France - Rhône Flashcards
(135 cards)
1
Q
What is the climate in Northern Rhône?
A
moderate continental climate - warm summers - cold winters - adequate rainfall mainly in autumn and winter
2
Q
What is the climate in Southern Rhône?
A
Mediterranean
3
Q
What is the area under vine for North and South Rhône?
A
4,000 ha and 66,000 ha
4
Q
What is the percentage of production by volume of AOC wines in the Rhône valley?
A
46% Côte du Rhône 11% Côte du Rhône Village 8% S Rhône crus 6% N Rhône crus 24% Other Rhône AOCs
5
Q
What is the split of red white and rose AOC in the the Rhône valley?
A
74% red 16% rosé 10% white
6
Q
What is Syrah susceptible to?
A
vigorous mites botrytis bunch rot Syrah decline - leaves turn red, graft point breaks up and vine dies
7
Q
What affects grape growing in N and S Rhône?
A
Mistral wind (Syrah needs protection and tying)
8
Q
What is the only black variety used in N Rhône crus?
A
Syrah
9
Q
How and why is Syrah trained in N Rhône?
A
Individual plants tied to one or two poles as trellising is not possible due to steep slopes
10
Q
What are typical characteristics of red wines from N Rhône?
A
deep ruby intensity: M/P violet, plum (red cooler years/sites, black - warmer years/sites), blackberry, pepper, herbal notes acidity: M/H tannins M/H
11
Q
What does Syrah add to S Rhône blends?
A
structure, fruit and colour
12
Q
What are the characteristics of Grenache Noir?
A
high yielding late ripening upright growth makes suitable for bush vines, trained short to contain vigour
13
Q
What soils does Grenach Noir grow best on?
A
dry, low fertility soils
14
Q
What is Grenache Noir susceptible to?
A
coulure downy mildew phomompsis botrytis bunch rot bacterial necrosis /blight - kills leaves, shoots then plant (plant diseases free stock and avoid contamination from pruning tools)
15
Q
Why is Grenache Noir suited to S Rhône?
A
good drought resistance
16
Q
What happens to sugar in Grenache Noir?
A
accumulate high sugar levels quickly
17
Q
What does Grenache Noir contribute to blends?
A
pale ruby ripe red fruit (strawberry, red plum, red cherry), spicy and herbal notes acidity: L alcohol: H tannins: L/M
18
Q
When does Mourvèdre bud and ripen?
A
late budding late ripening
19
Q
What climate does Mourvèdre require?
A
warm to hot climate, with high temperatures at end of season to ripen fully
20
Q
What does Mourvèdre require with regards to water?
A
Requires small but regular amounts of water, e.g calcareous soils that store water Not drought resistant
21
Q
What are the relative yields of Mourvèdre?
A
low
22
Q
What is Mourvèdre prone to?
A
mites leafhoppers sour rot (disease affecting ripening bunches due to insect or bird damage)
23
Q
What is Mourvèdre prone to in the. vineyard?
A
reduction - must requires adequate oxygen
24
Q
What does Mourvèdre contribute to Rhône blends?
A
deep ruby intense blackberries, blueberries, violets alcohol: H tannins: H - firm
25
When does Cinsaut bud?
late budding
26
What are the relative yields of Cinsaut?
high, requires restricting for highest quality
27
What to Cinsaut prone to?
esca eutypa mites grape moths chlorosis if grown on lime
28
What does Cinsaut contribute to Rhône blends?
light ruby intensity: M/M+ fresh red fruit (raspberry, red cherry) alcohol: H tannins: L/M
29
When does Viognier bud?
early budding
30
What are the relative yields of Viognier?
low and unpredictable due to poor flowering and fruit set (coulure)
31
Why is harvest time of Viognier particularly important?
fruit needs to be fully ripe to have its typical pronounced aromas, but if left. too long lose flavour, acidity and rapidly gain sugar resulting in unbalanced wines lacking flavour
32
What are the characteristics of Viognier?
medium lemon pronounced intensity honeysuckle, apricot, peach alcohol: H acidity: L
33
When does Marsanne bud?
late budding
34
What is the relative yield of Marsanne?
high, very vigorous, needs to be controlled
35
What is Marsanne prone to?
powdery mildew mites botrytis bunch rot
36
Where does Marsanne grow best? Why?
slopes of northern Rhône, less fertile help reduce yields
37
What are the characteristics of Marsanne?
