WSET4 Southern Rhone Flashcards
Learn the wines of the Southern Rhône region to the "WSET-4 diploma" level, an expert level qualification for professionals working in the wine industry. Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is generally regarded as the world's leading provider of wine education.
How is the Southern Rhone region also known as in France?
Cotes du Rhone Meridionales
What are the specific PDO appellations of the Southern Rhône?
Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
**Gigondas AOC
Vacqueyras AOC
**Lirac AOC
**Tavel AOC
Vinsobres AOC
Côtes du Vivarais AOC
Grignan-Les Adhemar AOC
Rasteau AOC
Cairanne (Accepted in February 2016 - Official decree pending)
Beaumes de Venise AOC
Muscat de Beaumes de Venise AOC
*: part of WSET4 diploma
What outlying/satellite regions in Southern Rhône have their own appellation?
Luberon AOC Ventoux AOC Costières de Nimes AOC : part of WSET4 Diploma
What are Southern Rhônes principal PGI classified ‘Vins-de-Pays’?
Collines Rhodaniennes Ardèche Drôme Vaucluse Bouches-du-Rhône. : part of WSET4 Diploma
Where is the Côtes-du-Rhône appellation situated?
The appellation’s vineyards extend from Vienne to Avignon. The Côtes-du-Rhône appellation includes 171 counties across 6 different departments, covering an area of 44,000 hectares. It is one of the largest PDOs in the world.
In which département(s) is Côtes-du-Rhône situated?
The 95 communes in the appellation are divided between the 4 départements of the south of the region: l’Ardèche la Drôme le Gard le Vaucluse.
Where are the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation vineyards located?
Between Avignon and Orange, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyard’s 3200 hectares dominate the plain. The appellation’s vineyards spread across almost the entire Châteauneuf-du-Pape local authority, with some extending across the four neighbouring municipalities (Bédarrides, Courthézon, Orange, and Sorgues).
Where are the Gigondas appellation vineyards located?
In département Vaucluse, located in the region Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur, the total ±1,200 ha (2013) vignoble of rugged, herb-scented vineyard are located North-East of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, just below the spectacularly jagged wall of rock, the Dentelles de Montmirail.
Where are the Vacqueyras appellation vineyards located?
Tucked at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail on the left-bank of the Ouvèze, this AOC is planted in Vacqueyras and Sarrians, between the prestigious Gigondas and Beaumes-de-Venise vineyards.
Where are the Lirac appellation vineyards located?
Lirac AOC lies 15km to the north-east of Avignon, on the right-bank of the Rhône in the Gard. The 715 cultivated hectares cover 4 areas including Roquemaure, the cradle of the Côtes-du-Rhône, Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres and Saint-Géniès-de-Comolas, on the Rhône’s right bank
Where are the Tavel appellation vineyards located?
The vineyards are located on the right-bank of the Rhône, west of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, in the Gard, around Tavel.
Where are the Vinsobres appellation vineyards located?
The appellation covers a mere 8 kilometers of hillside in Vinsobres, in Drômes Provençal.
Where are the Luberon appellation vineyards located?
The Luberon is one of the most southerly wine-growing areas of the Rhône Valley. The appellation, which comprised ±3,300 ha (2013) of vineyard, is a sort of buffer state between the Rhône and Provence, or more precisely between the Ventoux appellation and that of Coteaux d’aix-en-provence (although French officialdom places it firmly in the Rhône). The vineyards extend over 36 communes in the Luberon regional nature reserve, in the département of Vaucluse. Delimited by the Calavon to the north and the Durance to the south, they lie on both escarpments of the Luberon massif, with the exception of the Combe de Lourmarin, which separates the Grand from the Petit Luberon.
Where are the Ventoux appellation vineyards located?
