The Rhône and its wines

The Rhône Valley (Vallée du Rhône in French) is one of the most prestigious wine regions in France, along the course of the river Rhône, between Lyon and the Mediterranean. Famous for its robust, spicy reds, aromatic whites and elegant rosés, the Rhône Valley is divided into two macro-areas with distinct characteristics: Northern Rhône e Southern Rhône.

The Northern Rhône is the home of Syrah, the only black grape variety allowed for the reds, while the Southern Rhône offers more structured, complex wines, often made from blends of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre (GSM). Some of the best-known appellations include Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas.

What is the Rhône wine district?

The Rhône Valley runs for about 200 km, crossing different types of soil and microclimate. The Northern Rhône has a continental climate, with terraced vineyards on steep slopes, while the Southern Rhône enjoys a Mediterranean climate with sandy, pebbly soils, perfect for producing wines of great intensity and aromatic depth.

The main AOC appellations include:

• Northern Rhône → Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Cornas.
• Southern Rhône → Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Tavel, Côtes du Rhône.

The Great Wine Regions of the Rhône Valley

Northern Rhône (Rhône Septentrional)

• Main grape variety: Syrah (red), Viognier, Marsanne e Roussanne (whites).
• Style: Elegant, spicy reds, aromatic and mineral whites.
• Famous appellations: Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage.

Southern Rhône (Rhône Méridional)

• Main grape varieties: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre (red), Clairette, Grenache Blanc (white).
• Style: Complex red wines, with notes of ripe fruit, spices and Mediterranean herbs.
• Famous appellations: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Tavel.

Characteristics of Rhône Valley Wines

Colour

• Reds: Deep ruby red with garnet highlights in the aged wines.
• Whites: Bright golden yellow with luminous highlights.
• Rosé: Deep pink with orange nuances (Tavel).

Aromas

• Fruity: Berries, blackberry, black cherry in the reds; peach, apricot and citrus in the whites.
• Floral: Violet and lavender in the reds; white flowers and lime blossom in the whites.
• Spicy and Mineral: Black pepper, liquorice and smoky notes in the reds; honey and flint in the whites.

Palate

• Structured and Spicy: The reds of the Northern Rhône, with elegant tannins and great length.
• Rich and Complex: The reds of the Southern Rhône, with softness and aromatic depth.
• Fresh and Mineral: The whites of the Northern Rhône, with vibrant acidity and a long finish.

Typical Grape Varieties of the Rhône Valley

Black Grape Varieties

• Syrah: The king of the Northern Rhône, with structure, spice and great ageing capacity.
• Grenache: The dominant grape variety of the Southern Rhône, it gives roundness and notes of ripe fruit.
• Mourvèdre: It adds depth and tannins to the blends of the Southern Rhône.

White Grape Varieties

• Viognier: Used for aromatic, silky whites such as Condrieu.
• Marsanne and Roussanne: They give body and complexity to the whites of Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage.
• Clairette and Grenache Blanc: Used in the whites of the southern Rhône.

Why Choose a Wine from the Rhône Valley?

A wine from the Rhône Valley is a journey between power and finesse, perfect alongside meat dishes, game, aged cheeses and spicy dishes. From the great structured reds of Côte-Rôtie and Châteauneuf-du-Pape to the mineral whites of Hermitage and Condrieu, the Rhône Valley offers a range of wines able to satisfy every palate.