Rhone Flashcards
(59 cards)
What is the location of the Northern Rhône?
A narrow strip of land on steep hillsides along the Rhône River, from Vienne in the north to Valence in the south.
What type of climate characterizes the Northern Rhône?
Continental climate, with the Mistral wind blowing from north to south.
What is the ‘echalas’?
A vine training system used in the Northern Rhône.
What is the only black grape variety used for red wines in Northern Rhône?
Syrah.
What are the major grape varieties for white wines in Northern Rhône?
Viognier, Roussanne, and Marsanne.
What are the notable AOCs in Northern Rhône?
Côte-Rôtie AOC, Saint-Joseph AOC, Crozes-Hermitage AOC, Hermitage AOC, Cornas AOC, Condrieu AOC, Château-Grillet AOC, Saint-Péray AOC.
What are the soil types in Côte-Rôtie?
- Côte Brune: Higher clay content rich in ironstone.
- Côte Blonde: Derived from granite with a higher percentage of limestone.
What is the grape composition in Côte-Rôtie?
Syrah as the single red grape, with up to 20% Viognier permitted.
Who are some leading producers in Côte-Rôtie?
- Domaine Jamet
- E. Guigal
- René Rostaing
- Domaine Gilles Barge
- Domaine Bernard Levet
What is the first vintage of La Mouline by E. Guigal?
1966.
What is the grape composition of La Landonne?
100% Syrah.
What is the main grape variety in Saint-Joseph AOC?
Syrah.
What types of wines are produced in Saint-Joseph AOC?
- Red Wines: Primarily Syrah, with up to 10% Marsanne or Roussanne.
- White Wines: Composed of Marsanne and Roussanne.
What is the history of Saint-Joseph AOC?
Originally called Vin de Mauves, it was officially recognized as an AOC in 1956.
What is the primary grape used for red wines in Crozes-Hermitage AOC?
Syrah.
What is the origin of the name ‘Hermitage’?
From the Knight Gaspard de Stérimberg, who lived as a hermit on the hill after returning from the Crusades in 1224.
What are the main grape varieties in Hermitage AOC?
- Red Wines: Primarily Syrah, with up to 15% Marsanne/Roussanne.
- White Wines: Blend of Marsanne and Roussanne.
What is Vin de Paille?
A rare, sweet wine made from sun-dried Marsanne and Roussanne grapes.
What is unique about Château-Grillet?
It is a monopole, owned by a single estate, and one of the smallest AOCs in France.
What are the types of wines produced in Saint-Péray AOC?
- Still White Wine
- Sparkling Wine made by méthode traditionnelle.
What is the main grape used for Crémant de Die AOC?
100% Clairette.
What are some standout vintages in the Northern Rhône from 1990 to 2020?
- 1990
- 1999
- 2005
- 2010
- 2015
- 2016
- 2019
What is the Mistral?
A powerful cold dry wind blowing north to south, affecting the climate in the Rhône.
What is the name origin of Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
Named after the ruined summer palace of a fourteenth-century Pope.