The vineyards lie on the south-eastern fringes of the southern Rhône between Grignan-les-Adhémar and the Luberon, extending over 51 communes in the département of Vaucluse. The nearly 6,000 ha appellation takes its name from Mont Ventoux, the 2,000m high peak which dominates the region. The communes entitled to the appellation are on the western and southern flanks of this land mass, which has a significant cooling effect on the southern Rhône’s generally mediterranean climate. Delimited in the south by the Cavalon and protected from the mistral by Mt. Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail, they flourish in a natural setting listed by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve.
Where are the Costières-de-Nîmes appellation vineyards located?
The vineyards lie to the south east of the city from which they take their name. Delimited to the north by the valley of the Gardon, the vineyards extend over 40 kilometres, between the low-lying plain of the Petit Rhône and the marshlands of the Petite Camargue.
Where are the Ardèche appellation vineyards located?
On the right bank of the Rhône between the main concentrations of vineyards which constitute the northern and southern Rhône Valley in south-east France.
What official quality classification is used in the Southern Rhône (name the classification levels)?
- Côtes-du-Rhône AOC 2. Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages AOC 3. Côtes du AOC 4. Own specific designated AOC
How many grape varieties are permitted under the Côtes-du-Rhône appellation?
21 grape varieties are officially included in the appellation. While the climate and the soil has conditioned the vines, the resulting clean properties, finesse, and rich assembly are primarily the result of the winemakers’ hard work.
What are the principal red grape varieties under the Côtes-du-Rhône appellation?
Grenache Noir Syrah Mourvèdre
What are the principal white grape varieties under the Côtes-du-Rhône appellation?
Bourboulenc Clairette Grenache Blanc
Marsanne Roussanne Viognier
What is the maximum yield under the Côtes-du-Rhône appellation?
52 hectoliter per hectare
Why and how was the Côtes-du-Rhône appellation modified in 1996?
The Appellation was modified in 1996 with the aim of consolidating the character of the Côtes-du-Rhône’s wines. For red and rosé wines, Grenache must constitute at least 40% of the grapes (except for wines in the northern area made using Syrah). Likewise, for white wines, 80% of the grapes must be made up of Grenache blanc, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, and Viognier.
How many communes can add their village name to the Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages appellation?
Under stricter requirements than for the (generic) Côtes-du-Rhône Villages, twenty of the communes of the appellation are authorized to append their respective village name on the label. With around 5,500 hectares under cultivation, the average yield is approximately 37 hectoliters per hectare. The minimum required alcoholic strength is fixed at 12.5% for the reds and 12% for the whites and rosés.
What (blend of) grape varieties are permitted under the Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages appellation for reds, rose and whites?
For reds, a minimum of 50% Grenache, 20% Syrah and/or Mourvèdre, and a maximum of 20% other grape varieties from the Appellation are permitted. For rosés, a similar blend is allowed as for reds: a minimum of 50% Grenache, 20% Syrah and/or Mourvèdre, and a maximum other grape varieties. For whites, Grenache blanc, Clairette blanche, Marsanne blanche, Roussanne blanche, Bourboulenc, and Viognier, with a maximum of 20% other white varieties are permitted.
What is the maximum yield under the Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages appellation?
45 hectoliter per hectare
What is the maximum yield restriction under the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation?
Yields are officially restricted to a base rate of just 35 hl/ha (2 tons/acre) This basic output can, for a determined harvest, on proposal of the federation of the producers of wines of Châteauneuf-of-Pape and taking into account the quality and of the quantity of this harvest, be lowered or increased, but can never be more than 42 hectolitres per hectare of vines in production râpé included.
Is irrigation permitted under the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation?
Vines are allowed to be irrigated no more than twice a year.
However, irrigation is only allowed when a vintages is clearly suffering due to a severe drought. If a property wishes to irrigate due to drought, they must apply for permission from the INAO. Any watering must take place before August 15.
What are the permitted grape varieties under the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation?
