Wine Making
What two white grapes are often blended for white Rhone wines and why?
Roussanne and Marsanne
Marsanne has richness and weight
Roussanne offers acidity and perfumed fruit characteristics.
20% but this is rare. At most 5% might be used
What is the climate of Northern Rhone
Moderate and continental
What is the climate of the Southern Rhone
Mediterranean
What is the name for the rocks found in Chateauneuf-du-Pape vineyards?
Galets - heat reflective and well draining
When producers are making Viognier wines, what must they be cautious of with this variety?
Due to the fact that Viognier doesn't achieve peak flavour until late in the season with high sugar levels, winemakers must be careful not to develop overly oily characters that overwhelm the aromas.
What is the name given to the generic appellation wines in Rhone?
Cotes du Rhone Villages
What are the two major grapes (one red, one white) of Northern Rhone
Syrah and Viognier
What is the name of the prevailing northern wind that affects the Southern Rhone? Bonus if you know how this wind is mitigated in the vineyard and what effect it has on vines.
The Mistral.
Tree banks planted as wind stoppers, planting on southern side of hills,
helps limit fungal issues,
What appellation in the Southern Rhone was the first Appellation Controlee? They invented the law that is now common practice in wine law all over the world.
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
These wines typically come from flatter, more fertile sites on the valley floor or the plateau above the slopes. Typically the lightest of the Northern Rhone.
Carbonic Maceration
Can Cotes du Rhone Village wines put the name of a village on the label?
Yes, but only if 100% of the grapes come from the village area. These are not crus, but can apply for cru status. (note that not all villages can do this)
What appellations in the Northern Rhone only make white wine?
Condrieu and within that Chateau-Grillet (a single property and appellation)
What appellation in the Southern Rhone is only allowed to make rose wines?
Tavel
Phylloxera began (it is belived) in the Rhone valley. Do you know where or the specific Chateau?
The Chateau de Clary, in Lirac, just north of Tavel, around the year of 1863, and then spread from there.
In hermitage, how much white juice can be fermented with Syrah, and what white grapes are allowed?
Roussanne and Marsanne and 15%
Keep in mind this is not often done.
How many grapes are legally allowed in a Chateauneuf-du-Pape blend
13
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsaut, Muscardin, Counoise, Vaccarese, Terret noir (reds)
Grenache blanc, clairette, bouroulenc, roussanne, picpoul, picardan (White)
What geographic/topographic elements make Cote Rotie unique?
Steep slopes, up to 60 degrees, south facing, less than 600acres under wine
What are the major grapes of Southern Rhone?
(2 major red, 2 minor red, 2 major white)
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault (lesser)
Marsanne and Roussanne
What law is both interesting and hilarious that applies to Chateauneuf-du-Pape?
The Chateaunueuf-Du-Extraterrestrial
Article1. The flying overhead, landing and taking of of aeronautical machines called "flying saucers" or "clying cigars," of whatever nationality they may be, is strictly forbidden on the territory of the commune of CNDP.
Article2. Any aeronautical machine- "flying saucer" or "flying cigar"- that lands on the territory of the commune will be immediately taken off to the jail.
-1954 municipal decree
No This Is Not A Joke !!!!
Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise is known for what style of wine, and can you describe how it is made?
Fortified Muscates - ripe and healthy grapes, some skin contact is widely used for aromatic intensity and richness, cool fermentation, stopped by fortification with 96% abv grape spirit to give sweet wine, stored in inert vessels, and protected from O2 before bottling.
What two rose methods of winemaking are allowed in the Rhone? What method is not allowed?
short maceration and direct press
Blending is not allowed.
This may be a written question on your exam!!!!!
Can Cote Rotie be blended with grapes other than Syrah?
Yes, up to 20% Viognier can be added by law.
This is not typically done and most are 100% Syrah or only a small (5% max)
How are most vines trained in the southern Rhone?
Bush trained to help defend the Mistral from damaging them.
What famous (yes you have seen it) producer is credited as one of the few who still utilize all the 13 allowed grapes in a CNDP blend
Chateau de Beaucastel