Rhone Valley Pt 5 - Southern Rhone General and Grapes Flashcards

1
Q

Where does the S.Rhone begin and end?

A

At Montelimar and extends to Nimes.

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2
Q

What is different about vineyard location in the S.Rhone?

A

Unlike the Northern Rhone they do not cluster around the Rhone River. Thye stretch up to 50 miles/80KM from the river.

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3
Q

What is the climate of the S.Rhone?

A

Mediterranean. It receives 2600-2800 hours of sunshine.

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4
Q

What are the climate hazards of S.Rhone?

A

Excessive heat in summer;
Drought;
Summer rainstorms.

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5
Q

How are climate hazards mitigated?

A

The Mistral wind mitigates the heat as it is a cooling wind;
The cool air coming from the Dentelles de Montmirail;
Diurnal swings are high so vines at elevation benefit.

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6
Q

How does the climate and the Mistral benefit the S.Rhone vineyards?

A

Lack of rainfall and the Mistral which blows away heat and humidity and brings clear sunny skies which reduces disease.

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7
Q

What is the landscape of the S.Rhone?

A

Broad rocky plains and rugged mountain terrain. This is attributed to glacial meltwaters flowing to the Mediterranean.

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8
Q

Which mountain chains border the S.Rhone?

A

Mont Ventoux, Luberon Massif and Dentelles Montmirail on the eastern border. The Alpilles near Avignon in the south. All were caused by the Alps lifting up.

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9
Q

What are the five main soil types of S.Rhone?

A

Galets; Garrique (limestone); Sandstone; Clay; Loess/molasse.

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10
Q

What is the style of S.Rhone wines?

A

Typically blends.

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11
Q

How many grapes are authorised for the wines of CDR?

A

23 of 34 varieties planted.

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12
Q

What are the major white grapes in the S.Rhone?

A

Bourbolenc; Clairette; Grenache Blanc; Roussanne;Marsanne; Viognier

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13
Q

What Rose/Gris grapes are used in S.Rhone?

A

Clairette Rose, Grenache Gris, Piquepoul Gris

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14
Q

What are the major red grapes in the S.Rhone?

A

Grenache; syrah; Mourvedre;Cinsaut; Counois;Carignan;Marselan

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15
Q

What does Bourbolenc contribute to wines?

A

Moderate alcohol and high acidity. Used to balnce high alcohol/low acid grapes such as grenache blanc or clairette.

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16
Q

What does Clairette contribute to wines?

A

High ABV/low -moderate acidity.
Has large leaves to protect against sunburn of S.Rhone.

17
Q

What does Grenache Blanc contribute to wines?

A

High ABV/low -moderate acidity.
Valued for its concentration of flavours. Drawback is that all grenache variety are oxidative in nature.

18
Q

What is the preferred grape for white Chateauneuf and CDR?

A

Grenache Blanc.

19
Q

How is Viognier different in the S.Rhone as against the N.Rhone?

A

The southern warmth reduces its acid levels and enhances its aromatics

20
Q

Which grape is important for VDN in the S.Rhone?

A

Muscat a Petit Grains Blanc.

21
Q

Which grapes form the main styles of red wine in S.Rhone?

A

Genache, Syrah, Mourvedre blends.

22
Q

What does Grenache contribute to the Rhone blends?

A

High alcohol, moderate colour and acidity. Balanced by Syrah and/or Mourvedre. Oxidative in nature.

23
Q

What does Syrah contribute to the Rhone blends?

A

It is higher acidity and has more tannin so can balance grenache. Reductive in nature.

24
Q

What does Mourvedre contribute to the Rhone blends?

A

Contributes Alcohol, tannin, acid and colour. Balances Grenache. Reductive in nature.

25
Q

What does “Meridionaux” mean.

A

Of the southern Rhone ( in nature, style or location)

26
Q

What is the rainfall in S.Rhone?

A

Between 400-900 mm with average of 700mm.

27
Q

How does the rain impact the S.Rhone?

A

The rain falls mostly in winter but there can be violent summer rainstorms. These can cause flooding on the hard-baked earth which cannot absorb the sudden volume of water.

28
Q

What is the planting % for grape varieties in S.Rhone?

A

Grenache - 55%;
Syrah - 24%;
Carignan - 6%;
Mourvedre - 4%;
Cinsaut - 3%;
Grenache Blanc - 2%;
Others - 6%.