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The magic of the Rhône Valley

Rhône Valley is renowned for its two-thousand-year-old winemaking history. With an area of approximately 70,000 hectares of vineyards, the region offers a great diversity of grape varieties, wine styles, and appellations, all shaped by unique terroirs. It is divided into two distinct sub-regions: the Northern Rhône Valley and the Southern Rhône Valley. Each of these areas has its own microclimate, specific soils, and characteristic grape varieties, all contributing to the production of unique and captivating wines.

Grape Varieties and Appellations of the Northern Rhône Valley

The grape varieties of the Northern Rhône Valley

The main grape varieties of the Northern Rhône Valley are Syrah, Viognier, as well as Marsanne and Roussanne.Discover below their amazing characteristics !

-Syrah : this delicious grape variety is the only possible one for red wines from the Northern Rhône Valley. Côte Rôtie, Crozes-Hermitage, or even Saint-Joseph reds… all indeed come from the divine Syrah ! On these terroirs, it expresses itself with remarkable finesse and complexity, offering aromas of black fruits (cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant), violet, pepper, and sometimes smoky notes. Syrah produces powerful yet balanced wines with smooth tannins, capable of evolving beautifully in the bottle.

-Viognier : this indulgent white grape variety, known for its exuberant aromas of stone fruits (apricot, peach) and flowers (acacia, honeysuckle), is mainly grown in the Condrieu and Château-Grillet appellations.It produces rich and aromatic wines, often aged on lees to enhance their creamy texture. It is probably within this region that Viognier finds its best balance in the world.

The Marsanne and Roussanne : these two varieties are often blended to produce balanced wines, combining roundness and freshness. Marsanne brings richness and structure, while Roussanne provides lively acidity and floral or herbal notes. The two companions particularly shine in the white wines of the AOP Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, and Saint-Péray.

The appellations of the Northern Rhône Valley

The Northern Rhône Valley is divided into eight main AOCs: Côte Rôtie, Condrieu, Château Grillet, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, Cornas, and Saint-Péray. These appellations, located on steep hillsides, benefit from a unique terroir and a continental climate with Mediterranean influences. Here is their description:

-Côte Rôtie AOC : Located in the north of the valley, on steep slopes with soils composed of schist, mica-schist, and granite, this AOP produces exclusively red wines made from Syrah, which can sometimes be blended with a small amount of Viognier (up to 20%). The wines are elegant, complex, and characterized by aromas of black fruits, violet, as well as spicy and smoky notes.The Stéphane Ogier estate is a reliable name in this region. - Condrieu: Located downstream from Côte-Rôtie, along the Rhône, this AOP offers only white wine made from the Viognier grape variety. The cuvées here are rich and aromatic, expressing notes of apricot, peach, white flowers, and sometimes sweet spices. The soils here are mainly granitic. Turn to the cuvées from the Pierre Gaillard estate to explore the area! - Château-Grillet: This micro-appellation is actually a monopoly bearing the name of the estate. It is nestled within Condrieu and offers exclusively white wines made from Viognier. The château’s bottles are rare and highly sought after.Each vintage expresses great finesse and aromas of citrus, stone fruits, as well as a distinctive minerality.

-Saint-Joseph: located on the right bank of the Rhône, from Chavanay to Guilherand-Granges, the Saint-Joseph AOP produces red wines made from Syrah as well as white wines made from Marsanne and Roussanne. The reds are varied, ranging from light and fruity to more complex, with aromas of red fruits, spices, and a lovely freshness. The whites, on the other hand, are floral, balanced, and elegant. The soils here are granitic and often found on steep slopes.Taste the delicious wines from the Domaine de Boisseyt to discover this appellation in the best possible way ! 

-Hermitage : This iconic hillside is located on the left bank of the Rhône, near Tain-l’Hermitage. The wines produced here are mainly reds (Syrah), but a few whites made from Marsanne and Roussanne are also crafted in the vineyard. The red wines are powerful, complex, and suitable for long aging, with aromas of black fruits, spices, leather, and sometimes truffle. The white wines, on the other hand, are rich and opulent, developing notes of dried fruits, honey, and flowers. The soils are varied, ranging from granite to limestone, including rolled pebbles.

