Now is a terrific time to discuss the wines of the Rhône Valley! Writing this post in late April in the Southern United States, wine lovers naturally begin moving toward these lighter, fruitier wines. Rhône wines are the perfect warm weather and summer wines.

The Rhône wine region is located in the southeastern part of France, spanning from the city of Lyon to the Mediterranean Sea. The region is divided into two sub-regions, the Northern Rhône and the Southern Rhône. Both sub-regions have distinct climates and terroir that greatly influence the wine produced in the area.

Location and Terroir

The Northern Rhône region is located in the northernmost part of the Rhône Valley, stretching from the city of Vienne to Valence. This region has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The mistral winds that blow through the valley help to moderate the temperatures and keep the grapes healthy. The Northern Rhône is known for producing some of the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world, such as Hermitage, Cote Rotie, and Condrieu.

The terroir in the Northern Rhône is characterized by steep hillsides with granite soils, which provide excellent drainage for the vines. The slopes are so steep that all of the work in the vineyards must be done by hand. The red wines produced in the Northern Rhône are typically made from Syrah grapes, while the white wines are made from Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne grapes.

In contrast, the Southern Rhône region has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The mistral winds also play a role in the Southern Rhône, helping to cool down the vines and keep them free from disease. The Southern Rhône is known for producing a wide range of wines, including Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, and Vacqueyras.

The terroir in the Southern Rhône is characterized by a mix of soils, including limestone, sand, and clay. The vineyards in the region are often flat or gently sloping, making it easier for machines to work in the fields. The red wines produced in the Southern Rhône are typically made from a blend of grapes, including Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre, while the white wines are made from grapes such as Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Marsanne.

The Rhône wine region, located in the southeastern part of France, is one of the most important and diverse wine regions in the world. The region is divided into two sub-regions, the Northern Rhône and the Southern Rhône, each with its unique grape varietals, styles of wine, and unique terminology.

Grape Varietals

Northern Rhône

Red wines are made primarily from Syrah grapes: rich and intense red wines.

White wines – Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne grapes

Southern Rhône

Red wines are primarily Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, with Grenache typically making up the majority of the blend.

White wines in the Southern Rhône are made from Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Marsanne grapes. Grenache Blanc is the most widely planted white grape in the region.

Styles of Wine

The Northern Rhône is known for producing full-bodied, complex, and age-worthy red wines. Hermitage and Cote Rotie are two of the most famous red wine appellations in the region, both producing rich, powerful, and long-lived wines.

The white wines of the Northern Rhône are known for their aromatic intensity and complexity. Condrieu is a small appellation known for producing some of the world’s best Viognier-based white wines. The wines are full-bodied, rich, and aromatic, with flavors of apricot, peach, and honeysuckle.

In the Southern Rhône, the red wines are typically blends of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre, with Grenache typically making up the majority of the blend. Chateauneuf-du-Pape is the most famous appellation in the Southern Rhône and produces complex, full-bodied, and spicy red wines with flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and herbs.

Unique Terminology

Cru – refers to specific vineyard sites that are recognized for producing exceptional wines

Coteaux – describes the hillsides that are planted with vines

Cepage – the blend of grape varieties used in the production of a particular wine

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Rhône wine region is one of the most important and diverse wine regions in France. The region is characterized by its steep slopes and producing some of the most food-friendly wines in the world. We will explore this further in the posts on Northern Rhône and Southern Rhône.

The combination of unique climates and terroir in both the Northern and Southern Rhône makes it possible for a wide range of grape varieties to thrive, resulting in a vast array of high-quality wines – red, white and rose – that are enjoyed all over the world.