The Cool Clones

One of the key drivers behind the vast improvement in Oregon wine in the 2000s was the widespread implementation of so-called Dijon clones. The University of Oregon was the first entity in the United States to bring in these clones of pinot noir and chardonnay (clones are genetic subtypes of a variety). Named after Dijon the city in Burgundy where France’s ONIVINS plant materials laboratory is located, the numerous Dijon clones (with exciting names like 115, 667, and 777) are heralded for their complex flavors and ability to ripen fully in cool climates.

Which of the following important rivers runs through the Rioja region of Spain?

A. The Duero River

B. The Río Oja

C. The Ebro River

D. The Guadalquivir River

The Ebro. Rioja, considered Spain’s preeminent wine region, spreads out for 75 miles along the Ebro River in northeastern Spain. The name Rioja, however, is probably derived from Río Oja, one of the seven small tributaries of the Ebro River. The Duero River runs through the Spanish wine region Ribera del Duero. And the Guadalquivir runs just north of Jerez (Sherry).

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Rank of the Loire Valley as the leading region for the production of white wines in France. (It ranks 2nd for rosés). The Loire makes just about every style of wine conceivable—still and sparkling, dry… Continue reading

The Cool Clones

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