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French Wine Scholar 2024 > Rhône > Flashcards

Rhône Flashcards

1
Q

How many AOC’s are in the Diois area of the Rhone Valley?

A 
There are 4 AOC's, They are
Clairette de Die (major grape Muscat)
Crémant de Die (mostly Clairette) 
Coteaux de Die (still wine)
Châtillon-en-Diois (white, red, rosé)
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2
Q

What is the coolest and wettest Non-CdR AOC in the Rhône Valley?

A

Côtes du Vivarais

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3
Q

What is the hottest and driest Non-CdR AOC in the Rhône Valley?

A

Costières de Nîmes

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4
Q

What Non-CdR AOC in the Southern Rhône produces only dry white wines?

A

Clairette de Bellegarde

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5
Q

Which Non-CdR AOC in the Rhône produces mostly rosé?

A

Luberon

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6
Q

Which Non-CdR AOC in the Rhône climbs to 6,000’?

A

Ventoux

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7
Q

Which Non-CdR AOCs in the Rhône were formerly part of Languedoc?

A

Duché d’Uzès

Costières de Nîmes

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8
Q

In the Rhône what is Septentrionaux?

A

It means “of the north”

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9
Q

In the Rhône what is Meridionaux?

A

It means “of the south”

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10
Q

What is the climate of the southern Rhône ?

A

Mediterannean

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11
Q

What is the Mistral?

A

A northerly wind that blows through the Rhône

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12
Q

What Rhône AOC was the first to have its zone of production delineated?

A

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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13
Q

What 2 Rhône AOC’s make Vin doux Naturals (VdN)?

A

Rasteau: red, rose & white sweet fortified VdN
Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise: white sweet fortified
The words Vin Doux Naturals will appear on the label

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14
Q

Define the term “Foudres”…

A

Large wooden barrels

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15
Q

What is the only red grape variety grown in the Northern Rhône?

A

Syrah

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16
Q

What is the primary method for making rosé wine in the Rhône Valley?

A

Saignée or the bleeding method

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17
Q

Is Côtes du Rhône Villages made in the Northern or Southern Rhône, or in both?

A

All 95 CdR villages come from the south

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18
Q

“Oeil-de-Perdrix” refers to?

A

The deep salmon color of Rhône rosés made from Grenache and Cinsault (it translates to Partridge eye)

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19
Q

What are the 2 Northern Rhône Crus located on the left bank?

A

Hermitage

Crozes-Hermitage

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20
Q

What is the difference between the Beaumes-de-Venise AOC and the Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise AOC?

A

The first is dry red and the Muscat one is a sweet white VdN

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21
Q

The term “Échalas” refers to?

A

A teepee like trellising structure that provides support and wind protection for vines

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22
Q

What are the main soil types found in the Northern Rhône?

A

Granite & Schist

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23
Q

Where is the most Côtes du Rhône produced in the North or South?

A

The south. The north makes just a tiny fraction of overall production

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24
Q

What is the principal grape of Tavel AOC rosé?

A

Grenache

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25
Q

The Rhône Rangers are?

A

California winemakers making Rhône style wines

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26
Q

Are Côtes du Rhône Villages wines strictly single varietals or blends or can they both?

A

CdR Villages must be a blend composed of at least 50% Grenache

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27
Q

Rhône Valley vineyards are situated between the ____th and ____th parallels north?

A

44th and 45th

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28
Q

Can the entire Rhône Valley produce wine under the Côtes du Rhône AOC designation?

A

No, the Côtes du Rhône AOC is a delineated area within the greater Rhône Valley

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29
Q

What are the 3 main white grapes of the Northern Rhône?

A

Viognier
Marsanne
Roussanne

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30
Q

What are Galets?

A

Rounded river stones

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31
Q

What is the most common vine training system in the Southern Rhône?

A

Gobelet

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32
Q

What is the Southernmost AOC in the Southern Rhône?

A

Costières de Nîmes

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33
Q

What are the characteristics of the Non-CdR AOC of Côtes du Vivarais?

A

Right Bank
Production: mostly red, almost as much rosé, and very little white
Climate: cooler and wetter than the rest of the Southern Rhône
Soils: Shallow and predominantly limestone with pockets of gravel
Red & rosé: mostly Grenache
Whites: Clairette, Grenache Blanc & Marsanne

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34
Q

What are the characteristics of the Non-CdR AOC of Duché d’Uzès

A

Right Bank
Production: Mostly red, some rosé, and white
Located NW of Nîmes
Reds & rosés: GSM, Cinsault & Carignan
Whites: Clairette, Viognier and Marsanne

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35
Q

What are the Characteristics of the Non-CdR AOC of Costières de Nîmes?

A

Right Bank
Production: just over 1/2 red, a little less rosé and very little white
Climate: Hot, annual semi-drought. Cold air from the Petit Camargue cools the nights; the Mistral also impacts
Reds & rosés: Grenache dominant and Syrah, Mourvèdre & Carignan added
Whites: Primarily Grenache Blanc with Marsanne & Roussanne

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36
Q

What are the characteristics of the Non-CdR AOC of Clairette de Bellegarde?