medium lemon, sometimes gold low intensity honeysuckle, lemon, apricot oily texture acidity: M body: full alcohol: M/H
38
When does Roussanne bud?
late budding
39
What considerations are required when growing Roussanne?
low-fertile, well drained soils poor resistance to wind
40
What is Roussanne susceptible to?
mites coulure powdery mildew botrytis bunch rot
41
What are the characteristics of Roussanne?
medium lemon/gold Intensity: M/M+ pear, herbal notes acid: M/M+ ABV: M/H
42
When does Grenache Blanc bud?
early budding, not not an issue in S Rhône
43
What are the characteristics of Grenache Blanc?
intensity: L ripe green fruit, some floral notes acid: L ABV: H
44
Where does Clairette grow well? Why?
S Rhône (low rainfall) vigorous, requires low fertile soils and dry soils
45
How is the vigorous Clairette controlled?
pruned short, excessive buds removed
46
Wen does Clairette ripen?
late ripening
47
What make Clairette easy to grow?
Grows upright and is relatively wind resistant without staking
48
What is Clairette prone to?
oxidation
49
What are the characteristics of Clairette?
typically used in blends, adding freshness, fruit white flower, fennel, apple, grapefruit acid: L/M- ABV: H
50
When does Bourboulenc ripen?
late ripening
51
What are the benefits of Bourboulenc?
loose bunches, thick skins so resistant to botrytis, giving disease resistance for late ripening
52
What are the characteristics of Bourboulenc?
blends lemon flavour acid: M+ ABV: M
53
What is the general winemaking approach in the Rhône Valley?
fermentation: traditional, preference concrete vats (stainless steel and large wooden vessels also used) maturation: small and large wooden vessels little new oak used
54
What is Grenache Noir prone to in the winery?
oxidation and premature colour loss if exposed to too much oxygen typically fermented and aged in concrete vats or steel
55
What is Syrah prone to in the winery?
reduction has to pumped over often and aged in oak for gentle oxidation
56
What reduces incidence fungal disease in N Rhône?
cold mistral wind blowing from North
57
How does the mistral wind affect the winery?
decreases vine vigour, leading to lower yields and higher concentration in the wines
58
What other factor aids grape growing in N Rhône?
steep slopes - better sunlight interception - better drainage
59
What style of wines are made in Côte Rôtie AOC?
reds only - Syrah - up to 20% Viognier in practice 0-8% used
60
What rootstock is used in Côte Rôtie AOC?
3309 - relatively productive - vines produces grapes with good depth of colour
61
What is the vine density in Côte Rôtie AOC? Why?
10,000 vines / hectare - create competition between vines - reduces yields - concentrates fruit
62
What is the max permitted yield in Côte Rôtie AOC?
40 hL/ha
63
What factors in the vineyards of Côte Rôtie AOC result in fully ripe grapes?
- steep slopes, often terraced - mostly face east / south-east - high sunlight interception and heat - rapid drainage - stoney soils
64
What problems do grape growers face in Côte Rôtie AOC?
- steep slopes require work to be done by hand - erosion, terraces often have to be repaired
65
How are vines trained in Côte Rôtie AOC?
- single or double Guyot - tied to one or two poles (échalas)
66
What was the size of plantings in Côte Rôtie AOC in 1970's? Why?
70 ha - lack of commercial interest and hard work required
67
Who revived Côte Rôtie AOC?
Etienne Guigal and son Marcel
68
What is the size plantings in Côte Rôtie AOC today?
250 ha
69
What are the quality levels of wines from Côte Rôtie AOC?
very good - outstanding premium - super-premium prices
70
If Viognier is used in Côte Rôtie AOC, how are the wines fermented?
Syrah and Viognier must be co-fermented, emphasising aromatic potential of wines
71
How are wines made in Côte Rôtie AOC?
- mostly destemmed and cold soaked, increasingly percentage stems used in ferment - warm fermentation for full extraction - natural yeasts frequently used - MLC in cask - maturation small barrels (225L barrique on model Guigal) or larger wooden vessels demi-muids 500-600 L
72
What does Viognier add to Côte Rôtie AOC reds?
floral and fruity aromas
73
Stylistically, ho do wines from Côte Rôtie AOC compare to the rest of N Rhône?
pronounced aromas and typically softer and less full bodied than Hermitage and Cornas
74
What is the style of wine in Condrieu AOC?
100% Viognier
75
What is the maximum permitted yield in Condrieu AOC?
41 hL/ha - ensuring good to high levels of flavour intensity
76
What is the grape growing environment in Condrieu AOC?
