D3 France: Rhône Valley Flashcards
(169 cards)
1
Q
What is the difference in area under vine between the north and the south?
A
South 66,000 ha
North less than 4000 ha
2
Q
Difference in styles of appellations between the north and the south?
A
North is mainly made up of several clearly defined AOCs known as Cru
South has both individual AOCs while also providing large volumes of basic Côtes du Rhône AOC and IGP wines
3
Q
Which AOC’s produce around 60% of all wine produced in the Rhône as a whole?
A
Côtes du Rhône and Côtés du Rhône Villages
4
Q
What percentage of the wines are red? White? Rosé?
A
74% of the AOC wine produce is Red
16% Rosé
10% white
5
Q
What percentage of the production is certified organic?
A
8%
6
Q
Describe the training method for Shiraz vines in the northern Rhône.
A
The vines are trained on poles (1 or 2) because trellising is not possible
7
Q
What are the common diseases affecting Syrah vines?
A
Mites
Botrytis bunch rot
Syrah decline or disorder in which the leaves turn red and the graft point breaks up and the vine dies
8
Q
What is the only black grape variety used in the crus of the north?
A
Syrah
9
Q
What makes Grenache Noire susceptible to early autumn rains?
A
It’s ripens late
10
Q
Describe how Grenache is often trained and why.
A
As a bush wine
It’s upright growth makes it very suitable to be trained as a bush fine
Pruned short to contain it’s vigor
11
Q
What is Grenache susceptible to?
A
- Coulure
- Downy mildew
- Phomopsis
- Botrytis bunch rot
- Necrosis or bacterial blight, a disease that kills leaves and shoots and eventually the plant
12
Q
How is the bacterial disease necrosis avoided in Grenache?
A
It is combated by planting only disease free stock and avoiding contamination from pruning tools.
13
Q
What type of weather does Mourvèdre need to ripen fully?
A
It needs high temperatures at the end of the season to ripen fully and therefore can be under ripe if the late summer is not hot.
14
Q
Is Mourvèdre drought resistant?
A
No it is not drought resistant. It requires small but regular amounts of water, for example from deep calcareous soil’s that stores water.
15
Q
Describe the best pruning and training methods for Mourvèdre.
A
Best pruned short and can be grown either with a cord on system or on Bush finds
16
Q
What type of yields does Mourvèdre produce?
A
Low yield
17
Q
What types of diseases and pests is Mourvèdre susceptible to?
A
Mites
Leafhoppers
Sour rot, a disease that affects ripening bunches due to insect or bird damage to grapes, which then become prone to bacteria and fungi
18
Q
What is a concern with Mourvèdre in the winery? How does it need to be handled?
A
It is prone to reduction
Care has to be taken to make sure the must has adequate access to oxygen
19
Q
What does Mourvèdre contribute to a blend?
A
Deep Ruby color
Intense aromas of blackberries, blueberries and violets
High alcohol
High, firm tannins
20
Q
What is the growing advantage of the grape variety Cinsaut?
A
good drought and heat resistance
21
Q
What diseases and pests is Cinsaut prone to?
A
Chlorosis if it is growing in soil’s with excessive lime content Esca Eutypa Mites Grape months
22
Q
How is Cinsaut mostly used? How is it typically fermented?
A
Typically used as a small part of the red blend in the south.
Typically made in a way that preserves it’s fruit flavors, mid range fermentation temperature, aged briefly in stainless steel
23
Q
Is Cinsaut made for early drinking or long aging? Why?
A
Early drinking reds and rosé
The lifted aromas of the variety or most prominent in the first year after the wine is made
24
Q
What type of climatic factor is Viognier prone to?
A
Spring Frost
Because it is early budding
25
How is Viognier usually trained?
Usually growing on a trellis or on poles to prevent wind damage
26
What do the yields of Viognier tend to be like? Why?
Yields tend to be low and unpredictable
| This is due to poor flowering and fruits set (coulure) which reduces yields
27
Why is selecting the harvest date really important for Viognier?
Because it needs to be fully ripe to have it’s typical pronounced aromas but if the grapes are left too long, they lose flavor and acidity, and rapidly game sugar, resulting in unbalanced one that like flavor.