A

Right Bank
Only 17 acres
100% white
Soil: Gravel Desert (stone washed down from the alps)
Climate: dry and arid - impacted by the mistral
Grapes: Clairette

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37
Q

What are the characteristics of the Non-CdR AOC of Grignan-les-Adhémar?

A

Left Bank
Production: mostly red, some rosé and little white
Altitude 1,200’
Mostly limestone or sandstone subsoil
Reds & rosés: Mostly Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Carignan and Mourvedre
Whites: Mostly Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier

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38
Q

What are the characteristics of the Non-CdR AOC of Ventoux?

A

Left Bank
Foot of Mont Ventoux
Wide diurnal temperature
Largest of the 6 Non-CdR AOC’s
Reds & rosés: Mostly Grenache, with Syrah, Cinsault and Carignan
Whites: Mostly Clairette, with Grenache Blanc and Bourboulenc

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39
Q

What are the characteristics of the Non-CdR AOC of Luberon?

A

Left Bank
Production: Mostly rosé, with red & white
Climate: Mediterranean, one of the sunniest areas in France, strong continental influences from the Mistral and Tramontane winds
Soil: Sand, clay and limestone scree
Reds & rosés: mostly Grenache, with Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault
Rosés may add up to 20% white
Whites mostly Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Bourboulenc

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40
Q

What is “Méridionales”?

A

The Southern Côtes du Rhône

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41
Q

What is the principal grape of Clairette de Die?

A

Minimum 75% Muscat

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42
Q

What is the primary method of making rosés in the Rhône Valley?

A

Saignée or the bleeding method

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43
Q

What is the most common style of wine in the Diois?

A

Sparkling white

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44
Q

What is the primary grape of the Rasteau AOC?

A

Grenache

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45
Q

What is the primary difference between a wine labeled “Clairette de Die” and a wine labeled ““Coteaux de Die”?

A

Clairette is sparkling

Coteaux is still

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46
Q

What Rhône Cru is devoted to making only rosé wine?

A

Tavel

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47
Q

What are the 8 Crus from North to South in the Northern Rhône

A
  1. Côte-Rôtie
  2. Condrieu
  3. Château-Grillet
  4. Saint-Joseph
  5. Crozes-Hermitage
  6. Hermitage
  7. Cornas
  8. Saint-Péray
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48
Q

What are the primary red grapes in the Southern Rhône?

A 
Grenache Noir
Mourvèdre
Syrah
Carignan
Cinsault
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49
Q

When does most of the Southern Rhône precipitation fall?

A

In the winter - about 27”

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50
Q

How many hours of sunshine does the Southern Rhone receive?

A

2700 hours

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51
Q

What is the climate of the Southern Rhône ?

A

Mediterranean

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52
Q

What is the Southernmost town/area of the Côtes du Rhône area?

A

Avignon

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53
Q

What towns are the North and South ends of the Southern Rhône Valley?

A

Montelimar in the north and Nîmes in the south

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54
Q

What types of wines are made in the Diois?

A

The majority is sparkling white there is also some dry white and red

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55
Q

What is the climate and topography of the Diois?

A

Continental climate with alpine influences
The high elevation means cooler temperatures
Seasonal and diurnal variations are the greatest in all of the Rhône Valley
Harshest climate in the Rhône Valley
One of France’s highest wine regions up to 2,700’
Soil is mainly limestone and clay

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56
Q

What are the details of the Diois area of the Rhône Valley?

A

25 miles SE of Cornas
The SW edge of the pre-alpine region known as Massif du Vercors
Considered part of the Northern Rhône Valley but not included in Les Côtes du Rhône

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57
Q

What is the Échalas trellacing that is used in the Northern Rhône?

A

Échalas > wooden sticks

2 to 3 sticks arranged teepee style with 2 vines growing in it

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58
Q

What are the details on the Northern Rhône Cru AOC of Saint-Péray?

A

Right bank on east and southeast flanks of a deep valley
Still and sparkling Roussanne/Marsanne
100% white
Sparkling produced since 1825

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59
Q

What are the detail on the Northern Rhône Cru AOC of Cornas?

A

Right bank
Steep, southeast-facing terraced slopes of granite
100% red and 100% Syrah

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60
Q

What are the details on the Northern Rhône Cru AOC of Hermitage?

A

Left bank on steep facing granite slopes
Reds: Syrah with up to 15% Marsanne/Roussanne
Whites: Marsanne/Roussanne blends - long lived whites
Vast majority is red

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61
Q

What are the details on the Northern Rhône Cru AOC of Crozes-Hermitage?

A 
Left bank with varied soils
Largest of Northern Crus
Reds: Syrah with up to 15% Marsanne and/or Roussanne
Whites: Marsanne/Roussanne blends
Majority is red
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62
Q

What are the 3 primary white grapes of Southern Rhône?

A

Grenache Blanc
Clairette Blanche
Bourboulenc

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63
Q

What special soil type is Châteauneuf-du-Pape known for?

