Rhone Valley Pt 5 - Southern Rhone General and Grapes

Question 1

Where does the S.Rhone begin and end?

Answer 1

At Montelimar and extends to Nimes.

Question 2

What is different about vineyard location in the S.Rhone?

Answer 2

Unlike the Northern Rhone they do not cluster around the Rhone River. Thye stretch up to 80 miles from the river.

Question 3

What is the climate of the S.Rhone?

Answer 3

Mediterranean. It receives 2600-2800 hours of sunshine.

Question 4

What is the rainfall in S.Rhone?

Answer 4

Between 400-900 mm with average of 700mm.

Question 5

How does the rain impact the S.Rhone?

Answer 5

The rain falls mostly in winter but there can be violent summer rainstorms. These can cause flooding on the hard-baked earth which cannot absorb the sudden volume of water.

Question 6

What are the climate hazards of S.Rhone?

Answer 6

Excessive heat in summer;
Drought;
Summer rainstorms.

Question 7

How are climate hazards mitigated?

Answer 7

The Mistral wind mitigates the heat as it is a cooling wind;
The cool air coming from the Dentelles de Montmirail;
Diurnal swings are high so vines at elevation benefit.

Question 8

How does the climate and the Mistral benefit the S.Rhone vineyards?

Answer 8

Lack of rainfall and the Mistral which blows away heat and humidity and brings clear sunny skies which reduces disease.

Question 9

What is the landscape of the S.Rhone?

Answer 9

Broad rocky plains and rugged mountain terrain. This is attributed to glacial meltwaters flowing to the Mediterranean.

Question 10

Which mountain chains border the S.Rhone?

Answer 10

Mont Ventoux, Luberon Massif and Dentelles Montmirail on the eastern border. The Alpilles near Avignon in the south. All were caused by the Alps lifting up.

Question 11

What are the five main soil types of S.Rhone?

Answer 11

Galets; Garrique (limestone); Sandstone; Clay; Loess/molasse.

Question 12

What is the style of S.Rhone blends?

Answer 12

Typically blends.

Question 13

How many wines are authorised for the wines of CDR?

Answer 13

23 of 34 varieties planted.

Question 14

What are the major white grapes in the S.Rhone?

Answer 14

Bourbolenc; Clairette; Grenache Blanc; Roussanne;Marsanne; Viognier

Question 15

What Rose/Gris grapes are used in S.Rhone?

Answer 15

Clairette Rose, Grenache Gris, Piquepoul Gris

Question 16

What are the major red grapes in the S.Rhone?

Answer 16

Grenache; syrah; Mourvedre;Cinsaut; Counois;Carignan;Marselan

Question 17

What is the planting % for grape varieties in S.Rhone?

Answer 17

Grenache - 55%;
Syrah - 24%;
Carignan - 6%;
Mourvedre - 4%;
Cinsaut - 3%;
Grenache Blanc - 2%;
Others - 6%.

Question 18

What does Bourbolenc contribute to wines?

Answer 18

Moderate alcohol and high acidity. Used to balnce high alcohol/low acid grapes such as grenache blanc or clairette.

Question 19

What does Clairette contribute to wines?

Answer 19

High ABV/low -moderate acidity.
Has large leaves to protect against sunburn of S.Rhone.

Question 20

What does Grenache Blanc contribute to wines?

Answer 20

High ABV/low -moderate acidity.
Valued for its concentration of flavours. Drawback is that all grenache variety are oxidative in nature.

Question 21

What is the preferred grape for white Chateauneuf and CDR?

Answer 21

Grenache Blanc.

Question 22

How is Viognier different in the S.Rhone as against the N.Rhone?

Answer 22

The southern warmth reduces uits acid levels and enhances its aromatics

Question 23

Which grape is important for VDN in the S.Rhone?

Answer 23

Muscat a Petit Grains Blanc.

Question 24

Which grapes form the main styles of red wine in S.Rhone?

Answer 24

Genache, Syrah, Mourvedre blends.

Question 25

What does Grenache contribute to the Rhone blends?

Answer 25

High alcohol, moderate colour and acidity. Balanced by Syrah and/or Mourvedre. Oxidative in nature.

Question 26

What does Syrah contribute to the Rhone blends?

Answer 26

It is higher acidity and has more tannin so can balance grenache. Reductive in nature.

Question 27

What does Mourvedre contribute to the Rhone blends?

Answer 27

Contributes Alcohol, tannin, acid and colour. Balances Grenache. Reductive in nature.

Question 28

What does “Meridionaux” mean.

Answer 28

Of the southern Rhone ( in nature, style or location)