28
On what types of site does Marsanne best perform?
It is a vigorous and productive variety.
On stony and low fertility soils because it keeps the yields low. Therefore it does well on the slopes of the north.
29
What pests and diseases is Marsanne susceptible to?
Powdery mildew
Mites
Botrytis bunch rot
30
Describe a typical Marsanne wine. Is it usually made as a single variety or as part of a blend?
Medium lemon in color, sometimes gold, with low intensity honeysuckle, lemon and apricot fruit, and oily texture, medium acidity, full body, medium to high alcohol
In the north, either made as a variety of wine or blended with Roussanne.
In the south, usually part of a blend
31
On what types of sites does Roussanne best perform?
On low fertility, well drained soil’s. It has poor resistance to wind and the site must be chosen carefully.
32
What pests and diseases is Rosanne susceptible to?
Very susceptible to powdery mildew, Botrytis bunch rot and mites
33
Is more Marsanne or Roussanne grown? Why?
Marsanne
| Roussanne is more difficult to grow successfully
34
Describe a typical Roussanne wine. How does it compare to Marsanne?
Medium lemon in color, sometimes gold, medium to medium plus intensity aromatics of pair with herbal notes, medium to medium plus acidity and medium to high alcohol.
Similar in color and structure to Marsanne but the wines tend to age quicker.
35
Is Roussanne usually a single variety or blend?
In the north, normally blended with other varieties, especially Marsanne
In the south, usually blended with Clairette and Grenache blanc
Some single varietal wines are made both north and south
36
Grenache blanc is an early budding variety. Why is this not such a big problem with spring Frost?
Because it is growing almost exclusively in the southern part
37
What types of wines is Grenache Blanc usually used in?
Mainly used to produce dry white blends and also to make a little VDN where it’s tendency to reach high potential alcohol levels is a benefit.
38
Why is Clairette suited to the south?
Because it is a vigorous variety which grows well in low fertility, dry soil’s. The southern Rhône has low rainfall.
39
What climatic factor is Clairette susceptible to? Why?
Prone to early autumn rains.
| Late ripening.
40
How does Clairette need to be handled in the winery? Why?
Very carefully. It oxidizes easily.
41
In what types of wine is Clairette mostly used?
In white blends in the south, to add freshness and fruit, with flour, fennel, apple and grape fruit notes
42
What is one of the greatest advantages of the grape variety Bourboulenc?
It has loose bunches and thick skins
This gives it resistance to the treatise bunch rot, and gives it the disease resistance necessary for late ripening (it’s a late ripening variety)
43
What type of fermentation vessel is typical?
Large concrete vats
| Some stainless steel and large wooden vessels are also in use
44
Typical fermentation and aging vessels for Grenache versus Syrah?
Concrete that’s or stainless steel tanks for Grenache
Because it is prone to oxidation and premature loss of color
OK for Sara
It is prone to reduction and therefore has to be pumped over more often and is often aged in Oak to provide gentle oxidation which adds cost
45
What style of one will hand harvesting and carbonic maceration achieve?
It will enhance color and fruit intensity and produce ones with low tenants, suitable for early drinking.
This may be used by some more inexpensive or high-volume red wines. Although most might be picked by machine and crushed and fermented.
46
Describe the typical production of a red cru level wine.
Harvested by hand
- Transported in small crates to ensure whole, unbroken bunches arrive at the winery
- Grapes may be the de-stemmed, chilled and cold soaked for 1 to 3 days to extract color
- Alternatively, maybe left his whole bunches or partially the stand and vinified as such, to promote more intense aromatics.
- Fermentation in stainless steel, large concrete tanks or open top wooden fermenters
- Either cultured or ambient yeast
- Fermentation at generally warm temperatures to enhance extraction of color, flavor and tannin
- Maceration on the skins for the same reasons which may last for 20 to 30 days
- Punch downs and pump overs or rack and return
- Maturation before bottling, likely 12 to 24 months in large oak vessels for Grenache and small barrels for Syrah and Mourvèdre, typically with some percentage of new, 20 to 30%
47
Describe the typical production of inexpensive high-volume reds.
