Rhone Valley Classification System

Question 1

Does the Rhône Valley use a formal classification system like Bordeaux or Burgundy?

Answer 1

No formal hierarchy like Bordeaux/Burgundy, but AOC levels matter

Question 2

What are the 3 main quality tiers of Rhône wines?

Answer 2

Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages, Named Village or Cru

Question 3

What does “Côtes du Rhône” mean?

Answer 3

Basic regional appellation – entry level

Question 4

What does “Côtes du Rhône Villages” mean?

Answer 4

Higher quality than basic Côtes du Rhône, from select villages

Question 5

What does it mean when a Rhône label names the village (e.g., Cairanne, Rasteau)?

Answer 5

It’s a step above Villages – recognized as its own Cru AOC

Question 6

Name 3 Cru appellations in the Southern Rhône

Answer 6

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras

Question 7

Name 2 Cru appellations in the Northern Rhône

Answer 7

Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, Cornas

Question 8

What is the top AOC of the Southern Rhône?

Answer 8

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Question 9

What grape dominates Northern Rhône reds?

Answer 9

Syrah

Question 10

What grape dominates Southern Rhône blends?

Answer 10

Grenache (often with Syrah and Mourvèdre)

Question 11

What is the difference between Northern and Southern Rhône?

Answer 11

Northern = single varietal Syrah; Southern = GSM blends, warmer climate