Northern Rhone Flashcards
Describe Hermitage.
One steep, south-facing slope
Divided into numerous lieux-dits (“loo-dee”)
Best wine is usually blend of lieux-dits, but some producers use 1
Fullest bodied wine in Northern Rhone.
Up to 15% of Roussane or Marsanne can be fermented with Syrah, but rarely done.
Also makes white wines from Roussane and Marsanne.
Describe Cote Rotie.
Means “roasted slope” due to good sun exposure
Only red, but can contain up to 20% Viognier
Use of Viognier is limited
Deep color, full body, spicy, aromatic floral freshness
Describe the climate and grape growing of Northern Rhone.
Moderate, continental climate
Valley is narrow and steep
Best sites are south-facing slopes
Vines are supported by individual stakes or tepees
What is the Mistral?
Cold, northern winds that blow through the Rhone Valley.
Describe Syrah in Northern Rhone.
Only black grape permitted
Deep color, med-high tannin, black fruit, black pepper, floral
Traditionally fermented with white grapes in crus, but now rarely done.
Fermenting with white grapes stabilizes color extraction from red grapes and adds aromatics
Describe Condrieu.
White wine made from 100% Viognier
Can be oaked
Best comes from old, low-yield vines
Describe Saint-Joseph.
Runs along the Rhone from Condrieu to Tournon
Vast majority is Syrah, but also makes some Marsanne and Roussane.
Best wines come from terraces near Tournon
Lightest body wine in Northern Rhone
Expresses pepper
Describe Crozes-Hermitage.
Most important appellation in terms of volume
Mixed terrain around hill of Hermitage
Red wines are Syrah w/ up to 15% Marsanne or Roussanne
Some white wine also produced
Generally not as good as Hermitage and Cote Rotie
Quality, style, and price vary by location
Describe Cornas.
Most southern and warmest cru
Well exposed, sun-baked, south-facing slopes
100% Syrah
Deep color, full body
Style similar to Hermitage
