CMS-A Advanced Somm Study 2026 > Rhone > Flashcards

Rhone Flashcards

(48 cards)

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1
Q

MISTRAL

What is the Mistral? and where does it originate?

CLIMATIC INFLUENCES

A

It is an intense wind, that originates as masses of cold air lying atop the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean.

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2
Q

MISTRAL

What time of year does the Mistral blow? and what does effects does it have on the vine? Positive and Negative?

Climatic Influences

A
  • Helps prevent frost reducese disease pressure.
  • Drops temperature and it refresjhes the air, so grapes dont bake in the summer
  • it can break shoots and ripping off berries and leaves.
  • uproots vineyards (extreme case)
  • too much wind shrivels a grape to raisin.

blows all year round

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3
Q

*soil

where can you find the soil known locally as ARZELLE?

A

Arzelle (Decomposed mica), Condrieu

Sint Joseph, Crozes Hermitage and Saint Peray have it with more clay

Near the commune
of Condrieu, the thin topsoil is rich with powdery,
decomposed mica, known locally as arzelle.

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4
Q

Name the 5 appelations of Syrah in N. Rhone?

A
  • There are five appellations for Syrah:
    1. Hermitage AOP,
    2. Crozes-Hermitage AOP,
    3. Cornas AOP,
    4. Côte-Rôtie AOP,
    5. and Saint-Joseph AOP
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5
Q

Adding white wine to Syrah? who can and how much in the Northern Rhone?

A

a small percentage of white
grapes to be blended (and often fermented together) with the Syrah grape. In Côte-Rôtie, up to 20%
Viognier may be added. In Crozes-Hermitage and Hermitage, producers have the option of adding a
combined total of 15% Marsanne and Roussanne. Saint-Joseph producers may add up to 10%
Marsanne and Roussann

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6
Q

soil

Cote Rotie Principal soils of Cote Brune and Cote Blonde?

A

Côte Brune (north): mica-schistous rock
Côte Blonde (south): gneiss

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7
Q

Rene Rolstang and E. Guigal both make a cru bottling of ?

A

La Landonne

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8
Q

Climats

Name the Climat “La Chapelle” is in and who produces that wine?

Hermitage

A

L’Hermite, Jaboulet

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9
Q

Hermitag

Name 6 important CLimats of HErmitage?

A
  • L’Hermite*
  • Le Meal
  • Les Besssards
  • Greffieux
  • Beaume
  • Peleat
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10
Q

What type of climate characterizes the Southern Rhône?

A

Mediterranean

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11
Q

What type of climate characterizes the Northern Rhône?

A

Continental

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12
Q

How far is the Northern Rhône from Avignon?

A

75 miles

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13
Q

What wind affects the Northern Rhône during winter and spring?

A

Mistral wind

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14
Q

What is the impact of the Mistral wind on vineyards?

A

Dries the vineyards, preventing mold and mildew

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15
Q

What types of soils are prominent in the Northern Rhône?

A

Granitic and schistous soils

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16
Q

What is the topsoil in the Northern Rhône prone to?

A

Erosion

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17
Q

What is arzelle?

A

Powdery, decomposed mica found near Condrieu

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18
Q

What grape achieves its classic status in the Northern Rhône?

A

Syrah

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19
Q

What are common secondary aromas found in Syrah wines?

A

Smoke, grilled meat, olive, lavender, peppercorn

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20
Q

What are the five appellations for Syrah in the Northern Rhône?

Study These Flashcards
A
  • Hermitage AOP
  • Crozes-Hermitage AOP
  • Cornas AOP
  • Côte-Rôtie AOP
  • Saint-Joseph AOP
21
Q

What is unique about Syrah wines in Cornas?

Study These Flashcards
A

Bottled as a 100% varietal wine

22
Q

What percentage of white grapes may be blended with Syrah in Côte-Rôtie?

Study These Flashcards
A

Up to 20% Viognier

23
Q

In which appellations is co-fermentation used to stabilize red wine color?

Study These Flashcards
A
  • Crozes-Hermitage
  • Hermitage
  • Côte-Rôtie
  • Saint-Joseph
24
Q

What is the steepest vineyard region in the Northern Rhône?

25
What are the two slopes of Côte-Rôtie known as?
* Côte Brune * Côte Blonde
26
What is the significance of the chapel named La Chapelle in Hermitage?
Commemorates Gaspard de Stérimberg
27
What is the size of the Cornas appellation?
Just over 100 hectares
28
Which producer is known for traditional wines in Cornas?
Auguste Clape
29
What types of wines do Saint-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage produce?
Small amounts of white wines
30
What is the exclusive grape variety of Saint-Péray AOP?
Marsanne and Roussanne
31
What is vin de paille?
Rare dessert wine made from dried grapes
32
What grape is primarily used in the Condrieu AOP?
Viognier
33
What challenges did Viognier face in the 1960s?
Approached extinction due to lack of commercial favor
34
What is the method of sparkling wine production used in Clairette de Die AOP?
Méthode traditionnelle and méthode Dioise ancestrale
35
What is the minimum percentage of Muscat à Petit Grains required in méthode Dioise ancestrale?
75%
36
What type of wines does Châtillon-en-Diois AOP produce?
Gamay-based reds and rosés, whites based on Aligoté and Chardonnay
37
38
What type of wines are traditionally produced in Cornas?
Syrah wines ## Footnote These wines are described as rustic, impenetrable in their youth, and slow to develop.
39
What is the climate characteristic of the vineyards in Cornas?
Among the warmest in the Northern Rhône ## Footnote The warmth is enhanced by the naked granite soil.
40
What geological feature enhances the warmth of the Cornas vineyards?
Naked granite soil (gore) ## Footnote This soil type contributes to the unique terroir of the appellation.
41
Which wind is Cornas shielded from?
Mistral wind ## Footnote This protection helps in maintaining the vineyard's climate.
42
Name the four noteworthy lieux-dits in Cornas.
* Les Reynards * La Côte * Les Chaillot * Les Mazards ## Footnote These lieux-dits are significant areas within the Cornas appellation.
43
How large is the planted land of Cornas?
Just over 100 hectares ## Footnote This makes it the smallest red wine appellation in the Northern Rhône.
44
Who is considered the standard-bearer for traditional wines of Cornas?
Auguste Clape ## Footnote He is known for his traditional winemaking techniques.
45
What fermentation method does Auguste Clape prefer?
Whole-cluster fermentation ## Footnote This method contrasts with destemming, which is commonly used in winemaking.
46
What type of barrels does Auguste Clape use for aging?
Old demi-muids ## Footnote This choice differs from the use of new oak barriques.
47
True or False: Cornas is physically the largest red wine appellation in the Northern Rhône.
False ## Footnote Cornas is the smallest red wine appellation.
48
Fill in the blank: The vineyards of Cornas are shielded from the _______.
Mistral wind ## Footnote This geographical factor plays a role in the vineyard's microclimate.
CMS-A Advanced Somm Study 2026
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