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