Today 18 varieties are authorized, without distinction between red and white wines. The base form 13 varieties, being Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Clairette, vaccarèse, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Counoise, Muscardin, Picpoul, Picardan and Terret noir. An additional 5 mutations were added to the regulations.
What typical Rhône grape varieties are not permitted under the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation?
Viognier Marsanne
What is the permitted vine density under the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation?
The vine density must not be less than 2,500 vines per hectare and cannot exceed 3,000 vines per hectare. Vines must be at least 4 years of age to be included in the wine.
What are, besides grape varieties and planting density, the main other requirements from the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation?
No chaptalisation
Exclusive handharvesting, machine harvesting is strictly forbidden
Grapes must be hand sorted
Permission to use of special bottles embossed with the papal arms below the neck, with the words Châteauneuf-du-Pape Control
No rosé wines
What is Râpé in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
A wine made from the discarded grapes after the obligatory handsorting. The percentage of grapes removed varies from 5 to 20% depending on the year. The grapes that don’t make the cut are vinified apart to make the ‘rapé’ which can, at best, be sold as a Table Wine.
What appellation restrictions does Gigondas share with Chateauneuf-du-Pape?
Low maximum yield of 35 hl/ha
High minimum alcohol strength of 12,5%
Compulsory triage to eliminate imperfect grapes
What type of wines are produced in Gigondas?
Red and Rose
What are the permitted grape varieties under the Gigondas appellation?
A maximum of 80% of Grenache, a minimum of 15% Syrah a/o Mourvèdre and a maximum of 10% of from the other Rhône varietals (minus Carignan).
What are the permitted grape varieties under the Vacqueyras appellation?
The main variety used is Grenache Noir (at least 50%), followed by Syrah and Mourvèdre (at least 20%). Other Côtes-du-Rhône varieties may be used up to a maximum of 10%. N.B. Carignan, formerly forbidden, has recently been authorized.
What are the permitted grape varieties under the Lirac appellation?
The diversity of the soil coupled with the appellation’s Mediterranean climate enables a range of grape varieties to express their full personality. Thus, Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault thrive on the clay plateaus with their large pebbles, where their strength is developed in well structured red wines. The Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Cinsault used in the Lirac rosés are grown in sands that also provide their roundness. Finally, white grape varieties such as Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, and Claierette, mixed with small quantities of Picpoul, Marsanne, or Viognier, bless the arid scrubland from which they draw their elegance, finesse, and aromatic complexity. Lirac red wines have a deep ruby colour and breathe aromas of red fruits, black fruits, scrubland, and spices. As they age, they develop aromas of leather, liquorice, truffles, and cocoa. Balanced wines, in the mouth they blend strong tannins with characteristic body. They can be aged significantly. The rosé wines are of an intense, deep colour. The nose is seduced with strawberry, raspberry, and red fruits. Smooth yet dynamic, they are full-bodied with the fresh finish, and produce pleasantly intense aromas. The clear, bright, white wines produce floral and fruity notes: acacia, lime, or fennel mix with peaches, apples, and tropical fruits. Over time, they mature into honey and scrubland. Delicate and refined in the mouth, they produce a wonderfully fresh finish.
What is special about the Lirac appellation?
Lirac is one of the rare crus to be available in all three colours.
What is the maximum yield under the Lirac appellation?
42 hectoliter per hectare
What are the permitted grape varieties under the Tavel appellation?
A large number of grape varieties are authorized for this appellation, but no individual variety may exceed 60% of a vineyard. Nevertheless, Grenache is the base of Tavel wine. All varieties of Grenache (red, white, grey) together make up between 30% and 60% of planting. Free-run and press wine are assembled before fermentation (correction: The percentage of each of the main grape varieties is equal to or below 60% of the planting. They are Cinsault, Bourboulenc, Clairette (pink and white), Mourvèdre, Picpoul (black, white, grey), and Syrah. The percentage of each of the accompanying grape varieties is equal to or below 10% of the planting: Carignan (white and black) and Calitor Noir. The rosé colouring of these wines can be expressed as either salmon or deep ruby pink. The complex nose of summer fruits evolves into smooth notes of pitted fruits and almonds, while the full, rounded mouth unveils a splendid aromatic ensemble supported by hints of spice.