- river turns south, so south facing - steep, low fertility, often terraced
77
What are the challenges facing grape growers in Condrieu AOC?
erosion and wind
78
What is the size of Condrieu AOC?
197 ha
79
Which estate in Condrieu AOC created the reputation of Viognier?
Chateaux Grillet 3.5ha in centre of AOC
80
How are wines in Condrieu AOC made?
- stainless steel / large wooden vessels - some producers ferment in small barrels for enhanced texture and flavour - MLC normally carried out, but can depend on vintage - aged on lees 10-12 months with lees stirring
81
What are the quality levels of Condrieu AOC wines?
very good - outstanding premium - super-premium
82
What are the styles of wines in Saint-Joseph AOC?
90% red Marsanne and Roussanne are allowed in small proportions in reds, but in practice including whites is rare
83
What are the maximum permitted yields in Saint-Joseph AOC?
40 hL/ha
84
What are the qualities of wines from Saint-Joseph AOC?
broad good - outstanding mid--price to super-premium
85
What vessels are used for fermenting and maturation in Saint-Joseph AOC?
ferment - stainless steel and large wooden tanks ageing - large wooden tanks or barrels, occasionally barriques
86
What is the history of Saint-Joseph AOC?
- historical lieu-dit named site Saint-Joseph southern end of 30 mile long appellation - extended 1994 include non hillside sites - confidence in appellation grown, debating whether to reduce size and limit hillside slopes only - Jean-Louis Chave highly regarded producer raised prestige
87
What is the size of Hermitage AOC?
137 ha
88
Why does Hermitage AOC produce wines of pronounced intensity?
- south-facing slope on bank of river - protection from winds - hot dry vineyards with thin stony soils
89
What are the permitted yields of Hermitage AOC?
red - 40 hl/ha white - 45 hl/ha but seldom achieved due to old vines
90
How are red wines made in Hermitage AOC?
- traditional - proportion stems used in warm vintages - warm fermentation temps (maximum extraction tannins and flavour) - lengthy oak ageing (12-18 months) - proportion new oak is common, but not always used - medium to large wooden vessels common
91
How are white wines made in Hermitage AOC?
- fermentation old wood vats or new or old oak barrels or stainless steel - maturation in oak, minority new or stainless steel - aged on lees for 10-12 months
92
What are white wines made in Hermitage AOC?
blend of majority Marsanne with some Roussanne or pure Marsanne
93
What happens to white wines made in Hermitage AOC as they age?
rich, creamy and nutty flavours with outstanding complexity
94
What are the quality and prices of wines from Hermitage AOC??
for red and white wines: very good - outstanding super premium prices
95
Who owns the majority of holdings in Hermitage AOC?
- négociant houses Chapoutier and Jaboulet - co-operative Cave de Tain - Jean-Louis Chave
96
Whos uses individual parcels for wines and who blends across appellation in Hermitage AOC?
- Chapoutier pioneered focus on individual parcels - Chave supports blending
97
what is the size of Crozes-Hermitage AOC?
1700 ha biggest of Northern Rhône appellations
98
What is the climate in northern Crozes-Hermitage AOC?
- continental - marked Alpine influence - extremely cold winter - strong influence Mistral - long growing season - high diurnal range
99
What impact does the climate in northern Crozes-Hermitage AOC have on the wines?
moderate sugar accumulation and retained acidity
100
What is the climate in southern Crozes-Hermitage AOC?
- more temperate than north - can be heavy rainfall in late autumn through the winter
101
What is the permitted yield of Hermitage AOC?
45 hL/ha
102
What is the difference in growing environment between north and south Crozes-Hermitage AOC?
north - relative steep slopes south - flatter (used to be orchards and farms)
103
What is the difference in soils between Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage AOC?
deeper and more fertile in Crozes-Hermitage resulting in wines with lower concentration
104
What is the quality and price of wines from Crozes-Hermitag AOC?
- mostly mid-price & good to very good - also number of premium priced high quality wines e.g Jaboulet Domain de Thalabert
105
What style of wines are normally produced in Crozes-Hermitage AOC?
91% red - mostly wines made for early drinking with medium tannins 9% white Marsanne and Roussanne
106
How are red wines made in Crozes-Hermitage AOC?
- carbonic and semi-carbonic can be used to enhance fruitiness, but is rare today - destemming widely practiced
107
How are top white wines made in Crozes-Hermitage AOC?
aged in old wood, occasionally new barrels
108
What colour wines are produced in Cornas AOC?