- Typically machine harvested
- Some grapes will be crushed in the process
- Importance to process the entire volume quickly to avoid bacterial infection, therefore no cold soaking
- Another option is handpicking and carbonic maceration, which enhances color and fruit intensity to produce wines with low tannins which are suitable for early drinking
- Large producers might use flash detente or Thermo vinification for low tannin and fruity style
- Cultured yeast typical to ensure quick, reliable fermentation
- Fermentation might be at mid range temperatures to retain fruit and avoid extraction of tannin
- Stored in stainless steel for a short time before bottling
48
How are rosé wines typically made?
Short maceration
Grapes are pressed after cold maceration on the skins for 12 to 48 hours
Fermentation as for white wine
Period of maceration provides required depth of color, flavor intensity and light tannins
Wines typically aged in Oak or a concrete large vats or stainless steel
Some top producers will age in small oak barrels to add texture
49
How is the Rosie winemaking sometimes referred to?
Saignée method
| But in this case the idea is to make only rose wine from the grapes and all the juice is used for them.
50
How are white wines typically made?
- Fermented at mid range temperatures to retain fruit
- Malolactic conversion sometimes avoided to retain natural acidity
- Most are aged in large oak or stainless steel vessels
- Natural full body of the white varieties means that lees stirring is sometimes avoided
- Some are matured in Oak, adding complexity
- Some producers will stir the lees for a yet fuller body style and might also ferment in Oak for a better fruit and oak integration. Both fermenting and maturing in small oak barrels ads cost
51
What is the climate in the north?
Moderate continental climate
Cold winters
Warm summers
Adequate rainfall falling mainly in the autumn and winter
52
What is the name of the wind that blows? Where does it blow from?
Mistral
| From the north
53
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the mistral wind?
Advantages
Reduces incidence of fungal disease
Decreases vine vigor and leads to lower yields and higher concentration in the wines
Negatives
Lowers production quantity
Expensive for trellising
54
What is the most northerly appellation?
Côte Rôtie
55
What is the name of the trellis system in Côtes Rôtie? How are the vines trained?
Échalas
| Vines are trained in single or double Guyot and tied to one or two poles
56
What natural factors lead to high-quality grapes in Côte Rôtie?
Steep slopes that mostly face east and south east
Those slopes lead to high sunlight interception and shelter from the winds
High levels of sunlight and heat
Rapid drainage
Poor, stony soils
57
What led to the revival of Côte Rôtie?
E Guigal and his son Marcel
| Their single Vineyard Wines getting high scores from Robert Parker
58
What percentage of Viognier is permitted in the blends of Côte Rôtie? Typical?
20%, and must be co fermented.
Typically no more than 8%
Often have 0%
59
How are the syrah vines most commonly propagated?
Mass selection
60
What is the preferred rootstock for Syrah in Côte Rôtie?Why?
3309
| It’s regarded as being relatively productive and the vines produce grapes with a good depth of color
61
Typical planting densities in Côte Rôtie? What does this lead to in the grapes?
10,000 vines perfect here
| This creates competition between the vines, reducing yields and producing concentrated fruit
62
Maximum yield in Côte Rôtie?
40 hL/Ha
63
In what types of vessels does maturation often take place in Côte Rôtie?
- Small barrels, usually 225 L barriques, on the model of Guigal
- Or in larger wooden vessels, Demi-muids of 500 to 600 L are favored by many for less overt oak notes in young wines
64
Grape varieties and maximum yield in Condrieu?
100% Viognier
| 41 hL/Ha
65
Which direction do the Vineyards face in Condrieu? What causes this? What does it lead to?
Often south facing
Because the river returns Southwest at this point
Leading to enhanced fruit ripening
66
What are some of the challenges for grape growers in Condrieu?
Steep slopes
Terraces Vineyards
Soil erosion
Wind
67
Typical one making in Condrieu?
- Fermentation in stainless steel or large wooden vessels
- A few producers use the more expensive, small barrel, that produces wines with enhanced texture and flavor
- Can choose whether or not to allow malolactic conversion, depending on vintage, but normally it is carried out
- Typically aged on the lees for 10 to 12 months, often with lees stirring
68
Why is a very good quality in the wines of Saint Joseph?
