Rhone Valley Pt 6 - Viticulture and winemaking. Flashcards

1
Q

How are vines trained in the S.Rhone?

A

Mostly gobelet to protect against the damaging Mistral winds. New vineyards if trellised use Guyot.

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2
Q

Why are trellised vineyards becoming common in S.Rhone?

A

The trellis system gives support against the winds, allows for better sun exposure, facilitates pruning and eliminates humidity build up in the canopy. They also allow machine harvest.

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3
Q

How are vines harvested in S.Rhone?

A

Trellised accomodate machine and gobelet must be handpicked.

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4
Q

Which AOC mandates hand harvesting in S.Rhone?

A

Beaumes de Venise AOC

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5
Q

Why is vine density different in S.Rhone compared to N.Rhone?

A

Vines are spaced more widely in the S.Rhone due to the depleted soil and lack of water.

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6
Q

Is irrigation permitted in S.Rhone?

A

Yes however a special request must be submitted and permission granted.

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7
Q

Why is there a water shortage problem in S.Rhone?

A

There is not consistent rainfall so drought can happen frequently. A major water transfer project is underway.

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8
Q

What effect has climate change had on viticulture in the S.Rhone?

A
  • Average air temps have increased by 2.5F/1.4C over last century;
  • Harvest is 15 days earlier;
  • potential ABV higher by 0.6% and acidity 0.5g/l less.
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9
Q

How are S. Rhone producers attempting to combat climate change impact on the vineyards?

A

Moving up the hillsides.The warmer climate means they can plant at higher elevation and get cooler air and still achieve ripeness.

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10
Q

What other initiatives have been taken in the S.Rhone vineyards to push back harvest?

A

They are using misters and shade panels. This has pushed back harvest by 5 days.

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11
Q

What rootstock initiatives have been taken in the S.Rhone to combat heat stress and drought?

A

Grenache and Syrah are being used to develop disease-resistant crosses with later ripening curves and higher yields, as well as drought-resistant rootstocks.

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12
Q

What are the principal styles of wine in the S.Rhone?

A

Generally, dry white, red and fortified sweet VDNs.

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13
Q

What are the main fermenting vessels for white wines in S.Rhone?

A

Neutral Stainless steel or concrete. They are meant to be drunk within 2-4 years of production.

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14
Q

Which AOC of S.Rhone uses some oak ageing for white wines? Why?

A

Chateauneuf ages a small % in oak to add texture, depth of flavour and ageability.

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15
Q

How are red wines aged in S.Rhone?

A

Inox, beton, demi-muid or foudres as in the N.Rhone. It is not traditional to age S.Rhone wines in new oak barrels although some of Chateauneuf special cuvees are.

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16
Q

What is a special cuvee?

A

It can be a wine made from a singularly good parcel of fruit, a single terroir or from vielles vignes. It can also simply be a wine vinified in a non-regular way.

17
Q

How are Roses made in S.Rhone?

A

Overwhelmingly dry and still. They are made by saignee, maceration or direct press.

18
Q

What was the original reason for blends in S.Rhone?

A

Traditionally the vineyards were co-planted with a mixture of varieties. It was not practical to harvest and vinify separately nor felt necessary in the thinking of the times.

19
Q

How are blends made nowadays in S.Rhone?

A

Most vignerons harvest and vinify the varieties separately then craft the blends.

20
Q

How does vintage vary between the Northern and Southern Rhone?

A

The continental climate of the N.Rhone leads to some inconsistent and unpredictable weather and vintage variability. There is not as much variation in the climate of S.Rhone.

21
Q

Why is climate change causing anxiety among vignerons in S.Rhone?

A

This perhaps the most susceptible region of France. Higher ABV levels may not be enjoyed by consumers.

22
Q

Which Rhone variety copes well with the heat?

A

Grenache