Rhone Valley Pt 6 - Viticulture and winemaking.

Question 1

How are vines trained in the S.Rhone?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Why are trellised vineyards becoming common in S.Rhone?

Answer 2

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

Question 3

How are vines harvested in S.Rhone?

Answer 3

Trellised accomodate machine and gobelet must be handpicked.

Question 4

Which AOC mandates hand harvesting in S.Rhone?

Answer 4

Beaumes de Venise AOC

Question 5

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

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Is irrigation permitted in S.Rhone?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

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

Answer 7

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

Question 8

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

Answer 8

• 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.

Question 9

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

Answer 9

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

Question 10

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

Answer 10

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

Question 11

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

Answer 11

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

Question 12

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

Answer 12

Generally, dry white, red and fortified sweet VDNs.

Question 13

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

Answer 13

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

Question 14

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

Answer 14

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

Question 15

How are red wines aged in S.Rhone?

Answer 15

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.

Question 16

What is a special cuvee?

Answer 16

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.

Question 17

How are Roses made in S.Rhone?

Answer 17

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

Question 18

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

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

How are blends made nowadays in S.Rhone?

Answer 19

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

Question 20

How does vintage vary between the Northern and Southern Rhone?

Answer 20

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.

Question 21

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

Answer 21

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