A

Galets

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64
Q

What 3 Southern Rhône AOC’s are considered on the plain?

A

Lirac
Tavel
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Soils of Garrigue, sand/sandstone, shingle/clay, galets, loess/molasse

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65
Q

What 3 Southern Rhône AOC’s are considered the hill towns with vineyards at elevation?

A

Vinsobres
Rasteau
Cairanne
All with elevation cooling effects

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66
Q

What 3 Southern Rhône AOC’s are impacted by the Dentelles de Montmirail?

A

Gigondas
Vacqueyras
Beaumes-de-Venise
It causes garrigue, large diurnal temperature swings and a suntrap that protects them from the Mistral

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67
Q

Where does the Rhône River begin?

A

As a glacier in Switzerland on Lake Geneva, flowing through the lake and becoming a river in Geneva

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68
Q

What are the details on the Northern Rhône Cru AOC of Saint-Péray?

A

Right bank

100% Whites: Still and sparkling Roussane and Marsanne

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69
Q

What are the details on the Northern Rhône Cru AOC of Château-Grillet?

A

Right Bank
Very steep terraces constructed by the Romans
100% white Viognier only
Very small AOC only 8.6 acres

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70
Q

What are the details on the Northern Rhône Cru AOC Condrieu?

A

Right Bank
100% white Viognier only
90-95% dry although sweet is allowed

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71
Q

What are the details on the Northern Rhône Cru AOC Côte-Rôtie?

A

Northernmost of Northern Cru AOC’s
Right Bank on steep slopes
Southeast facing
100% red with up to 20% Viognier, co-planted and co-fermented

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72
Q

What is the Rhône Valley wine industry like?

A

France’s 2nd largest producer of AOC wine

The wine industry is the regions #1 business activity

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73
Q

What is the path of the Rhône River?

A

It starts as a glacier in SW Switzerland
It flows from Montreux on Lake Geneva then out through the Jura Mountains down to Lyon France
In Lyon, it joins the Saone and pivots south flowing through the Gorges of Northern Rhône
It then flows onto the plains of the Southern Rhône and empties into the Mediterranean

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74
Q

How does the Rhône River link to other waterways?

A

From its start to finish the Rhône River falls 6,000’ in 505 miles
It links to the Rhine, Seine, and Loire through a series of waterways
It connects the Mediterranean to the rest of Europe

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75
Q

How does the Rhône link North and South as well as East and West?

A

The Northern Continental Climate meets the Southern Mediterranean climate here
The Granite & Schist of the Massif Central in the west meets the sedimentary soils of the Alps and its foothills in the East

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76
Q

Where is the Rhône Valley situated?

A

It is in the Southeastern corner of France

  • Lyon and Beaujolais to the North
  • Languedoc and Provence on the SW and SE
  • The pre-alps to the east
  • The Massif Central to the west
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77
Q

How long is the Rhône Valley and what 2 towns bookend it?

A

120 Miles
Vienne and Nîmes are the towns
Between Northern and Southern Rhône is a 30 Mile stretch with no vines where much of France’s produce is grown

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78
Q

Between what Parallels north does the Rhône Valley sit?

A

44th and 45th

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79
Q

What are the production numbers of the Rhône Valley?

A

Almost 300 villages
Rhône Valley Production 86% red, 9% rosé, 5% white
Les Côtes du Rhône 92% red, 4% rosé, 4% white

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80
Q

What is the river effect on the Northern and Southern Rhône Valley?

A

The moderating effects of the river is felt more in the North.
This is because the vineyards flank the river or are very close to the river.
In the south the vineyards are up to 50 miles away

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81
Q

What are the benefits of the Mistral?

A

Clears away clouds and dust increasing sunny days
Brings dry weather
Prevents frost
Chases humidity, reducing disease pressure
Drops the temperature

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82
Q

What are the risks of the Mistral?

A 
Breaks shoots
Rips off leaves and berries
Uproots vines
Damages crops
Desiccates the grapes too much
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83
Q

What is the name of the cold north wind blowing through the Rhône?

A

Mistral

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84
Q

T or F? The Rhône River impacts the growing area of the Northern Rhône and Southern Rhône equally…

A

False

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85
Q

What is the significance of the 45th Parallel?

A

It is the 1/2 way point between the equator and the north pole

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86
Q

T or F? Rhône Valley is bordered by the Massif Central on the east..

A

False, it is on the west

87
Q

What is the location of the Northern Rhône?

A

It begins 20 miles south of Lyon and stretches for 45 miles from Vienne to Valence

88
Q

What is the consistency of the Rhône Valley vintages in the north & south?

A

In the north the continental climate equates to weather and vintage variability

In the south the Mediterranean is consistently good from year to year with low vintage variability

89
Q

What is the rosé production like in the Rhône Valley?

A 
Only in Southern Rhône Valley 
Primarily Grenache and Cinsault 
Usually done the Saignée method
The pink juice is fermented like white wine
Malolactic fermentation is avoided
90
Q

How is red wine production like in the Rhône Valley?

