitage - Marsanne and Rousanne

Crozes-Hermitage - Marsanne and Rousanne

Question 22

List the 4 Natural factors of wine

Answer 22

Grapes

Climate

Weather

Soil / Aspect