Red only - 100% Syrah
109
What is the climate and growing environment of Cornas AOC?
Natural South & East facing amphitheatre with some steep slopes Warm Mediterranean climate, good protection from cold winds & excellent aspect mean first Syrah in N Rhône to be picked
110
What is the size of Cornas AOC?
140 ha
111
What is the maximum permitted yield in Cornas AOC?
45 hl/ha
112
What is the reputation of wines from Cornas AOC?
tannic intensity - some producers use small barrels to help soften them, trend is back towards robust & long lived wines
113
What are significant producers from Cornas AOC?
Domaine Vincent Pais & Domaine Alain Voge
114
What is the climate of Saint-Péray AOC?
Although most Southern or N Rhône, it is slightly cooler than immediate neighbours
115
What type of wines are produced in Saint-Péray AOC?
White only - majority is Marsanne, some Roussanne
Some traditional method sparkling from same varieties - rare
116
What is the soil in Saint-Péray AOC?
limestone & granite ensuring good water holding capacity and drainage
117
What is the maximum permitted yield in Saint-Péray AOC?
45 hL/ha
118
How are wines typically produced in Saint-Péray AOC?
* fermented in stainless steel or oak barrels and aged in samme or large old oak vessels
* Higher quality wines aged on lees 10-12 months
* some producers stir lees for body
*
119
What is the typical quality and price of wines in Saint-Péray AOC?
good-very good
mid-premium priced
120
Briefly describe Collines Rhodaniennes IGP
red, white & rosé made from grapes grown outside of the AOCs in N Rhône
80 hL/ha permitted yields
Grapes varieties outside AOC are permitted and typically less expensive than producers AOC wines - mid to premium priced
121
What is the climate of S Rhône?
Warm Mediterranean
Mild winters & very warm, dry summers
122
What is the growing environment in S Rhône?
Overall rainfall adequate for grape growing, but drought is an increasing problem
Irrigation is permitted if drought is severe - strict rules
123
How are vines trained in S Rhône?
Low bush trained as land flatter than N Rhône, little protection from Mistral, esp Grenache Noir
Syrah usually grown tied to wires on trellises giving protection from wind
124
What is the hierarchy of wine appellations in S Rhône?
1. Côtes du Rhône AOC
2. Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC
3. Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC + named village, currently 20 e.g Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC Séguret
4. Indicidual appellations for the top villages known as cru e.g Châteauneuf-du-Pape
125
What are the typical regulations is S Rhône except Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC?
Red wines - Grenache Noir dominant blends with Mourvèdre and Syrah. Also permitted are Carignan & Cinsaut
Regulations for red, róse & white:
1. Distinguish between principal, complementary (i.e main blending varieties) and other permitted varieties
2. State total minimum proportion of principal (and where applicable complementary) varieties which must be used
126
What is the second largest appellation in France by ha?
Côtes du Rhônes AOC
127
What area does Côtes du Rhônes AOC cover?
All vineyard land suitable for grape growing in S Rhône and in principle N Rhône, but in practise vast majority come from South as North can be sold for more
128
What is the maximum permitted yield for red, white & róse wines in Côtes du Rhônes AOC?
51 hL/ha
129
What are the principal varieties and proportions permitted for red and róse wines in Côtes du Rhônes AOC?
1. Grenach Noir, Mourvèdre, Syrah - together minimum 60% final blend
2. If grapes are from S Rhône, Grenach Noir must be minimum 30% & Mourvèdre + Syrah minimum 20%
130
What are the principal varieties and proportions permitted for white wines in Côtes du Rhônes AOC?
Bouboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Noir, Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier together minimum 80% final blend
131
What are the permitted proportions for red wines in Côtes du Rhônes AOC Villages?
Similar Côtes du Rhônes AOC, final belnd must have minimum m66% of at leaest two of 3 principal varieties & must include Grenache Noir
132
What are the permitted yields for Côtes du Rhônes Villages AOC & Côtes du Rhônes Villages AOC + named village?
Côtes du Rhônes Villages AOC: 44 hL/ha
Côtes du Rhônes Villages AOC + named village: 41 hL/ha
133
What are the permitted yields for Côtes du Rhônes Crus?
35 hL/ha Châteauneuf-du-Pape
36-38 hL/ha other villages
134
What is the typical style of Côtes du Rhône AOC?
M ruby
M intesnity red plum, blackberry, no oak
M acid
M tannin
M alc
good & inexpensive
135