A

Cold soak is more common
There is some co-fermenting
Fermentation usually runs 7 - 15 days but can last up to 20
Malolactic fermentation is standard
Traditionally, wines are aged in concrete, stainless steel or large wooden barrels

91
Q

How is sweet fortified wine produced in the Rhône Valley?

A

In temperature controlled stainless steel tanks used to chill the juice and slow fermentation
In order to preserve acidity, Malolactic fermentation is often blocked by adding SO2

92
Q

When are most Rhône Valley white AOC wines meant to be consumed?

A

2-4 years, some Crus are age worthy

A small percentage of Cru whites are aged in oak giving long ageability

93
Q

What is the production stats of the Northern Rhône?

A

8,100 acres
5% of total Les Côtes du Rhône production
4% of total Rhône Valley production

94
Q

What is the topography of the Southern Rhône?

A

Rolling hills, rocky plains and jagged mountains

95
Q

What mountains flank the Southern Rhône?

A 
Mont Ventoux
Mount Luberon
The Dentelles
All flank the eastern side
On the southern horizon near Avignon is the Alpilles
96
Q

What are the primary soil types of the Southern Rhône?

A 
Galets - rounded river stones
Shingle Clay
Stoney clay limestone
Loess and Molasse
Red sandstone
97
Q

What are the white wine styles of the Southern Rhône?

A

Dry White

Sweet fortified white: Vins Doux Naturels VdN

98
Q

What are the red wine styles of the Southern Rhône?

A

Dry Red

Sweet fortified red: Vins Doux Naturels VdN

99
Q

T or F? The wine of the Southern Rhône are blended products…

A

True

100
Q

What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhône white grape Grenache Blanc?

A

Vigorous variety with average ripening
Fairly full bodied white with low acidity and good extract
Displays green apple and pear flavors and white flower aromatics

101
Q

What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhône white grape Clairette?

A

Extremely vigorous, late ripening
Prefers warm, rocky, dry sites
High in alcohol, low in acidity
Hints of apricot, apple, peach, fennel and lime

102
Q

What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhône white grape Viognier?

A

Vigorous and hardy vine, ripens early
Can thrive in poor, stony soils
Produces aromatic wines that are high in alcohol and moderate acidity
Hints of peach, apricot, honey, violets and white flowers

103
Q

What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhone white grape Roussanne?

A

Moderate in vigor, mid-ripening
Prefers warm, stony, well drained soils, arid hillsides (and/or silt limestone)
Elegant and complex wines with floral notes, high alcohol and moderately high acidity
Aromas of honeysuckle, quince, apricot, acacia and white peach

104
Q

What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhône white grape Bourboulenc?

A

Vigorous, late ripening
Requires high temperatures to ripen
Produces wine of moderate alcohol and high acidity
Aromas of citrus and smoke

105
Q

The synonym for Vaccarèse is?

A

Camarèse

106
Q

What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhône white grape Piquepoul Blanc?

A

Shy producer and vulnerable to fungus
Name means lip stinger
Produces a wine of high acidity
Flavors of green apple and citrus

107
Q

What are the 3 white grapes of the Northern Rhône ?

A

Viognier
Marsanne
Roussanne

108
Q

What are the production stats of the Southern Rhône Cru Cairanne?

A

Left Bank, Newest Cru
Production: almost all red some white, rosé is made but not given AOC status
Soils: white clay, red clay and silt
Reds: 50% minimum Grenache with 20% Syrah and/or Mourvèdre and up to 20% other reds
Whites: Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc and Viognier + 20% max other whites

109
Q

What are the production stats of the Southern Rhône Cru Gigondas?

A

Left bank
Production: Almost all red tiny amount of rosé
Climate: Diurnal temperature swings due to elevation
Soils: marls, limestone and sand
Vineyards: elevation up to 1,350’, northwest and west facing
Reds: Predominantly GSM blends
Rosés: mostly Grenache

110
Q

What are the production stats on the Southern Rhône Cru Vacqueyras?

A

Left bank on the slopes of the Dentelles
Production: Almost all red, little white and rosé
Climate: Significant diurnal temperature swings
Wines: reds are fleshier and meatier than Gigondas
Reds: predominantly GSM blends
Rosés: Grenache, Mourvèdre and Cinsault
Whites: Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier
Soils: Sand and silt atop limestone, sandstone and marl

111
Q

What are the production stats of the Southern Rhône Cru Beaumes de Venise?

A

Left Bank, southeast side of the Dentelles - protecting it from the Mistral
Production: Dry red, Muscat VdN
Elevation: 300-1800’
Soils: complex array of marl, limestone and clay
Climate: mountain serves as a windbreak
Grapes: Grenache & Syrah dominant blend
Beaumes de Venise is the red blend
Muscat de Beaumes de Venise is the VdN

112
Q

In the beginning around 95 million years ago what was France?

A

An inland sea

This resulted in sedimentary limestone soil from the shellfish dying and settling on the bottom

113
Q

What occured in the center of France around 65 million years ago?

