Rhone Valley Flashcards
Rhône Grapes
-Known for Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier and Roussane
Northern Rhône
- Cote rotie one of the most important French appellations for Syrah (alongside Hermitage and Cornas)
- Condrieu is the largest white wine appellation in Rhône that produces rich, full bodied 100% Viognier
- Crozes-Hermitage is the largest appellation in northern Rhône which are wines that are a blends. 92% are red and 8% are white, Syrah and marsanne/roussanne blend
- Hermitage is the most famous for syrahs that usually need 5-10 years of age. They also produce age-worthy white wines that are a blend of marsanne/roussane (L’Ermitage are among the most expensive from this region). Typically a hermitage produce 76% red and 24% white, Syrah and marsanne/roussanne blend
- Cornas are typically the boldest and most tannic of all Syrahs from Rhône
Syrah
T.N. - black raspberry, black currant, violet, chocolate, olive, white pepper and charcoal smoke. Bold with precise fine-grained tannins
Pairing - braised beef, aged hard cheeses, duck, grilled meat, veggies, burgers, lamb
Viognier
- High fruit, medium body, medium-low acid
- Best enjoyed 2-4 years of release
T.N. - tangerine, peach, pears, violet, honeysuckle, almond and rich toasted notes of gingerbread, macadamia and allspice
Pairing - poultry, pork, lobster, crab, salmon, baked Brie, young sheep cheese
Crozes-Hermitage
Red T.N. - violet, fresh berries, keen acidity and tannin. Full-bodied and dry with red fruit, black pepper, forest floor and leather (can have a blend of up to 15% white wine, but most are 100% Syrah) meant to consume early (4-5 years)
Pairing - poultry, charcuterie, duck, red meats, game
White T.N. - dry with fresh, light floral and fruit aromas
Pairing - serve as aperitif or pair with river fish
Hermitage
- Generally 100% Syrah
- Generally should be aged 5-10 years
- Have exceptional cellaring potential of 15-20 year
T.N. - intense dark crimson color, perfumed violet, cassis aromas with leather, blackberry, black currant, coffee and smoke
Pairing - red meats, game, poultry, truffles
Cornas
- The boldest and most tannic Syrah
- Most recommend waiting about a decade for the tannins to soften and reveal more licorice flavors
- Most receive new oak now to help soften the wine
T.N. - tongue staining flavors of blackberry jam, black pepper, violet, charcoal, chalk dust, and smoke followed up with grippy intense tannins
Pairing - grilled and roasted meats, aged goes well with game, spiced dishes, mushroom sauce or truffles
Southern Rhône
- Chateaueuf-du-pape - means “new home of the pope” 14 varietals
- Cotes du Rhône AOC - ‘entry level’ classification that accounts for 50% of the valleys production and most reds are blends of Grenache or Syrah
- Cotes du Rhône villages AOC - village wines are a bite more complex with lower yields and slightly higher alcohol, great for aging
- Cotes du Rhône (named) villages AOC - bares the name of one of the 21 villages
- The Crus - 17 crus (8 in the north and 9 in the south) and express their individual terroir and are responsible for 20% of the Rhône wine production
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
- Up to 13 different grapes (Grenache base typically, but not always)
- Means new home of the pope
- Can age 10-20 years
T.N. - rich raspberry, plummy fruit flavors and as it evolves dusted leather, game and herbs (sage, rosemary and lavender), the finish ranges from sweet strawberry to savory depending on the vintage
Pairing - roasted and spiced veggie driven dishes, poultry, lamb, smoky cauliflower steak
*popular producer - Chateau de Beaucastel. Oak again is not dominant, the authenticity of the grape varieties and terroir take the major roles
Cote du Rhône AOC
-Grenache dominant
T.N. - fruity, sweet, spicy and packed with ripe, red berries. Medium bodied and easy to drink
Pairing - lamb, stews, meaty fish, veggies, charcuterie and cheese board