What is special about the Tavel appellation?
Tavel wines are only available in rosé, the AOC is the only appellation in the Rhône valley to produce nothing but rosé wine.
What is the maximum yield under the Tavel appellation?
48 hectoliter per hectare
What are the permitted grape varieties under the Luberon appellation?
The appellation’s terms of reference require that Luberon wines be made from blends of several grape varieties. The reds and rosés are composed of Syrah and Grenache noir, supplemented by Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Luberon reds are well-rounded, easy-drinking and full of fruit, with flavours of blackcurrant, blackberry and raspberry. Some vintages have peppery notes, but without any loss of the freshness that distinguishes the appellation. The delightfully fresh rosés come in an attractive range of colours, from the palest to the most shocking pink. On the palate, they exhibit typical red-berry-fruit flavours (strawberry, gooseberry) and in some cases more exotic notes. The white wines are made from Grenache blanc, Clairette blanche, Vermentino, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Marsanne, Ugni blanc and Viognier. Blends of these grapes impart both vivacity and elegance to the vines concerned. They exhibit a fine palette of flavours, ranging from grapefruit to peach in the case of the fruitier wines, from honey to toast for the more complex vintages.
What are the permitted grape varieties under the Ventoux appellation?
The appellation’s red and rosé wines are made mainly from the following grape varieties: Grenache noir, Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Carignan. Secondary varieties - Bourboulenc, Clairette, Counoise, Grenache blanc, Marsanne, Marsellan, Picpoul noir, Roussanne, Vermentino and Viognier - are permitted, but may not exceed 20% of the blend. In particular, Marsellan and Vermentino may not account for more than 10%. On the palate, Ventoux reds exhibit notes of red-berry fruits, blackcurrant or blackberry, and sometimes the more complex flavours of vanilla and liquorice. They are pleasingly dense in the mouth and have a lingering aftertaste.Made from blends of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Carignan, Ventoux rosés are surfing the new wave of easy-drinking wines that can be drunk throughout a meal.The main varieties that go into the region’s white wines are Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache blanc and Roussanne, with Marsanne, Vermentino and Viognier playing a secondary role. They may not account for more than 10% of the mix.
What are the permitted grape varieties under the Costieres de Nimes appellation?
Most Costières de Nîmes wines are red (55%), though the area also produces rosés (35%) and whites (10%). The blends permitted by the AOC terms of reference give the wines a decidedly ripe-fruit character, with a smooth tannic structure and good fresh finish. In the case of the reds and rosés, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre must together account for at least 60% of the mix, the remainder consisting of Carignan and Cinsault. Where rosés are concerned, the appellation’s white grape varieties may also be included, to a maximum of 10%. The whites, which are fruity and substantial, are made from Grenache blanc, Roussanne and Marsanne, with some addition of Bourboulenc, Clairette, Vermentino and Viognier. The minimum permitted alcohol content is 11.5% by volume.
What is special about the Costières De Nîmes appellation?
The appellation’s wines benefit from implementation of the Costières de Nîmes Landscape and Environmental Charter, an innovative concept to protect and promote wine-growing areas*. Among the measures already undertaken are a ‘Sustainable Viticulture’ charter of good practice appended to the AOC’s terms of reference, an assessment of the vineyards’ biodiversity, the creation of themed short-stay packages, and the waymarking of paths offering outstanding views of the countryside. And, each spring, a special event (Les Vignes Toquées) is held involving a gastronomic tour of the vineyards. Yet another reason to get out and explore the area!
What is the topography of the Southern Rhône?
The Rhône Valley flattens out as it heads closer to the sea, meaning rolling hills with scrub (‘garrique’) interspersed with vineyards.
