Southern Rhone

Question 1

Describe the climate of the Southern Rhone.

Answer 1

Mediterranean, flatter than the Northern Rhone, threat of drought, mistral wine, stony soils, large stones known as galets retain heat.

Question 2

Describe viticulture and vinification techniques in the Southern Rhone.

Answer 2

Windbreaks guard again mistral; Grenache is bush trained to absorb radiant heat from the soil, while Syrah is supported by a trellis system

Blending; all producers have to manage potentially high alcohol or tannins to produce a balance wine. Methods include, cold pre-fermentation maceration to warm extractive fermentation and use of large, old oak vessels.

Question 3

What are the key grape varieties in the Southern Rhone?

Answer 3

Grenache (high alcohol, full body, red fruit), Syrah (black fruit, tannin, pepper), Mourvedre (meaty, smoky), Cinault (red fruit)

For whites, Bourbelanc, Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Norther Rhone varietals

Question 4

How many grape varieties are permitted in Chateauneuf-du-Pape?

Answer 4

13 (18 including blancs and gris)

Question 5

What are the major crus of the Southern Rhone?

Answer 5

Lirac (mostly roses) - West Bank
Tavel (rose only) - West Bank
Gigondas - blends
Vaqueyras - blends
Chateauneuf-du-Pape - blends
Beames-de-Venise

Question 6

What is the AOC in the Southern Rhone for fortified Muscats?

Answer 6

Muscat de Beames-de-Venise.