A

The water receded and the Massif Central rose
The area has the largest concentration of extinct volcanoes in the world resulting in granite and schist soils
The compression of the mud and soils resulted in metamorphic rocks

114
Q

What is Garrigue?

A

Nutrient-poor cretaceous limestone
Scrub vegetation that grows upon it
Aromatics of rosemary, thyme, and lavender found in red wines of the Rhône

115
Q

What major event occured to the Mediterranean Basin 5-2 million years ago?

A

The sill of Gibraltar was breached filling the Mediterranean Basin
This resulted in clay and red sandstone, iron rich soils which are very water retentive

116
Q

How big is the Rhône Valley, and what cities mark the north and south ends of the Rhône Valley?

A

120 miles long with 300 villages
In the north is the city of Vienne
In the south is the city of Nîmes

117
Q

What is the most important soil of the Northern Rhône?

A

Granite/Schist

Secondary soils:
Garrigue
Galets
Shingle clay
Loess/Molasse
118
Q

What are the major soils of the Southern Rhône?

A 
Garrigue
Galets
Shingle Clay
Loess/Molasse
Sandstone
119
Q

What are the windblown silts and sands known as?

A

Loess/Molasse

120
Q

What is the result of windblown silts and sands on wine?

A

Fruit forward and less structured

121
Q

What do Galets do to the grape?

A

Adds alcohol & tannins, age worthy wines?

122
Q

What was the major geologic event that occured 2 million to 10,000 years ago in the Rhône?

A

The Rhône Glacier slides into France
The Massif Central stops it
The glacier ground the soil creating polished rocks called Galets

123
Q

What cities bookend Les Côtes du Rhône?

A

Vienne in the north

Avignon in the south

124
Q

What is the climate of the Southern Rhône?

A

Mediterranean, much warmer than the Northern Rhône

125
Q

What cities bookend the Southern Rhône?

A

Montelimar in the north

Nîmes in the south

126
Q

What marks the boundary of the Northern Rhône?

A

Vienne in the north
Valence in the south
45 miles long
4% of total production

127
Q

What is the climate of the Northern Rhône?

A

Continental

Except the Diois which is more Alpine

128
Q

What are the beneficial effects of the Mistral?

A

Chases clouds, dust and humidity
Drops temperatures
Dessicates the grapes

129
Q

What are some of the detrimental effects of the Mistral?

A

Breaks shoots
Rips off leaves and berries
Shuts down the vine
Desiccates the grapes too much

130
Q

What are the production stats of the Southern Rhône Cru of Tavel?

A 
Right bank
Production: 100% rosé 
Mostly Grenache
Soil: sand, limestone and galets
Vinification must be Saignée
131
Q

What are the production stats of the Southern Rhône Cru of Lirac?

A

Right bank
Production: Mostly red some rosé and white
Climate is hot and arid, the mistral blows full force
Whites: Clairette, Bourboulenc and Grenache Blanc
Rosés: Both Saignée & Direct Press. Mostly Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvèdre
Dark in Color
Reds: Same as Rosés

132
Q

What are the core red and white blends of the Southern Rhône?

A

Core Red: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault & Mourvedre

Core White: Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Marsanne & Roussanne

133
Q

What are the 9 Crus of the Southern Rhône from north to south?

A 
Vinsobres
Rasteau
Cairanne (most recent Cru)
Gigonda
Vacqueyras
Beaume de Venise
Châteauneuf du Pape
Lirac
Tavel
134
Q

What are the 8 Crus of the Northern Rhône from north to south?

A
  1. Côte-Rôtie
  2. Condrieu
  3. Château-Grillet
  4. Saint-Joseph
  5. Crozes-Hermitage
  6. Hermitage
  7. Cornas
  8. Saint-Péray
135
Q

What percentage of Cru production comes from the northern and southern Rhône regions?

A

25% from the North
75% from the South
Majority is red

136
Q

What 2 Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC’s produce Vin doux Naturels (VdN)?

A

Rasteau
Muscat de Beaumes de Venise
> 10% RS and 15% alcohol

137
Q

How many villages have been awarded AOC status and can add their name to CDRV wines as CDRV-named village?

A

20

138
Q

What are the production stats for CDRV AOC wines?

A

95 villages that can produce it
Standards are more stringent than CdR
Blending formula refers to what’s in the bottle not the field

139
Q

What percentage of Regional CdR AOC comes from the Southern Rhône ?

A

95%

There are 171 villages in both the north and south that can contribute to the blend

140
Q

What percentage of wine production come from outside the CDR zone of production?

A

25%

141
Q

What are the Rhône Valley AOC’s that lie outside the CdR zone of production?

A

The Diois

  • 2 Sparkling: Clairette de Die & Cremant de Die
  • 2 Still: Coteaux de Die & Chatillon en Diois
In the South:
Côtes du Vivarais
Grignan-les-Adhémar
Duché d'Uzès
Ventoux
Luberon
Costières de Nîmes
Clairette de Bellegarde
142
Q

What are the CdR zones of production AOC’s?