Huge appellation
Originally was centered around the lieu-dit of Saint Joseph at the southern end, opposite Hermitage
Was extended in 1994
Includes some sites not on hillsides that normally produce lower quality wines
69
Famous, highly regarded producer based in Saint Joseph who has done a lot to raise the prestige?
Jean-Louis Chave
70
Percentage of red versus white in Saint Joseph?
90% read
| 10% white
71
Permitted grape varieties and maximum yield in Saint Joseph?
Syrah
Marsanne and Roussanne are allowed in small quantities in the Reds but in practice it is rare to include white grapes
40 hL/Ha
72
Typical fermentation an aging vessels in Saint Joseph?
Stainless steel and large wooden tanks are most common for fermentation
Aging typically in larger would tanks or large barrels and occasionally small barriques
73
When were ones first produced in Hermitage?
In the Greco Roman era
74
What is the town of Tain L’Hermitage named after?
12th Century crusader and hermit Gaspard de Stérimberg
75
Percentage of white versus red plantings in Hermitage?
1/3 white
76
Natural factors which help ripening and quality in Hermitage?
The river flows south
Hermitage located on the left Bank
South facing slope
Good son interception
Protection from cold winds
Hot drive-in yards with thin, stony soils
All of this results in ones of pronounced flavor intensity, hi tenants and longevity
77
Where are the most famous climats of Hermitage located?
At the western end of the hill
They record the highest temperatures
Example Le Méal
78
What is a major problem faced by growers in Hermitage?
Erosion
Some parts of the Vineyard have to be terrorist
Much of the Vineyard work Hass to be done by hand
79
Grape varieties and maximum yield in Hermitage?
40 hL/ha a red
45 hL/ha for white
Syrah
```
Marsanne dominant (or straight)
Roussanne
```
80
Typical winemaking in Hermitage?
- Red wine making his traditional
- Proportion of stems often included in ripe vintages
- Warm fermentation temperatures to maximize extraction of flavor and tenants
- Lengthy oak aging typically 12 to 18 months
- Proportion of new oak common but not always
- Medium to large wooden vessels are common
81
Typical wine making for white wines in Hermitage?
- Typically blend of majority Marsanne with some Roussanne or pure Marsanne
- Fermentation in either old wood bats, new or old barrels or in stainless steel
- Maturation in oak, with minority proportion being new, or stainless steel depending on the style preferred
- Typically aged on leads for 10 to 12 months
82
What type of wine is made with white grapes in particularly ripe years in Hermitage?
Vin de Paille (sweet wine made from drying grapes off the vine)
83
What type of businesses on most of the holdings in Hermitage?
- Negociants houses (Chapoutier, Jaboulet)
- Also significant holdings owned by co-op (Cave de Tain owns 15% of appellation)
- producers (Jean-Louis Chave)
84
Are the wines of Hermitage mostly single site or blends?
Both
Chapoutier pioneered single site approach
Chave strong supporter of blending
85
What is the largest appellation of the Northern Rhône?
Crozes-Hermitage
86
Where is Crowe’s Hermitage located?
On the left bank of the river
Surrounding the town of Tain l’Hermitage and the hill of Hermitage itself
It extends almost equally to the north, east and south of these
87
What is the climate in the northern and southern part of Crozes Hermitage?
```
North
Continental climate
Marked Alpine influences
Extremely cold in winter
Strong influence from the mistral
Long growing season
Hi Diana range
This results in wines of Moderat sugar accumulation and retained acidity
```
South
More temperate
Although they can be heavy rainfall in the light autumn and through the winter
88
Topography in the north and south of crozes Hermitage?
North has relatively steep slopes
South has flatter vineyards, which used to be dominated by orchards and farmsteads
89
Soil’s in Crozes Hermitage as opposed to Hermitage?
Flatter, more fertile soil’s
90
Wine making in Crozes Hermitage and wine styles?
Some producers might use carbonic maceration for a softer fruity or more early drinking style of wine
Traditional red wine making with maceration on the skins is also typical. Fermentation in either stainless steel or concrete tanks and maturation in those same tanks or in large oak.
One stall is more approachable in the youth then Hermitage
91
Percentage of production in crozes Hermitage which is white?
9%
92
What is the most southerly of the north appellations for red wines?
Cornas
93
What is the climate and topography in Cornas?