What is the climate in the Southern Rhône?
Warm Mediterranean climate Nourished by the cleansing Mistral wind, the vineyard enjoys an exceptional climate with four distinct seasons: two dry seasons — one short in winter and a longer one in summer — and two rainy seasons — one in autumn with very high rainfall, and another in spring. Summer is hot and dry, owing to climbing subtropical anticyclones, interspersed with sometimes violent storms. Winters are mild. Precipitation is infrequent and snow is rare.
What is the main climatical feature throughout the Southern Rhône?
The Mistral winds It is a violent, cold, north or northwest wind that accelerates when it passes through the valleys of the Rhône and the Durance Rivers to the coast of the Mediterranean around the Camargue region. It produces sustained winds often exceeding 66km/h, sometimes reaching 185km/h. It is most common in the winter and spring, and strongest in the transition between the two seasons. It sometimes lasts only one or two days, frequently lasts several days, and sometimes lasts more than a week.
What are the benefits from the Mistral?
It drives off clouds, making the warm climate, and dries the vineyards after rainfall, thus preventing mold and mildew.
What is the specific climate of Châteauneuf- du-Pape?
The driest area in the Côtes-du-Rhône. The prevalent wind is the Mistral, and each year sees around 2800 hours of sunshine, with the heat being stored by the rocks during the day and radiated at night.
What is the topography of Châteauneuf-du-Pape like?
By 2013, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation comprised ±3,200 ha of relatively flat vineyards at varying elevations and expositions above the river in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the neighbouring communes of Bédarrides, Courthézon, Orange, and Sorgues. The terroir of this AOC is made up of three kinds of soil. On a base of clean white urgonian limestone deposits lie sediments of sands and red clay, and the Rhône then forms pebbles from quartzite and silica from the Alps. Soils in Châteauneuf-du-Pape are more varied than this, however (see soil map in Johnson and Robinson, 2013), and those at the celebrated Château Rayas, for example, are sandy calcareous without a galet in sight. On south-facing slopes, any reradiated night-time heat could well be too much, so, on very pebbly ground, the best vineyards may face at least partly north to moderate this.
What is the main soil characteristics of Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
Galets roulés The terrain is traditionally characterized by the large pebbles, or galets, some of them several inches across, which cover many of the more photographed vineyards, supposedly retaining heat and speeding the ripening process of the traditionally low-trained gobelet vines.
What is the main geographical feature in Gigondas?
The Dentelles de Montmirail, a small range of mountains that divide the appellation into 2 distinct areas: one with a cooler and one with a hotter climate.
What is the effect of climate change on Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
This is arguably France’s appellation most evidently affected by climate change and musts can sometimes reach nearly 17% potential alcohol. The high summer heat coupled with a lack of moisture can actually block the grapes, especially the Grenache from developing full, phenolic ripeness, even when sugars continue to develop, which can lead to wines very high in alcohol.
What is the climate in Vacqueyras?
Mediterranean, it boasts an incredible asset: the Mistral cleanses the vineyard. It protects the vines from a number of fungal diseases and removes parasitic insects. Rain comes in well marked seasons, and temperatures soar during the summer.
What is the topography of Vacqueyras like?
At the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, the westernmost part of the Massif des Baronnies, the terroir of this appellation is composed of alluvial soils and glacial terraces of Riss glaciation. The soil is sandy-clay with banks of pebbles on the terraces of the Ouvèze.
What is the climate in Lirac?
The climate here is purely Mediterranean. The Lirac vineyards boast exceptional exposure to the sun, with 2700 hours per year. The average annual temperature is around 14°C
What is the topography of Lirac like?
