France/Rhone/Provence: Day 13

Question 1

Name the grape of Condrieu and recommend a producer

Answer 1

Condrieu is a French wine appellation in the Northern Rhône Valley known for producing 100% Viognier white wine.

Question 2

Name a producer of Condrieu (Viognier)

Answer 2

E. Guigal Condrieu

Question 3

Name the other 2 white grapes that can be blended with Syrah in the Northern Rhône

Answer 3

15% Roussanne and/or Marsanne

Question 4

Define: Mistral

Answer 4

a strong, cold northwesterly wind that blows through the Rhône valley and southern France into the Mediterranean, mainly in winter.

Question 5

Define: Râpé

Answer 5

“Le rape” (French for “the scraped, the shredded”) in the context of wine refers to grapes that are discarded or not used in the wine-making process. In Châteauneuf-du-Pape, at least 2% of grapes must be discarded due to poor quality. This practice ensures a high quality of wine by removing grapes that may not contribute positively to the final product.

Question 6

Define: Vin doux Naturel

Answer 6

sweet fortified wine created by mutage, the addition of pure grape spirit to arrest fermentation

Question 7

Define: Mutage

Answer 7

In winemaking, “mutage” refers to a process where alcohol is added to the must (fermenting grape juice) to stop fermentation prematurely and preserve natural sugars. This technique is commonly used to create fortified sweet wines like Vins Doux Naturels (VDN) and Port wine.

Question 8

Differentiate between Northern and Southern Rhône reds

Answer 8

Northern and Southern Rhône reds differ significantly in their grape varietals, wine styles, and flavor profiles. Northern Rhône reds are primarily made from Syrah, resulting in dark, inky wines with notes of cassis, wild blueberry, and black pepper. Southern Rhône reds are often blends, most commonly GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre), and feature warmer, red fruit flavors with hints of garrigue (herbal, earthy notes).

Question 9

Suggest two red wines from AOCs in the Northern & Southern Rhône and their primary grape variety/varieties

Question 10

State the regional AOC for the Rhône

Answer 10

Côtes-du-Rhône AOC

Question 11

Recommend a fortified wine from the Rhône

Answer 11

Muscat de Beaumes de Venise

Question 12

Identify the primary soil types found in the Northern Rhône

Answer 12

Main soil types in the northern rhône are clay, rocky and granite soils.

Question 13

Identify the primary soil types found in Southern Rhône

Answer 13

Main soil types in the southern rhône are clay, rocky, limestone and sandy soils.

Question 14

Recommend the best red wine of Provence to your guest

Answer 14

Bandol

Question 15

What grape is almost exclusivly use in Bandol?

Answer 15

Mourvèdre

Question 16

Bandol flavor(s) for red wine

Answer 16

Rich
Peppery
Meaty

Question 17

Suggest an AOC rosé from Provence

Question 18

Suggest an AOC rosé from Provence