Rhône Valley Wine Region Quiz

Rhone Valley Wine Region

The Rhône Valley is one of the world's most prominent wine regions, located along the Rhône River in southeastern France. It stretches over two main areas, Rhône Alpes and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, covering around 75,000 hectares. This region is known for its diverse grapes, unique wine classifications, and several notable appellations.

Grape Varieties

The Rhône Valley is home to two primary grape varieties, Grenache and Syrah (also known as Shiraz). Other notable varieties include Viognier, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Carignan, Counoise, Palette, Picardan, Clairette, Marsanne, Vermentino, Muscat de Frontignan, Marsanne Blanche, Bourboulenc, Grenache Gris, Aligote, Petit Rouge, and Terret Noir.

Grenache

Grenache, also known as Garnacha or Garnaxta, is the most widely planted red grape variety in the world. It accounts for almost 20% of wine production worldwide. In the Rhône Valley, it is primarily grown in the southern part, particularly in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Syrah

Syrah, also known as Shiraz outside France, is another significant grape variety in the region. It thrives in cooler climates and is often blended with other grapes to create complex wines.

Viognier

Viognier is a white grape variety that is becoming increasingly popular in the Rhône Valley. It is known for its aromatic properties and rich texture, making it ideal for producing full-bodied white wines.

This vast array of grape varieties allows winemakers in the Rhône Valley to produce a wide range of wines, from light rosés to full-bodied reds and delicate whites.

Wine Classification

The Rhône Valley has a unique wine classification system based on the geographical location of the vineyard rather than the grape variety used. There are four main levels of classification in the region:

Appellation Controllée (AC or AOC in French)

Appellation Controllée is the highest level of classification for wines in France. It guarantees that the wine comes from a specific region and adheres to certain standards regarding grape growing and winemaking practices.

Village Wines

Village wines come from a single village within an appellation controllée. The wines must follow the same regulations as those from the larger appellation but may have additional specifications related to their vineyards and production methods.

Generic Wines

Generic wines do not belong to any specific appellation and can be made from grapes grown anywhere in the country. They often serve as entry-level wines and may not reflect the unique characteristics of a particular appellation.

Vin de Pays (or 'Country Wine')

Vin de Pays wines are produced under stricter regulations than generic wines but offer greater flexibility in terms of grape varieties and regions. These wines are meant to be accessible and enjoyable without the need for extensive aging.

Notable Appellations

The Rhône Valley boasts several renowned appellations, each with its own unique characteristics and wine styles:

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Located in the southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is known for its red wines made primarily from Grenache grapes. These wines are full-bodied, rich, and complex, with a distinct character that makes them popular worldwide.

Côte Rôtie

Côte Rôtie is a small, steeply sloping hillside located in the northern Rhône. It is known for its Syrah-based red wines, which are full-bodied, rich, and complex, with a unique earthy character.

Hermitage

Hermitage is another small, steep hillside appellation in the northern Rhône. It is known for its Syrah-based red wines, which are considered some of the most age-worthy and collectible wines in the world.

Gigondas

Gigondas is a village appellation located in the southern Rhône, near Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It is known for its red wines, which are typically a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre grapes. These wines are rich, powerful, and well-structured, with good aging potential.

Condrieu

Condrieu is a small appellation located near Hermitage in the northern Rhône. It is known for its white wines made primarily from Viognier grapes. These wines are aromatic, complex, and ageworthy, with a distinct character that sets them apart from other white wines.

These notable appellations, along with others such as Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, and Côtes du Rhône, contribute to the diverse and high-quality wine production in the Rhône Valley.