At the two ends of the AOC area - mainly in Lirac - the vineyard is planted on the Gard’s limestone plateaus that are covered with a film of red clay and pebbles. Well drained, this terroir produces strong wines with solid tannins and a significant potential for ageing. In the centre, like around Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres, the vineyard is formed of the ancient alluvial terraces of the Rhône, made up of quartz pebbles and red clay carried down from the Alps, all atop a bed of sand. These precious terraces are from the same geological age (quaternary era) as Châteaunef-du-Pape. Finally, the terraces’ slopes give rise to sand laced with small pebbles from various landslides. This describes the terroir of Saint-Geniès-de-Comolas, where the red wines are finer and contain less tannin.
What is the climate in Tavel?
The climate has a Mediterranean influence and receives lower rainfall, on average 2700 hours of sun per year, and the Mistral is the prevailing wind.
What is the topography of Tavel like?
Tavel winemaking country is composed of four different areas. One alluvial area formed by the Rhône, and that can be found on the hillsides of Lirac and Tavel AOCs in the form of ancient alluvial deposits that cover the lower and middle terraces. A sandy area follows, dating from the Mid-Pliocene era, lying between Tavel and Roquemaure. Marly limestone deposits from the Lower Barremian era form the Villeneuve les Avignon, Les Angles, and Tavel massif. A final area of upper Barremian urgonian limestone facies composes the Tavel-Rochefort du Gard massif. These are mainly crystalline limestones (clays and reefs) and gravelly limestone (clastic limestone).
What is the climate in Vinsobres?
Climate with a Mediterranean influence. Summers are hot and dry owing to the high latitude and subtropical anticyclones, and are peppered with occasional violent storms. Vinsobres receives a very high amount of sunshine.
What is the topography of Vinsobres like?
Facing north-east and south-west, and reaching up over 500m, the terroir of the Vinsobres hills is characterized by an enormous diversity of soil: their potential and rich character provide all of the wine’s complexity, and their complementary nature produces harmonious wines. Vinsobres is characterized by a distribution of classes with a homogeneous altitude, from 184m to 509m, for an average height of 329m. The AOC’s terroir is found between Valréas Miocene sedimentary basin, and that of Aygues basin - the Mediterranean mountain stream that is millions of years old, carrying large clastic rocks from the Alpine slopes. Four types of soil lie atop each other… Between 10m and 50m above the bed of the Aygues, the terroir is made up of moderately sloped shelves or hillsides. Then between 230m and 260m, 260m and 350m, and above 350m: the high hillsides that dominate the alluvial sections are composed of Mid- and Upper Miocene deposits. These marls, or sandy marine and continental marls, are crowned with marls and Miocene conglomerates that are especially rich in base elements. These elements were cut, and then packed during the Pliocene period by conglomerate marls to the north-east of the village. The summits of the hills are made of very stony plateaus.
What is the climate in Luberon?
Mediterranean, affected by the wide temperature ranges typical of such altitudes. With roughly 2,600 hours of sunshine each year, the Luberon is one of France’s sunniest regions, which favours the ripening of white grape varieties. The sharp drop in temperature at night allows the vines to recover their fluid balance and tempers the character of the red grape varieties.
What is the topography of Luberon like?
Very mixed; located at middle altitude (between 200 and 450 metres), they include sands from the Miocene Period in the Aigues country, limestone scree at the foot of the mountain, and typical red clay in the Apt area.
What is the climate in Ventoux?
Temperate Mediterranean with slight mountain influence (Mt. Ventoux and the mountains of the Vaucluse).
What is the topography of Ventoux like?
Consisting of sediments laid down by the sea in the Tertiary Period at the base of the limestone massif of Mt. Ventoux, they exhibit an amazing range of geological formations. There are three principal soil types: • red soils resulting from the break-down of the limestone, • soils consisting of a mixture of sand and ochre-coloured clay, • detrital soils overlaid with rolled pebbles or limestone scree from the mountain. Combined with the general climate of Provence and the many micro-climates associated with the area’s hills, plains and valleys, these variations of terroir lend the appellation’s wines a great diversity of subtle flavours.