A

Côtes du Rhône Regional AOC: 171 villages located here both north and south
Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC: 95 villages, south only
Côtes du Rhône Villages - named Villages: 17 villages south only
17 Cru AOC’s: 8 in the north and 9 in the south including the 2 VdN AOCs

143
Q

What is the key effect of being near a body of water?

A

It equalizes the diurnal and seasonal temperatures
Helps bud break
Reduces frosts - stays a little warmer 2 -4 degrees

144
Q

When did the vine begin in the Rhône Valley?

A

600BC with the Phoceans

145
Q

When did the Romans arrive and what was one of the first things they did?

A

121 BC and they built terraces into the steep slopes of the north

146
Q

What major event happened in the 14th century?

A

The French Popes during the Avignon Papacy moved to Avignon

147
Q

What major changes occured to the Côtes du Rhône in the 1600-1800s?

A

The effort to protect the wine and certify the Côtes du Rhône name
Wine barrels were stamped “CDR” and in the 1800s Côte du Rhône was changed to Les Côtes du Rhône

148
Q

What was one of the most significant ways Phylloxera in the early 1870’s changed the vineyards of Southern Rhône?

A

Mourvèdre was exceedingly difficult to graft, plantings decreased dramatically - from 33% to 3%

149
Q

What happened in 1956 that resulted in a huge increase in Viticulture?

A

A severe winter frost killed off the olive and fruit trees, the vines survived
Many farmers switched to viticulture

150
Q

What are the CdR stats?

A

171 of the Rhône Valleys 300 villages can produce CdR

92% red, 4% rosé and 4% white

151
Q

What is the vine spacing in the Southern Rhône?

A

They are spaced wider apart due to the depleted soil and lack of water
Irrigation is not illegal but permission is needed
Can be either machine or hand harvested

152
Q

How are the new vineyards usually trained in the Rhône?

A

They are often trellised
This is for better sun exposure, ease of pruning, elimination of humidity build-up within the canopy, structural support against the Mistral

153
Q

What training method is traditionally used in the Southern Rhône?

A

The Gobelet method

This is to keep the vines close to the ground to protect it from the Mistral

154
Q

What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhône red grape Syrah?

A

Densely pigmented, tannic wines with moderate alcohol and acidity
Raspberry, black currant, cherry and plum fruits with pepper, sundried tomatoes, herb and cocoa
Sometimes leathery, gamey barnyard notes
Reductive in nature

155
Q

What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhône red grape Mourvèdre ?

A

Late ripener requiring warmth and sunlight
Thrives best near the coast
Densely pigmented with high levels of tannin and acidity
Complexes and intensifies with age
In its youth herbs, bright plum, strawberry and meaty aromas
Truffle appear with age

156
Q

What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhône red grape Grenache Noir?

A

Vigorous and productive
Wind and drought resistant
High alcohol, moderate acid, pigment and tannins
Bright strawberry, wild cherry and prune fruit with a dash of licorice and spice
Prone to oxidation

157
Q

What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhône red grape Cinsault?

A

Abundant crop
Drought and wind resistant
Requires high temperatures to ripen its fruit
Moderate pigment, low acidity, supple tannins and red fruit aroma
Usually used for rosé wines

158
Q

What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhône red grape Carignan?

A

Produces abundant crop
Late budder, late ripener, drought and wind resistant
Prefers low vigor sites such as warm dry hillsides
Produces well structured, tannic wines with good acidity and color

159
Q

What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhône white grape Ugni Blanc?

A

Known as Trebbiano in Italy
Late budding, late ripening, vigorous and high yielding
Possesses good acidity
Crafts delicate whites with hints of citrus and almond

160
Q

What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhône white grape Marsanne?

A

Extremely vigorous and hardy
Generous producer and early ripener
Produces powerful wines with high alcohol
High extract and moderately low acidity
Tastes of melon and flowers; transitions to hazelnut

161
Q

When did Phylloxera hit the Rhône ?

A

Early 1870’s

162
Q

What did Phylloxera do to the grape landscape in the Rhône?

A

Greatest impact on Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre was very difficult to graft
This reduced vineyard plantings form 30 to 3%

163
Q

What grapes took over vineyard production after Phylloxera?

A

Easy to Graft: Grenache and Syrah
Mourvèdre now less than 3%
Grenache: 65%
Syrah: 18%

164
Q

What are the 4 seasons of the Northern Rhône?

A

Spring: Variable, wet with fog or sunny and dry
Summer: Hot & Sunny with 2,100 hours of sunlight and 27-35” of rainfall
Autumns: Dry & Windy with danger of hail
Winter: Cold with light snowfall

165
Q

What is the topography of the Northern Rhône?

A

Vineyards are planted on slopes facing the Rhône up to 60 degrees
Romans carved terraces on these slopes to stop slope wash and make vineyard work easier

166
Q

In the Northern Rhône what is the ideal vineyard aspect?

A

South

167
Q

What is the only red grape of the Northern Rhône?

A

Syrah

  • Early ripening
  • Densely pigmented
  • Tannic
  • Moderate acidity and alcohol
  • The wine can express leather & gamey notes due to Syrahs reductive nature
168
Q

What is the soil type of the Northern Rhône?