Warm Mediterranean climate
Natural south and east facing amphitheater with some steep slopes
Good protection from cold winds and excellent aspect
94
Which of the northern appellations is the first to fully ripen Syrah?
Cornas
95
Grape varieties and maximum healed in cornas?
100% Syrah
| 40 hL/Ha
96
Typical style of cornas?
Robust and long lived wines
| Some producers are using small barrels to soften those tenants
97
What is the most southerly of the north appellations for white wines?
Saint-Peray
98
What is the climate in Saint Péray?
Slightly cooler to its neighbor cornas
99
Grape varieties and yields in Saint-Péray
Marsanne represents the vast majority of plantings
Some Roussanne
45 hL/Ha
100
Soils in Saint-Péray?
Lime stone and granitic
| water holding capacity and drainage
101
How are Saint-Péray wines made?
- Fermented in stainless steel or in oak barrels and aged in the same or in large old oak vessels
- Higher quality winds are typically aged on the lees for 10 to 12 months
- Some producers choose to stir the lees to add body
102
What is the name of the IGP in the north which covers red, white and rose Wines made from grapes grown outside of the AOC’s in the north? What are the maximum yields? What does it allow producers to do?
Collines Rhodaniennes
80 hL/Ha
Allows producer to use grape varieties which are not permitted in the AOC wines
Allows producers of AOC wines to offer more affordable wines
103
What is the climate of the south?
```
Warm Mediterranean climate
Mild winters
Very warm, dry summers
Rainfall is adequate for great growing
However, drought is an increasing problem and some summers
```
104
Is irrigation permitted in the south?
Yes
If drought is severe
Within strict rules:
Proof of water stress to the vine is required
No irrigation after véraison
Cannot be used to exceed the maximum yield allowed by the individual AOC
105
Why are bush vines popular, especially for the Grenache Noir, in the south?
Because the land is flatter than in the north and there is no protection from the mistral wind.
106
What is the hierarchy of appellations in the south?
Côtes du Rhône AOC
Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC
Côtes to Rhône Villages AOC plus named Village
Individual appellation from the top villages of the south, known as Cru
107
How many named villages are there in the Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC plus named Village?
20 villages
| Example Séguret
108
What are the typical AOC regulations for the south when it comes to grape varieties in red wines?
Grenache Noire dominant blends with Mourvèdre and Syrah, along with other permitted varieties for example Carignan and Cinsaut
(Different for Chateauneuf though)
109
Where can the grapes for Côtes du Rhône AOC Wines come from? What about in practice? Why?
Technically they can come from anywhere within the Rhône
In practice, the vast majority comes from the south
Because producers in the north can usually sell their ones under more valuable AOC’s
110
What is the second largest appellation by hectares planted in France, after Bordeaux?
Côtes du Rhône AOC
111
What grape varieties, percentage, and yield for Côtes du Rhône AOC?
Red and Rosé
51 hL/ha
Grenache Noir
Mourvèdre
Syrah
Together, they must make a minimum of 60% of the volume of the final blend.
If grapes come from the south, as they mostly do, Grenache must be a minimum of 30% and the combination of Syrah and Mourvèdre must make minimum 20%
Other permitted varieties include Carignan and Cinsaut
```
White
51 hL/Ha
Bourboulenc
Clairette
Grenache Blanc
Marsanne
Roussanne
Viognier
Together must make up 80% of the final blend
Many other local varieties allowed, including Piquepoul Blanc
```
112
What are the rules around grape variety percentages and maximum yields for Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC and Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC + named village?
For red wines, similar rules to Côtes du Rhône but requires the final blend to have a minimum of 66% of at least two of the three principal varieties and must include crashed while
44 hL/Ha
41 hL/ha for names village
113
What are the maximum yields for the southern Rhône cru?
35 hL/ha Chateauneuf
| 36 to 38 hL/ha in the red ones of the other villages
114
Describe the landscape and topography of Gigondas AOC.
It has vineyards up to 600 m above sea level
| In part shaded by the dentelles de Montmirail mountains, which reduces temperatures in the morning
115
What natural factor leads to increased flavors in the resulting wines of Gigondas?
The shade from the dentelles reduces the temperature in the morning and extend the period of maturation.