What is the climate in Costières-de-Nîmes?
With more than 2,700 hours of sunshine each year, the Mediterranean climate is here characterised by a period of semi-drought lasting from June to the end of August. Rainfall is rare and tends to be concentrated in the form of violent autumn storms. The mistral blows strongly over the vines throughout the year, playing the role of a natural purifier.
What is the topography of Costières-de-Nîmes?
The Costières de Nîmes terroir consists of gravel deposited by the Rhône and Durance rivers in the Quaternary Period. These gravely beds (known locally as Gress), which go down to a depth of between 5 and 15 metres, are enveloped in sand varying in colour from bright yellow to deep red. The vines send down very deep roots, into underlying layers of clay, which provide them with a moderate but regular water supply even in periods of intense midsummer heat. The outstanding drainage properties of the gravel means that water is quickly shed even in heavy downpours. In summer, the hot mass formed by the stones reinforces the convection effect: the cool on-shore breezes blowing across the Petite Camargue in the late afternoon encounter this hot mass as they rise up along the Costières, and a suction effect is created as the air is drawn in. The moderating effect of these breezes augments the temperature difference between day and night, which is known to preserve the freshness and purity of the developing grapes.
What are the key grape varieties in Southern Rhône red wine assemblages?
Grenache Noir Syrah Mourvèdre Cinsault Carignan
What are the key grape varieties in Southern Rhône white wines assemblages?
Grenache Blanc Marsanne Roussane Clairette Bourboulenc
Characterize the grape variety GRENACHE NOIR?
Very widely planted globally and most widely grown grape variety in the Rhône Valley, long-lived vine making strong, sweetish reds and some successful roses.
What are synonyms for GRENACHE NOIR (and where)?
Grenache Noir is an old variety that has undergone several mutations and has many synonyms. Originates in Spain as GARNACHE, also known as Grenache, Grenache Noir (France), Cannonau (Sardegna), Garnaxa (Catalunya), Garnacha Tinta (Spain), Roussillon (Roussillon), Vernaccia Nera (Marche, Italy).
What are the viticultural characteristics of GRENACHE NOIR?
Relatively early budding but late ripening so has to be grown in fairly warm climates. Vigorous (less on sandy soils), susceptible to downy mildew, botrytis bunch rot and may suffer from millerandage. Potential very high sugar levels in the berries, which lose colour if yields are too high. Acidity tends to be moderate at best. Equally well suited to lightly acid, gravelly or stony soils and to soils high in limestone. Best pruned short and trained as bushvines. Good draught resistance. Good resistance to diseases of the wood, which may explain its longevity.
What does GRENACHE NOIR varietal wine tastes like?
Varietal Grenache Noir is a relative rarity, but has its best examples in the dry vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Berries are small, grape skins are thick and resulting wines are deep-coloured and often tannic in yought. They dance along the spectrum between herby and spicy. If yields are too high and the land unpromosing, Grenache can taste a little too jammy.
Characterize the grape variety SYRAH?
Generally fashionable alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon with a complex and surprising family background.
What are synonyms for SYRAH (and where)?
Hermitage, Shiraz (Australia), Serine (Cote Rotie and Isere).
It most famous and historic home is in the vineyards of the Northern Rhone, such as Hermitage and Cote Rotie.
What are the viticultural characteristics of SYRAH?
Vigorous but low yielding. Mid ripening with a short ripening period between veraison and harvest, plus a short window for optimum harvesting. Needs careful trellising and training to protect it from the wind in spring. Very susceptible to chlorosis and unsuited to soils with a high active lime content. Susceptible to mites and botrytis bunch rot, especially near harvest. Also susceptible to a disease of unknown cause described variously as Syrah disease/decline/disorder and found in many parts of the world, where leaves turn red, swelling and cracks appear at the graft point and vines eventually die. Berries are small and tend to shrivel quickly once ripe.
