WSET4- Rhône ( Northern Rhône) Flashcards
What is the climate in the Northern Rhône?
Moderate continental with warm summers and cold winters
How much rain does the Northern Rhône receive? When does it typically fall?
Enough for viticulture
Mostly in the autumn and winter
Are there any warming or cooling influences on the Northern Rhône? What effect does it have on viticulture?
The Mistral, a cooling wind from the north, sweeps through the valley. It reduces fungal disease, vigor, and yields, and also slows ripening. As a result, the grapes are more concentrated
What is the distance between the most northerly and southerly parts of the Northern Rhône?
40 miles, which leads to grapes in the southern area to ripening more reliably
What type of terrain are the better Northern Rhône vineyards planted on? How does this affect viticulture?
Steep slopes, which provide the vines with better sunlight interception and drainage. Because of the inclination, vines must be managed and harvested by hand
What are the appellations of the Northern Rhône from north to south?
Côte-Rotie Condrieu Saint-Joseph Crozes-Hermitage Hermitage Cornas Saint-Peray
What types of wine are produced in Côte-Rotie AOC?
Still red wines only. The rules dictate 80% (min) Syrah and 20% (max) Viognier, though it is often 100% Syrah or no more than 8% Viognier
What type of terrain are the vineyards of Côte Rotie planted on?
Steep slopes, often terraced, facing east and southeast
How does the terroir of Côte Rotie affect the microclimate there?
The steep slopes with east and southeast exposure increase sunlight interception and heat. The vineyards are also protected from the Mistral by the northern hillsides. With rapid drainage and poor soils, the grapes are able to ripen fully.
What are the negative effects of the steep slopes of Côte Rotie?
Erosion is a major concern
Vines must be tended by hand
How are vines trained in Côte Rotie?
Single or double Guyot.
They are tied to one or two poles called échalas.
True or False
The terraced vineyards of Côte Rotie have been unchanged and unrepaired over the past century.
False. The terraces of Côte Rotie require regular repair
What happened to Côte Rotie AOC in the 1970s?
Many people left due to the hard work involved in maintaining vineyards. The appellation shrank to 70 ha under vine
Who was responsible for reviving the Côte Rotie appellation? How did it become popular?
Etienne and Marcel Guigal, who planted and produced wine from single vineyards (the first were La Mouline and La Landonne).
Robert Parker gave these wines high scores.
What is the current vineyard area in Côte Rotie?
250 ha
What is the typical quality and pricing of Côte Rotie wines?
Very good to outstanding
Premium to super premium
What is the most planted variety in Côte Rotie?
Syrah
What is the most commonly used rootstock in the Côte Rotie? Why?
3309
It is believed to be relatively productive and the vines produce grapes with good depth of color
What is the typical planting density in Côte Rotie? Why?
10,000 vines/ha. This increases competition between the vines, reduces yields, and concentrates the fruit
What is the maximum yield permitted in Côte Rotie?
40 hl/ha
True or False
In Côte Rotie, Viognier must be cofermented with Syrah if it is included in the wine.
True
What is the emphasis in winemaking in Côte Rotie? How does this affect the wine’s production?
The emphasis is on aromatic potential
Grapes are destemmed before pressing, cold soaked, and fermentation is done at warm temperatures
A portion of the stems may be included during fermentation
What does Viognier add to the wines of Côte Rotie?
Floral, fruity aromas
Do winemakers in Côte Rotie rely on cultured or ambient yeasts? Why?
Ambient (“Natural” per source material). These are believed to provide a greater expression of terroir
Is malolactic conversion permitted in Côte Rotie wines?
Yes. It typically takes place in cask
How are the wines of Côte Rotie matured? Why?
In small, 225L Barriques. Guigal’s single vineyard wines started this model in Côte Rotie.
Larger oak vessels, such as 500-600L demi-muids, are favored for less obvious oak notes in wines to be consumed young
How does the style of Côte Rote wines compare to the wines of other Northern Rhône appelations?
The wines have pronounced aromas and are typically softer and less full bodied than the others, especially Hermitage and Cornas.
Where is Condrieu located?
Just south of Côte Rotie in the northern part of the Northern Rhône area.
What types of wines are made in Condrieu?
White wines made from 100% Viognier
What is the maximum yield permitted in Condrieu? Why?
41 hl/ha to ensure good flavor intensity
What aspect do the vineyards of Condrieu typically have? Why?
A southern exposure, due to the Rhône river’s turn to the southwest in this area
What type of soil are the vineyards of Condrieu planted on? What challenges exist for winemakers?
Steep, low fertility slopes with rocky soils that are often terraced
Soil erosion and wind are a major problem
How large is the Condrieu appellation?
197 ha
True or False
There are two single-estate AOCs in Condrieu
False.
Ch. Grillet AOC is the only single estate appellation in Condrieu. It covers 3.5 ha. The estate has been active since at least the 1830s.