A

Mostly granite sub soils with a topsoil of decomposed schist and granite sand
Pockets of calcareous soils mixed with Galets and patches of shingle clay

169
Q

What are the characteristics of the Northern Rhône white grape Roussanne?

A

Moderately vigorous, mid ripener
Prefers warm, stony, well drained soils and arid hillsides, also silt-limestone soils
High alcohol and moderately high acidity
Aromas of honeysuckle, quince, apricot, acacia and white peach

170
Q

What are the characteristics of the Northern Rhône white grape Marsanne?

A 
Vigorous and hardy
Generous producer
Early ripener
Prefers warm, stony, infertile soils
High in alcohol and extract
Moderately low in acidity
Look for aromas of melon and flowers that transition to hazelnut
171
Q

What are the characteristics of the Northern Rhône white grape Viognier?

A 
Vigorous and hardy
Thrives in poor, dry, stony soils
Early ripener
Aromatic
High in alcohol
Moderate acidity
Aromas of peach, honey, musk, violets and white flowers
172
Q

How do we mitigate the Mistral effects?

A

In the South: Plant untrellised, low-facing the wind Gobelet style

In the North: Plant on protected SE facing slopes and use Echalas trellesing

173
Q

What is the quality pyramid in the Les Côtes du Rhône?

A

Cru AOC’s (VdNs included)
Côtes du Rhône villages - named villages AOC (only in the south)
Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC (must be a blend)
Côtes du Rhône regional AOC

174
Q

How many Crus are in the Northern Rhône?

A

8

175
Q

How many Crus are in the Southern Rhône?

A

9

176
Q

How many CdR named villages are there?

A

17

177
Q 
Are these red, white or rosé AOC's
Vinsobres
Cairanne (most recent Cru)
Gigonda
Vacqueyras
Beaume de Venise
Châteauneuf du Pape
Lirac
Tavel
Rasteau
A

Vinsobres - red only
Cairanne (most recent Cru) - red and white
Gigonda - red and a little rosé
Vacqueyras - red, rosé and white
Beaume de Venise - dry red and Muscate VdN
Châteauneuf du Pape - red and white
Lirac - red, rosé and white
Tavel - rosé only
Rasteau - dry red plus red, rosé or white VdN

178
Q

How many CdR - villages are there?

A

95

179
Q

How many CdR wine producing villages are there?

A

171

180
Q

How many VdN AOC’s are there and what are their names?

A

2
Rasteau
Muscat de Beaumes de Venise

181
Q

From north to the south wat the the 8 Northern Cru AOC’s?

A
  1. Côte-Rôtie
  2. Condrieu (white)
  3. Château-Grillet (white)
  4. Saint-Joseph
  5. Crozes-Hermitage
  6. Hermitage
  7. Cornas (amphitheater)
  8. Saint-Péray (white)
182
Q

Are the following Northern Cru AOC’s red, white or rose?

  1. Côte-Rôtie
  2. Condrieu
  3. Château-Grillet
  4. Saint-Joseph
  5. Crozes-Hermitage
  6. Hermitage
  7. Cornas
  8. Saint-Péray
A
  1. Côte-Rôtie: red only
  2. Condrieu: white only
  3. Château-Grillet: white only
  4. Saint-Joseph: red & white
  5. Crozes-Hermitage: red & white
  6. Hermitage: red & white
  7. Cornas: red only
  8. Saint-Péray: white only
183
Q

What are the grape varieties and their percentage in the Northern Rhône?

A
  1. Côte-Rôtie: Syrah up to 20% Viognier
  2. Condrieu: 100% Viognier
  3. Château-Grillet: 100% Viognier
  4. Saint-Joseph: reds Syrah up to 10% Marsanne and/or Roussanne
  5. Hermitage: reds Syrah up to 15% Marsanne and/or Roussanne
  6. Cornas: 100% Syrah
  7. Saint-Péray: Roussanne and/or Marsanne
184
Q

Which AOC in Northern Rhône makes sweet Vins de Paille?

A

Hermitage

185
Q

What is the difference between Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu and Château-Grillet and the rest of the CRU AOCs in the Northern Rhône?

A

The top 3 have Viognier as the white grape, below that the rest have Marsanne and Roussanne as their whites

186
Q

What are the parents of Syrah?

A

Dureza x Mondeuse Blanche meaning Syrah is a French grape

187
Q

What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhône Cru CdP?

A

Left bank
Production: almost all red with some white
Largest and driest AOC
Soils: limestone, sandstone, shingle/clay and galets
Climate: dry, exposed to the full force of the Mistral
Grapes: 13 Authorized

188
Q

What did the 3 week 5 degree winter freeze do to the Rhône Valley?

A

In addition to the cold the 60 mph Mistral winds blew through the valley
The majority of the regions olive and fruit trees perished; the vines survived
These farms replanted to the vine

189
Q

What was the INAO’s first regulation text?

