Northern Rhone
Decant, Christchurch
Tasted Thursday, April 11, 2013 by Roland H with 573 views
Introduction
An excellent tasting with a strong emphasis of vineyard location and soil type, as well as the characters involved!
[Some notes taken from Terroir by JE Wilson, pp.287-290]
Mineral-rich soils from crystalline rocks of the Massif Central.
Cote-Rotie. In the northeastern part (Cote Brune) the bedrock is schist containing both muscovite (white mica) and biotite (black mica) which weathers to a dark brown material. Below Ampuis, Cote Blonde is characteristed by a complex of schist and gneiss (a granite-like, metamorphic rock) which weathers to a grayish material. Viognier does well on these latter soils.
Condrieu. In this region, granites are classified according to their texture and accessory minerals (such as mica). Weathering of the abundant mica has resulted in good clay binding of the gritty soils.
St.-Joseph. The bedrock is granite containing very large crystals (like a plum pudding). The brown soils on the slopes and terraces are deep and stony. Although the St.-Joseph vineyards are very old, the appellation was revised in 1992 to emphasise the slopes.
Hermitage. Complex. The hill mass itself is a combination of granite with Quaternary delta deposits and Pliocene clay plastered on to the eastern side. An erosional remnant of a fan-delta overlies the Pliocene clay. Capping the hill is loess containing calcareous "rock flour" which has washed into the coarser delta material. The best appelation (Les Bessards) is entirely on the granite. Another small terroir (La Varogne) is also on the granite.
Crozes-Hermitage. In an arc around the hill of Hermitage. Consists of 3 geologic terrains. The best red wines come from a narrow exposure of granite at Hermitage and extending northward. East of Hermitage is a highly dissected, low plateau comprised of Pliocene clay at the base capped by a late Quaternary glacial terrace with variable loess. This is best suited to white varieties: Hermitage, Marsanne, Rousanne. The terrain south of Hermitage consists of Quaternary terraces, growing both red and white Cotes du Rhone.
Cornas. A narrow block of Jurrasic limestone is down-faulted against granite of the Massif Central. Soils are a mixture of limestone, marl and sand. In the south, the soils are more sandy, giving well-balanced wines that mature more quickly.
St.-Peray. Produces sparkling wine by the Methode Champenois, but styles are very varied. Soils are derived from weathered granite, old terrace deposits and Jurassic limestones.
2011 François Villard Viognier Les Contours de DePoncins 94 Points
France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Vin de Pays des Collines Rhodaniennes
Golden. Floral, then some stone fruit (apricot?), complex, sweet, soft. Moderate weight and very fresh with a core of flavour, almost nutty. Great acid finish. [Possible small amount of oak from de-classified adjacent Condrieu]
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2011 François Villard Condrieu DePoncins 96 Points
France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Condrieu
Golden. Not obvious but rich. Less floral more fruit and very distinctive. Citrus and tropical. Full in palate, textured but with lovely underpining acidity. [Some oak treatment, c. 10 months]
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