How is Condrieu typically fermented?
In stainless steel or large wooden vessels, though some may choose more expensive small wooden vessels to enhance texture and flavor
Is malolactic conversion typically allowed in Condrieu AOC?
Usually yes, though producers may decide not to depending on the vintage
Do Condrieu wines experience batonnage?
The wines are typically on the lees for 10-12 months, during which the lees are often stirred
What is the typical quality and pricing of Condrieu wines?
Very good to outstanding
Premium to super premium
Where is Saint-Joseph AOC located?
It runs 30 miles through the center of the Northern Rhône, north of Cornas.
Where is the heart of the Saint-Joseph appellation?
The lieu-dit named Saint-Joseph, located in the sothern part of the appellation across the Rhône from Tain l’Hermitage
What happened in 1994 to the Saint-Joseph AOC? Are there any effects of the event today?
The borders were extended to include vineyard area that is not located on hillsides and produce lower quality wine. Confidence in Saint-Joseph has grown, so there is discussion on whether to reduce the boundaries exclusively to hillsides.
Which two producers have worked to elevate the status of Saint-Joseph?
Jean Louis Chave and Domaine Gonon
What types of wines are made in Saint-Joseph?
Dry, still red and white wines, though red production is 90%
Red wines must be at least 90% Syrah with 10% of Marsanne and/or Roussane permitted, though the use of white grapes is rare
White wines may be made with any amount of Marsanne and/or Roussane
What fermentation vessels are used in the production of red Saint-Joseph wine?
Stainless steel and large wooden tanks
How are the wines of Saint-Joseph typically matured?
Larger wood tanks, large barrels, and occasionally barriques
What are the quality and pricing of Saint-Joseph wines?
Good to outstanding
Mid-priced to premium
Where is Hermitage AOC located?
Above the village of Tain l-Hermitage in the southern part of the Northern Rhône. It is on the western side of the Rhône River
How long has winemaking existed in the Hermitage AOC?
Since the Greco-Roman era
How did Hermitage receive its name?
The 12th century crusader Gaspard de Stérimberg lived in seclusion there at the end of his military career
How large is the Hermitage appellation?
137 ha, nearly all of which is planted
What types of wine are made in Hermitage?
Dry, still red and white wines. White wines are 1/3rd of production
Red wines are 100% Syrah
White wines are typically a majority of Marsanne with some Roussanne, or 100% Marsanne
In which direction does the appellation face? How does this affect the climate there?
It faces south, receiving high levels of sunlight and receiving protection from the Mistral from the hilltop
Where are the most famous climats in Hermitage located? What makes them special?
They are in the western part of the appellation. This area is typically the warmest
What type of flavor intensity do wines from Hermitage have? Why?
Pronounced intensity as a result of the hot, dry vineyards and thin, stony soils
How are the vineyards of Hermitage maintained and harvested?
By hand, due to the inclination of the slopes
What are the maximum permitted yields in Hermitage AOC?
40 hl/ha red
45 hl/ha white
These are rarely achieved. Many producers also use old vines which provide naturally low yields and highly concentrated fruit
Is white wine or red wine the traditional style of Hermitage?
Red wine
What do winemakers do in ripe vintages to balance their wines?
Include a proportion of stems during fermentation
What fermentation temperatures are used in Hermitage? Why?
Warm temperatures to maximize extraction of flavors and tannins
How are the red wines of Hermitage matured?
Used, medium to large sized oak barrels are common. A proportion of new oak is common but not always used.
12-18 months is the typical aging range.
How is the fermentation for white Hermitage wines carried out?
In old wood vats, new or old oak barrels, or stainless steel
How are the white wines of Hermitage matured?
Depending on the style sought, it could be stainless steel or oak with a small proportion of it being new
10-12 months of maturation on the lees is typical
How do the white wines of Hermitage develop after long periods of bottle aging?
The best can develop rich, creamy, and nutty flavors with outstanding complexity
What is Vin de Paille?
A sweet wine made in Hermitage AOC by drying white grapes off of the vine. It is rare and only made in very ripe years
Who are the primary holders of vineyard area in Hermitage AOC?
Chapoutier (négociant)
Jaboulet (négociant)
Cave de Tain (cooperative)
Jean-Louis Chave (estate)
How much vineyard area in Hermitage is controlled by the cooperative Cave de Tain?
15%
Which producer in Hermitage AOC is a long-standing believer in blending across appellation? Which producer believes in the value of single vineyard productions?
J.L. Chave is an advocate for blending
Chapoutier has pioneered an approach to single vineyard/parcel production
What is the quality and pricing of both red and white wines from Hermitage?
Very good to outstanding
Super premium
How big is Crozes-Hermitage compared to the other Northern Rhône appellations?
It is the largest with 1,700 ha in its boundaries
Where is Crozes-Hermitage located?
