Rhône Valley Guide for Intro Level 1 Sommeliers: Regions, Grapes & Styles

Written By Alper Billik

The Rhône Valley is another essential wine region to study for the Intro Level 1 Sommelier exam. Below is a structured breakdown of what you should know about the Rhône Valley:

Key Topics for the Rhône Valley

1. Climatic Influences

  • Northern Rhône:

  • Continental climate with cooler temperatures.

  • The Mistral wind plays a significant role, cooling the vineyards and reducing disease pressure.

  • Steep slopes are common, aiding sun exposure and drainage.

  • Southern Rhône:

  • Mediterranean climate with warmer temperatures.

  • The Mistral wind also affects this region, but the climate is generally hotter and drier.

  • Flat terrain with a mix of soils, including galets roulés (large round stones).

2. Districts and Sub-Districts

The Rhône Valley is divided into two main sub-regions:

  1. Northern Rhône:

  • Known for single-varietal wines.

  • Key appellations: Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, Cornas.

  • Focus on Syrah for reds and Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne for whites.

  1. Southern Rhône:

  • Known for blended wines.

  • Key appellations: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Tavel, Lirac, Côtes du Rhône.

  • Focus on Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre (GSM blends) for reds, and Grenache Blanc, Clairette, and Roussanne for whites.

3. Principal Grape Varietals

  • Northern Rhône:

  • Red: Syrah (the only permitted red grape).

  • White: Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne.

  • Southern Rhône:

  • Red: Grenache (dominant), Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Carignan.

  • White: Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Roussanne, Marsanne, Bourboulenc, Viognier.

4. Styles of Wine

  • Northern Rhône:

  • Reds: 100% Syrah, often with floral, peppery, and smoky notes.

  • Whites: Rich, aromatic wines from Viognier (e.g., Condrieu) or blends of Marsanne and Roussanne.

  • Southern Rhône:

  • Reds: GSM blends with ripe fruit, spice, and herbal notes (e.g., Châteauneuf-du-Pape).

  • Whites: Full-bodied blends with floral and stone fruit notes.

  • Rosé: Tavel (dry, structured rosé).

5. Principal AOPs

  • Northern Rhône:

  • Côte-Rôtie: Syrah, sometimes co-fermented with Viognier.

  • Condrieu: 100% Viognier.

  • Hermitage: Syrah for reds; Marsanne and Roussanne for whites.

  • Crozes-Hermitage: More approachable and affordable wines.

  • Saint-Joseph: Syrah for reds; Marsanne and Roussanne for whites.

  • Cornas: 100% Syrah, known for powerful, age-worthy reds.

  • Southern Rhône:

  • Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Famous for GSM blends; up to 13 grape varieties permitted.

  • Gigondas: GSM blends, often robust and full-bodied.

  • Vacqueyras: Similar to Gigondas but slightly lighter.

  • Tavel: Dry rosé made primarily from Grenache and Cinsault.

  • Côtes du Rhône: Regional appellation with a wide range of styles.

6. Blends of Grapes in the Southern Rhône

  • GSM Blend: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre.

  • Grenache: Adds body, alcohol, and red fruit flavors.

  • Syrah: Adds structure, color, and spice.

  • Mourvèdre: Adds tannin, depth, and earthy notes.

7. Labelling Terms

  • Côtes du Rhône: Entry-level wines from the region.

  • Côtes du Rhône Villages: Higher quality wines from specific villages.

  • Cru: Top appellations like Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, and Hermitage.

Tips for Studying the Rhône Valley

  1. Focus on the North vs. South differences:

  • Northern Rhône = Single varietals (Syrah, Viognier).

  • Southern Rhône = Blends (GSM for reds, Grenache Blanc blends for whites).

  1. Memorize key appellations and their specialties:

  • Example: Côte-Rôtie = Syrah with Viognier, Châteauneuf-du-Pape = GSM blends.

  1. Understand the role of the Mistral wind:

  • Cooling effect in the North, drying effect in the South.

  1. Practice map identification:

  • Be able to locate the Northern and Southern Rhône and their key appellations.

Sample Quiz Questions

  1. Multiple Choice:
    Which of the following is NOT a permitted grape in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
    a) Grenache
    b) Syrah
    c) Pinot Noir
    d) Mourvèdre

  2. True/False:
    The Northern Rhône is known for producing wines primarily from Grenache.

  3. Fill-in-the-Blank:
    The famous dry rosé from the Southern Rhône is called .

  4. Matching:
    Match the appellation to its primary grape variety:

  • Côte-Rôtie →

  • Condrieu →

  • Châteauneuf-du-Pape →

  1. Scenario-Based:
    A guest asks for a full-bodied red wine with earthy and spicy notes. Which Rhône Valley appellation would you recommend, and why?

Alper Billik
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