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What to call CA Rhones?

D davetongbbpMember
In another thread there's a discussion over the use of fairly generic European terms for New World wines. Terms like Claret, Bordeaux, Rhone and Burgundy have very specific meanings.

Now for Bordeaux/Claret the term "Meritage" exists. Granted it has its own baggage, but at least its meaning is clearly understood.

For Burgundy there are only two varietals of any consequence, and few people would object to referring to a New World Pinot or Chardonnay as "burgundian"

But what to do about Rhone? Is it any more reasonable to talk about Californian Rhones than Californian Burgundy or Californian Bordeaux? And if not, what to call them?
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M moselleluxemburgMember
Rhone-Syle or Rhone Blend ?

What exactly would Rhone-Blend mean ?
As the 'Rhone-Rangers' website indicates, it could be like 22 different Grape-Varieties.
What exactly would a Rhone-blend be ?
Any combination of those 22 Grape-varieties ?
What about pure Syrah (Shiraz) ? Not a blend, but used in several areas of Rhone as standalone grape.
Is a Rhone-blend a blend like Chateauneuf-du-Pape or a blend like Hermitage ?

What would Rhone-style be ? Chateauneuf-du-Pape style or Cotes-du-Rhone style or Saint-Joseph style ... ?

I fear none makes really sense. Why not calling it 'Golden-Gate' blend, giving it it's own identity ?
S spoMember
quote:
I fear none makes really sense. Why not calling it 'Golden-Gate' blend, giving it it's own identity ?


California does not have regulations about what grapes are grown in what regions and most wines often have the grapes contained there in right on the bottle. I see it as nothing more than a nod to the French wine makers. What is the problem?
M moselleluxemburgMember
quote:
Originally posted by spo:
California does not have regulations about what grapes are grown in what regions and most wines often have the grapes contained there in right on the bottle. I see it as nothing more than a nod to the French wine makers. What is the problem?


Using the term Rhone-blend or Rhone-style does not harm the french wine industry but it does harm the customer because it doesn't say anything about the wine in the bottle. The terms just dont make sense because there are many different Rhone-styles and Rhone Blends.
Saying Bordeauy-Blend is a very different thing because anyone would assume a combination of Cabernet-Sauvignon + Merlot (+ Cabernet Franc).

The one Rhone blend and the one Rhone style simply doesn't exist. Maybe rather use Chateauneuf-blend or something similar.

P.S. Some of the best wines i tasted last year where from South-Africa's Cape Region (Stellenbosch etc.) They producers have agreed to give their blends of Cabernet + Merlot + Pinotage the name of 'Cape Blend'. Truely delicious. That name, besides sounding beautiful, is gaining in marketing power, giving South African wine it's own identity in the international market. Much more interesting than marketing under the name of 'South African Bordeaux Blend'.

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