WBW#19 When in Rhone, March 8,2006
Yes, you read that right, it’s time for the 19th Wine Blogging Wednesday to be held on Wednesday, March 8,2006. Wine Blogging Wednesday is the global monthly virtual tasting event founded by Lenn of Lenndevours where wine bloggers follow a theme for wine tasting, post their findings on their blog on the chosen day, with a round-up posted by the lucky host of the event shortly thereafter. I’m excited to be hosting, and hope you enjoy the theme.
There’s nothing quite like the noble grape varietals that have established themselves in France’s Rhone region. These grapes are distinct, yet have familiar characteristics to varietals that get more press and are coveted by collectors. Although wines from the Rhone don’t command the high prices that certain popular varietals are fetching right now, they certainly aren’t short on flavor or complexity. For the reds, dark fruit and spice are common flavor attributes, the whites showcase tropical fruit and floral notes.
This month’s Wine Blogging Wednesday theme “When in Rhone” aims to help us become acquainted with these varietals that are being used all over the world. Winemakers have decided to ‘do as the Rhonins do’ and transport and clone the varietals in rich soils from Australia and New Zealand to the warm central coast of California, and the vines are adapting quite nicely. Consumers are becoming aware of the high caliber wines crafted from these distinct grapes in areas other than the Rhone. Events like the Rhone Rangers, and Hospice du Rhone are continuing to gain recognition and popularity as they showcase the latest efforts by the winemakers focusing on these varietals.
Now, you’ve most likely had a Shiraz or Syrah, or by now Viognier, but it’s time to go a little deeper if you haven’t already. Blends showcase the best traits of each varietal, and offer amazing complexity and supple texture. You’re not limited to white or red, but let’s focus on getting a blend, unless you find a rare varietal on it’s own, that would also make for an interesting review. Both of the sites mentioned above have extensive lists of California Winery’s that produce or specialize in these wines, but you aren’t limited to any region in the world, including the motherland.
Here is a list of all 22 varietals associated with the Rhone. For more information visit the Hospice du Rhone page where this was taken from for pronunciation and flavor profiles on all these different grapes. (Good luck tracking some of these down.)
Grenache Noir, Grenache Gris, Syrah/Shiraz, Viognier, Mourvedre, Roussanne, Carignane Noir, Marsanne, Cinsault Noir, Ugni Blanc, Muscardin, Picpoul Blanc, Picpoul Noir, Bourboulenc, Camarese, Clairette Blanc, Vaccarese, Grenache Blanc, Terret Noir, Muscat a Petits Grains, Clairette Rose, Counoise Noir
I’ll be posting the round-up as soon as I can after the 8th. I’m looking forward to seeing some old world and new world notes from everyone, so have fun making your choices.
Cheers!
Jathan
Winexpression.com
Email your entry to me at [email protected]
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This will be fun! So many wines, so little time!
Jathan,
You’ve got some code showing….
Look forward to drinking.
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Jens,
I figured I’d leave it somewhat open since I didn’t want anyone to be excluded. Can’t wait to see what you guys come up with!
Alder,
Darn Kilt, (I am part scottish) I hate it when that happens. Thanks for the heads up.
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Rhone Wine/Grape Definitions
The French government recognizes 21 or 22 (depending on what source you reference) different grape varieties in the Rhone Valley. It doesn’t matter that much, since only a handful of these varieties are grown in significant quantities anywhere in the world. The principal white varieties recognized by the French are marsanne, roussanne and viognier and the reds include carignane, cinsault, counoise, grenache, mourvedre and syrah. The Rhone Rangers have adopted these varieties (even though some are not grown in the United States, as well as a French originated cross, durif (petite sirah). For a wine to be considered a “Rhone Ranger†wine, it must contain at least 75% of the accepted varieties. The following include definitions for the majority of these grapes and the wines they produce.
Quote from RRs
ooops!
hit the button to fast–here’s the rest–sorry:
WHITEs:
Bourboulenc
Clairette Blanc
Grenache Blanc
Marsanne
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Picardin
Picpoul/Piquepoul Blanc
Roussanne
Ugni Blanc
Viognier
Classic White Blends:
The marsanne-roussanne combination is a Southern French staple – the former for body, the latter for aroma, finesse and aging capacity. In the Rhone, Viognier is not traditionally blended with other white grapes, but small amounts are sometimes added to reds and roses to inject an elusive note into the nose. In America, however, vintners have found Viognier to enhance many white wine blends and it is not unusual today to find it included in Rhone-style blends or even Sauvignon Blanc labeled wines.
REDs:
Carignan (Carignane)
Cinsault (Cinsaut)
Counoise
Grenache
Mourvedre (Mataro)
Muscardin
Syrah (Shiraz)
Petite Sirah (Durif)
Picpoul Noir
Terret Noir
Vaccarèse
Classic Red Blends
Red Rhone grapes were born to blend – the exception here is almost NOT to blend them. Even syrah, the leader of the pack, is as likely to be blended as bottled as a single varietal. Hundreds of years of experimentation with these grapes have produced a few standard variations on the blending theme. (And in the U.S., of course, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah often qualify as “honorary†blending grapes with the traditional Rhone varieties.)
Probably the three most common strategies are:
(1) The Chateauneuf model: Start with about half Grenache, add in a good proportion of Syrah and / or Mourvedre for oomph and aging, and round out the complexity with an amazing array of other red and even white grapes.
(2) The hot-weather model: Various proportions of Grenache, Cinsault and Carignan, designed to produce early-drinking wines.
(3) The down under model: Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, in various proportions.
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Fortna,
I’m glad someone commented about this. Good information from the RR.
Thanks
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Ra Rhô Raggy! I almost forgot today was WBW19
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Great input! Especially from Fortna who seems to have it all together regarding Rhone wine. Thanks for the info.
The Rhone Rangers have adopted these varieties (even though some are not grown in the United States, as well as a French originated cross, durif (petite sirah)., I went straight to the latest copy Cuisine. South Australia’s d’Arenberg The Stump Jump 2004 ‘jumped out’
Lisa
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