116
Which AOC’s natural factors have become increasingly valued recently with the warmer temperatures of recent decades? Why?
Gigondas
The slightly lower temperatures because of the shade of the mountains and the cooling effects of the mistral. Has resulted in lower alcohols than some other AOC’s.
117
What is the breakdown in varieties and percentages for Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Vinsobres and Rasteau AOCs?
Grenache Noir at least 50%
| At least one of Syrah or Mourvèdre
118
What is the topography of Vacqueyras?
Rises to 440 m above sea level, not quite as high as Gigondas, giving diurnal range variation but not threatening ripeness in cooler vintages.
119
What is the topography of Vinsobres?
The Vineyards are on south and south east facing slopes of 200 to 500 m, resulting in good sunlight inception, good drainage and some protection from the mistral
120
Where are the best vineyards located in Vinsobres?
On the higher slopes.
| They are cooler, lengthening the period of ripening and increasing flavor intensity.
121
Which AOC in the south has, unusually for the region, some older plots of Carignan and Cinsaut, which are increasingly valued for their high-quality fruit?
Vinsobres
122
Name the four most recent AOC’s of the south for red wines. Describe the style of ones they produce.
Vinsobres
Rasteau
Cairanne
Beaumes-de-Venise
One that is typically good to very good in quality and mid to premium price, though with more mid priced then premium.
Mostly fermented in large vets, especially concrete, and matured and large oak vessels.
123
What is the topography in Rasteau? Resulting style of wine?
Vines are planted on lower south facing slopes at 100 m in a warm enclave, sheltered from the mistral, resulting in ripe, full bodied wines
124
Styles of wines produced in Cairanne AOC? Why?
Mainly red wines in a fruity and approachable style. Not as steep as Gigondas and not as warm as the neighboring Rasteau. Only a small amount of white wine produced but it has a reputation for high-quality.
125
What is Beaumes-de-Venise AOC best known for?
VDN
126
Topography in Beaune-de-Venise?
Most of the Vineyards are on slopes, some slightly shaded by the dentelles.
127
Where were the first set of rules, the prototype for the first AOC in France, initially approved in 1936, to protect the name from being used by others outside of the region?
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
128
How many grape varieties are permitted in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
13
| 18 if you count the color variance of five of them
129
What are the rules around minimum alcohol in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
Minimum 12.5% ABV without chaptalization
| This was challenging when the AOC rules were established in 1936
130
Percentage of white wine versus red wine in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
90% red wine and the rest is white
131
Which Rhône white grape varieties are not permitted in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
Marsanne and Viognier
132
What are the main grape varieties used in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
Grenache Noir
Mourvèdre
Syrah
Grenache Blanc
Clairette
Bourboulenc
Roussanne
133
What are the rules around percentages of grape variety in the blend of Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
There are no rules stipulated. This means that wines can be of a single variety.
134
Which black grape variety has become of particular interest for its intense black fruit flavours in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
Mourvèdre
| But it needs soil’s which can retain moisture.
135
Are the grapes mostly picked by hand or machine in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
They must be picked by hand
136
What types of soil’s are found in Châteauneuf-du-Pape? Why are these suitable?
```
Lime stone
Clay
Sandstone
Sandy soils
Galets roulés
```
The clay content is particularly helpful in its water holding capacity in a region with dry summers
Low fertility and generally fast draining soil’s are highly suitable for growing vines and for reducing vegetative growth, leading to smaller crops of ripe grapes.
137
Discuss the benefits of galets roulés. Negatives?
Used to be prized in the past for radiated heat at night. Less so now with warming climate. Now contributing to high sugar content.
138
Blending versus single site in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
Many producers blend across lieux-dits and soil types for added complexity and to create volumes that are commercially viable.
139
What types of ones are produced from Sandy soil’s? From the large pebbles?
Grapes grown on sandy soil’s are finer and lighter in style than the more structured ones from grapes growing on soil with the large pebbles.
140
How are the white ones of Châteauneuf-du-Pape fermented?
Some high-quality wines may be fermented in oak barrels for additional complexity
Others prefer to preserve freshness and primary fruit characters
Wines are matured either in tanks or oak barrels, occasionally with some new Oak.
