In the Northern Rhône, which region allows up to 20% Viognier to be blended into Syrah?

In the Northern Rhône, which region allows up to 20% Viognier to be blended into Syrah?

• A. Cote-Rotie
• B. Hermitage
• C. Crozes-Hermitage
• D. Saint-Joseph

Answer: (A)

In the Northern Rhône, a distinctive blending rule exists: one region permits a portion of Viognier to be co-fermented with Syrah in red wines, up to 20%, to add perfume and brightness. That region is Côte-Rôtie, where Viognier is blended with Syrah to create aromatic, lifted reds with floral notes and smoother textures. The other red-wine regions—Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, and Saint-Joseph—produce red wines primarily from Syrah without Viognier in the blend. So the region that allows this specific blending is Côte-Rôtie.

In the Northern Rhône, a distinctive blending rule exists: one region permits a portion of Viognier to be co-fermented with Syrah in red wines, up to 20%, to add perfume and brightness. That region is Côte-Rôtie, where Viognier is blended with Syrah to create aromatic, lifted reds with floral notes and smoother textures. The other red-wine regions—Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, and Saint-Joseph—produce red wines primarily from Syrah without Viognier in the blend. So the region that allows this specific blending is Côte-Rôtie.