Surrounding the town of Tain l’Hermitage on the east bank of the Rhône River
What is the climate in Crozes-Hermitage?
In the northern part, it is continental with alpine influences. Winters can be extremely cold with heavy effects from the Mistral
The southern part is more temperate and can experience heavy rainfall in the autumn
When was the Crozes-Hermitage AOC created? How did it develop?
It was created in 1937 and extended in 1956 in the same way Saint-Joseph AOC was
What is the difference in the terrain between the northern and southern parts of the Crozes-Hermitage AOC?
The area north of Tain is comprised of relatively steep slopes
The area to the south is flatter and was formerly orchards and farmsteads
What is the character of the grapes grown in the northern part of Crozes-Hermitage?
Moderate sugar and fresh acidity
Are the soils in Crozes-Hermitage shallower or deeper than in Hermitage?
Deeper and more fertile, leading to less concentrated wines
What is the maximum yield in Crozes-Hermitage?
45 hl/ha
What viticultural methods are available in the southern part of Crozes-Hermitage that helps to reduce cost?
Mechanization due to the flatter land
What is the typical quality and pricing of Crozes-Hermitage Rouge?
Good to very good
Mid-priced to premium
There are a few examples of outstanding, premium priced wines
True or False
Carbonic and semi-carbonic maceration may be used for younger-drinking wines in Crozes-Hermitage
True, and though it enhances fruitiness it is rarely used today
How are grapes for red wine fermented in Crozes-Hermitage?
Destemming is widely practiced and fermentation on the skin is common in ageable wines. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel or concrete
How are the red wines of Crozes-Hermitage matured?
In the concrete or stainless steel tanks in which they are fermented, or in large oak barrels.
Are the red wines of Crozes-Hermitage made with long bottle maturation in mind?
No. The wines are generally made for early consumption and have medium tannins
What percentage of wine production in Crozes-Hermitage is white wine?
9%
What types of wines are made in Crozes-Hermitage?
Dry, still red wines made from Syrah. 15% of Marsanne and Roussanne may be added but typically are not
Dry, still white wines made from Marsanne and Roussanne
Between Marsanne and Roussanne, which is more planted in Crozes-Hermitage?
Marsanne
How are the top examples of Crozes-Hermitage Blanc matured?
In old wood, sometimes with a proportion of new oak
What is the typical quality and pricing of Crozes-Hermitage Blanc?
Good to very good with some outstanding
Mid-priced to premium
Where is Cornas situated?
On the west side of the Rhône River, south of Saint-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage, in a natural amphitheater with some steep slopes that faces south and east
What is the climate in Cornas AOC?
Warm Mediterranean
True or False
Cornas is the second red wine appellation to be harvested in the Northern Rhône
False. It is often first due to its protection from the Mistral, the warm Mediterranean climate, and its excellent aspect
What types of wine are produced in Cornas?
Dry, still red wine made entirely from Syrah
What is the maximum yield in Cornas?
45 hl/ha
What is the size of Cornas?
145 ha, most of which is planted
What is the historic style of Cornas? What has been the recent trend?
A wine with high tannic intensity.
Some producers use small barrels to smooth the wine out, but the current trend is to create robust, long lived wines
What are the significant Domaines of Cornas AOC?
Alain Voge
Vincent Paris
Auguste Clape
What is the typical quality and pricing of Cornas wines?
Very good to outstanding
Premium to super premium
Where is the Saint-Péray AOC located?
South of Cornas, touching its southern border
It is the most southerly of the Northern Rhône appellations
Is the climate cooler or warmer in Saint-Péray than in neighboring appellations?
Slightly cooler
What types of wines are made in Saint-Péray?
Dry, still white wine
Traditional method white wine, though it is rare
What types of soil can be found in Saint-Péray? What qualities does the soil have that are beneficial to grapes in the Northern Rhône?
Limestone and granitic soils are common. They retain water and permit drainage
What grapes comprise the majority of plantings in Saint-Péray?
Marsanne is the most widely planted, followed by Roussanne
What is the maximum yield permitted in Saint-Péray?
45 hl/ha
How are the wines of Saint-Péray fermented?
In stainless steel or oak barrels
How are the wines of Saint-Péray matured?
In the same vessels in which they are fermented, or in large oak vessels
High quality wines may spend 10-12 months on the lees with some producers using batonnage
What is the typical quality and pricing of Saint-Péray wines?
Good to very good
Mid-priced to premium
What is ‘Collines Rhodaniennes’?
An IGP for red, rosé, and white wines in the Northern Rhône made with grapes grown outside the AOCs. Grapes not permitted for use in the AOCs may be used and maximum yields are higher (80 hl/ha)
What is the benefit of Collines Rhodaniennes IGP?
Top Rhône producers may offer less expensive wines to improve their portfolio
What is the typical pricing of Collines Rhodaniennes wines?
Mid to premium
