20. Southern Rhone

Question 1

What is the difference between the blends made in Northern vs Southern Rhone?

Answer 1

The blends in southern Rhone are more complex blends when compared to blends made in northern Rhone made from one or two different varieties

Question 2

Compare the vineyard terrains of Southern Rhone to Northern Rhone

Answer 2

The vineyards in Northern Rhone are planted on much flatter terrains

Question 3

What is the property of the soil in Chateauneuf-du-Pape?

Answer 3

The soil is completely covered by stones or Galets

Question 4

What is the climate of Southern Rhone?

Answer 4

Mediterranean, mild winters and warm, dry summers

Question 5

What is the most important climatic hazard in Southern Rhone? How do the growers overcome this hazard?

Answer 5

• Mistral wind
• Windbreaks
• Granache is bush-trained low to protect from wind and benefit from the warmth of the soil
• Support offered by trellising systems for Syrah

Question 6

Mot widely planted grape variety in Southern Rhone?

Answer 6

Grenache

Question 7

What does Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault add to the Northern Rhone blend?

Answer 7

• Grenache: Concentrated spiced red fruit flavours (in hot years it can become jammy)
• Syrah: Extra color and tannin
• Mourvedre: Extra color and tannin, dense black fruit flavours as well as gamey and meaty aromas
• Cinsault: Red fruit flavours rather than tannin or color

Question 8

In addition to to Northern Rhone trio of Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne, what other white grapes are grown in Southern Rhone?

Answer 8

• Clairette
• Grenache Blanc
• Bourboulenc

Question 9

Cotes du Rhone accounts for what percentage of the entire production of Southern Rhone? More red or white?

Answer 9

• Over 50 %,

- Most of which is red

Question 10

What are the prerequisites to be qualified as Cotes du Rhone Villages?

Answer 10

• Higher alcohol level (min 12.5 for reds, 12 for white and rose (E))
• Lower maximum yields (42-45 hectoliters/hectare(E))
• Greater percentage of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre

Question 11

The largest of the crus in Southern Rhone is..

Answer 11

Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Question 12

Why has Chateauneuf-du-Pape has a particular place in French wine industry?

Answer 12

Because it is the first area to have Appellation controlee status in France

Question 13

How many black grape varieties can be used to make Chateauneuf-du-Pape?

Answer 13

13

Question 14

What are the only two Southern Rhone crus, located at the west bank of the Rhone river?

Answer 14

• Tavel

- Lirac

Question 15

Tavel and Lirac are famous for what kind of wine?

Answer 15

Rose

Question 16

Which varieties are used to produce rose wines from Tavel and Lirac?

Answer 16

• Grenache

- Cinsault

Question 17

What types of wines (red/white/rose) can be produced in Tavel?

Answer 17

Only Rose

Question 18

What types of wines (red/white/rose) can be produced in Lirac?

Answer 18

Rose as well as top quality red and white wines

Question 19

Is Chateauneuf-du-Pape a red only appellation?

Answer 19

No, white Chateauneuf-du-Pape is also produced but in small amounts

Question 20

What are the other appellations around Chateauneuf-du-Pape which have been promoted to cru status?

Answer 20

• Gigondas

- Vacqueyras