A

AOC
Defined area of origin (Origine)
Named (Appellation) product created & labeled under strictly regulated (Controlee’) production methods

May 15, 1936 INAO First AOC’s

  • Arbois
  • Cassis
  • CdP
190
Q

Who is Baron Pierre Le Roy de Boiseaumarie?

A

In 1935 he led the vine growers of CdP to delineate the CdP zone of production and set production standards
In 1936 the first AOC’s were announced and CdP was among them

191
Q

What are the “non-Cru” AOC’s in the Rhône?

A 
Diois
Ventoux
Grignon le Adhemar
Luberon
Côtes du Vivarais
Duché d'Uzès
Costière de Nîmes
Clairette de Bellegarde
192
Q

What is the northernmost Cru in the Northern Rhône?

A

Côte-Rôtie

193
Q

Which northern Rhône Cru is known for sparkling wine?

A

Saint-Péray

194
Q

What percentage to the total Rhône Valley production does the Cote du Rhône AOC represent?

A

50

195
Q

What are the AOC types within the Les Côtes du Rhône?

A

Côtes du Rhône AOC: 68% of the Les Côtes du Rhône region
Côtes du Rhône Villages - 5%
Côtes du Rhône Villages - named Village: 9%
17 Cru AOC’s ( including 2 Vin Doux Naturals AOC’s): 17% & 1% respectively

196
Q

What does the Côtes du Rhône regional AOC cover?

A

It is the regional AOC of the Les Côtes du Rhône region

It represents 50% of the production of the entire Rhône Valley

197
Q

What are the wines form the Northern and Southern Rhône called?

A

Northern: Côtes du Rhône Septentrionalis
Southern: Côtes du Rhône Méridionales

198
Q

What are the production stats of the Southern Rhône Cru of Vinsobres?

A

Left Bank
At elevation of 1,200’
Climate: Has alpine influences that preserve the wines natural acidity
Red: Min 50% Grenache plus 25% Syrah and/or Mourvedre
Soils: Sand + clay with pocket of gravel and limestone

199
Q

What is the “new castle of the Pope”?

A

Pope John XXII built a new summer home in a small town
He named it “The New Castle of the Pope” or Châteauneuf du Pape
This name became the name of the town

200
Q

When did the Romans arrive in the Rhône and what did they do for formal viticulture?

A

Arrived in 121 BC
They transformed te steep slopes into walled terraces
They began on the right bank and then annexed the left

201
Q

When did formal viticulture begin in the Rhône?

A

Celtic tribes were present when the Phocéans arrived in Marseille around 600 BC
They brought the grape Muscat a Petit Grains Blanc

202
Q

What is the real origin Syrah and Viognier?

A

Syrah: Indigenous to France
Cross of Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche

Viognier: Related to Mondeuse Blanche

203
Q

What is the primary white grape of the Northern Rhône?

A

Viognier

204
Q

What is the primary grape of the Southern Rhône?

A

Grenache

205
Q

When was the Church in Rhône ?

A

1309 - 1376 the Catholic church center of power was in Avignon with 7 Catholic Popes ruling from here

206
Q

What is the link between Viognier and Syrah?

A

Mondeuse Blanc

207
Q

What are the characteristics of the Southern Rhône VdN AOC of Muscat de Beaumes de Venise?

A

Grape: Muscat a Petit Grains
Superior acid and sugar balance
Aromas of rose, lychee and orange blossom

208
Q

What 3 Northern Rhône Crus permit Viognier?

A

Côte-Rôtie
Condrieu
Château-Grillet

209
Q

What is “Vins de Medecine”?

A

Wines from CdP and other Southern Rhône areas sold to Burgundy to add pigment, tannin and riper fruit during the Avignon Papacy

210
Q

When did “La Côte du Rhône “ begin?

A

In the 1600’s it began as an administrative district in the vicariate of Uzes
Lies within the Southern Rhône on the right bank
Growers called their wine Cote du Rhône

211
Q

What was the change from La Cote du Rhône to Les Côtes du Rhône ?

A

1737 King Louis XV mandated the branding of all Cote du Rhône wine barrels with CDR to protect their origin
1800’s the singular name became the plural Les Cotes du Rhône becoming a regional moniker
It stretches from Vienne to Avignon on both banks

212
Q

What are the production stats of the Southern Rhône Cru of Rasteau?

A

Left Bank
Production: dry red plus red, white and rosé VdN
Unique Mesoclimate: South facing amphitheater that traps sun and blocks the Mistral
Elevation- 1050’
Soils: marls, red clay and sand with pockets of gravel
Reds: Predominantly GSM

213
Q

What are the characteristics of the VdN Rasteau AOC?

A

Grapes: Grenache Noir, Grenache Gris and Grenache Blanc (with up to 10% of the other varieties)
Most of this VdN is red
White VdNs: Blanc (reductive) or Ambre’ (Oxidative) styles
Red VdNs: Grenat (reductive) or Tuile (Oxidative) styles
Hors d’ Age: 5 years oxidative aging
Rancio: 12 months oxidative aging in barrel

French Wine Scholar 2024 (15 decks)

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