Recent trend has been to make the wines lighter, more floral and fresher in style.
141
Where is Lirac situated? What types of wines does it produce?
Across the river from Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Mainly red wines and some rosé and white wines.
142
What are the grape varieties permitted in Lirac? %?
```
Grenache Noir
Mourvèdre
Syrah
Cinsaut
Together they must make up a minimum of 90% of the final blend.
```
143
What leads to quality grape growing in Lirac?
Hi sunlight hours
| Well drained, infertile soil’s
144
What styles of wines are made in Tavel?
Only Rosé
The wines are medium intensity pink orange in color
Much darker than most other roses
Medium to medium plus intensity of strawberry and raspberry fruit
Medium plus the full body and medium alcohol but at the top end of that band (13.5%)
145
What are the rules around grape varieties in Tavle?
12 grape varieties both black and white are permitted.
The final blend must include Grenache Noir
None of the principal varieties may contribute more than 60%, with the rest being made up from the allowed 12 varieties
146
Maximum yields in Tavel?
46 hL/Ha
147
What has happened to the reputation of Tavel wines in recent years? What are some producers doing about it?
They used to have a high reputation as France’s best Rosé and a one that was well-suited to gastronomy. This reputation is now challenged by the paler roses from Provence. Some producers have made paler wines but the classic deeper color remains the usual style.
148
Name the four main satellite appellations which surround the main Côtes du Rhône growing area in the southern Rhône. How many are there in total?
VW toux
Costières de Nîmes
Libérons
Grignon-les-Adhémar
7
149
What are the IGP ones mostly made of? Where are they located?
Non-traditional Rhône varieties. Like Merlot and Cabernet. Located in the south.
150
What is the topography in Maine climatic influence in Ventoux?
Vines are grown up to 450 m.
| On the southern and western slope below the Mont Ventoux.
151
What natural factor gives a freshness to the ones of Ventoux?
The cool air coming down from the Mont Ventoux.
152
Breakdown of production in red, white, Rosé in both Ventoux and Costières de Nîmes?
2/3 are red
1/3 is Rosé
Very small proportion of white
153
What are the main grape varieties in Ventoux?
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Grenache Noir
Syrah
Mourvèdre
Carignan
Cinsaut
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Together must be 50% of the final blend, and at least two varieties must be included
154
Which satellite appellation has about a quarter of its production exported? And co-ops playing a very important role in the area?
Ventoux
155
Which appellation is in effect the southwest limit of the Rhône wine region and very close to the Languedoc?
Costières de Nîmes
156
What are the advantages of the growing environment in Costières de Nîmes?
Vines are grown on south west facing slopes and ventilated by braces from the Mediterranean
157
What are the maximum yields in Ventoux?
60 hL/ha
158
What are the maximum yields in Costières de Nîmes?
60 hL/Ha
159
What are the main grab varieties of Costières de Nîmes?
Grenache Noir
Syrah
Mourvèdre
Together on singly must be 50% of the final blend
160
Which satellite appellation has seen a move away from being dominated by co-ops and towards privately owned Estates?
Costières de Nîmes
161
Which satellite appellation is in the south east of the Rhône and borders onto Provence?
Luberon
162
Maximum Yields for red one in Luberon?
55 hL/Ha
163
Grape varieties and percentages in Luberon?
Grenache Noir
Syrah
Mourvèdre
Together must be 50% of the final blend, and at least two varieties must be included
164
Which satellite appellation is at the northern end of the Southern Rhône and produces mainly red blends in a slightly lighter style than the areas to the south? Grape varieties?
Grignon-les-Adhémar
Minimum 50% of principal varieties Grenache and Syrah
165
Are co-ops more important in the north or in the south?
South
166
Are most Negociants based in the north or in the south?
Most are based in the north but they also operate across the region as a whole (like Guigal)
167
What percentage of Rhône wines by volume is sold in France versus exported?
33% export
| 67% France
168
Where are Rhône wines sold in France?
Supermarkets 32%
Specialist one retail and hospitality 29%
Discounters 6%
169
Are growers increasingly selling their fruit to co-ops or making their own wine?
As the value of the ones has gone up, more growers are making and bottling their own Wines rather than selling them to a Negociants