-Crozes-Hermitage: located around Hermitage, this AOC is nevertheless much larger. The appellation mainly produces red wines based on Syrah, but also some white wines made from Marsanne and Roussanne. The reds are more approachable and fruitier than those from Hermitage, with aromas of red and black fruits, often accompanied by peppery notes. The whites are fresh and aromatic, perfect for earlier consumption. Here, the terroir is also varied, with pebbles as well as clay-limestone soils. The Domaine des Hauts Châssisfor example, produces magnificent cuvées that perfectly reflect their appellation. 

-Cornas : less known to the general public, this small appellation is located on the right bank of the Rhône, near Valence, and produces exclusively red wine made from Syrah. This wine is robust, concentrated, and expresses aromas of dark fruits, spices, and licorice. The bottles often require a few years to soften and reveal their full richness. The soils here are mainly granitic.

-Saint-Péray : located near Cornas, this appellation mainly offers white wines made from Marsanne and Roussanne. These wines are refined and elegant, revealing notes of citrus, white flowers, and a beautiful freshness. A little-known fact: a few sparkling wines are also produced here using the traditional method under the AOP. The soils are limestone and granite.

Grape Varieties and Appellations of the Southern Rhône Valley

The southern Rhône Valley stretches from the south of Montélimar to the border with Provence and Languedoc, running along the left bank of the Rhône River all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. This vast region enjoys a Mediterranean climate and is home to a large number of appellations, as well as a great diversity of grape varieties and wine styles. Let’s take a look together at the main grape varieties and AOPs to remember!

Grape Varieties of the Southern Rhône Valley

-Grenache Noir : this is the flagship red grape variety of the Southern Rhône. It is, in fact, at the heart of many appellations, notably Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, and Côtes du Rhône.It produces full-bodied, rounded wines, often spicy, with aromas of ripe red fruits, licorice, and pepper. This grape variety is highly valued for blending.

-Syrah : although Syrah is more prevalent in the northern Rhône Valley, it also plays an important role in the south, particularly in AOCs such as Côtes du Rhône Villages and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It brings spicy and floral notes to blends, as well as a fine tannic structure.

-Mourvèdre : Mourvèdre is a secondary but essential grape variety in several appellations of the southern Rhône Valley such as Vacqueyras, Gigondas, Lirac, or Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It provides structure, tannins, aromatic complexity (notes of black fruits, leather, spices), and good aging potential.

-Cinsault : Cinsault is often used in blends for its lightness and fruity aromas. It is also used in the production of rosés, notably in AOC regions such as Tavel and Lirac. This grape variety produces fresh, aromatic, and easy-to-drink wines.

-Grenache Blanc : this is the most widely planted white grape variety in the southern part of the Rhône Valley. Rarely vinified on its own, it offers a rich, indulgent texture as well as aromas of white fruits (pear, apple), citrus, and sometimes floral notes.

Other white varieties are also present in this part of the vineyard, such as Viognier, Clairette, as well as Marsanne and Roussanne, each variety bringing its own aromatic potential and structure.

Southern Rhône Valley appellations

-Châteauneuf-du-Pape : it is probably the best-known appellation in this part of France’s vineyards. Here, more than 13 varieties are permitted, but Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre are the main ones. Red wines make up the majority of production and are powerful, complex, evoking aromas of dark fruits, spices, garrigue, and have great aging potential.The white wines, which are rarer, are rich and aromatic. The terroir here is varied, featuring the iconic rolled pebbles as well as clay-limestone and sandy soils..

-Côtes du Rhône : this AOC, often confused with the very name of the region "Rhône Valley," forms the foundation of regional wines and is mainly located in the southern part of the vineyard. Here, the predominant grape varieties are, once again, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre. The terroirs of Côtes du Rhône produce fruity, spicy red wines that are often enjoyable in their youth, as well as fresh and aromatic white and rosé wines. Côtes du Rhône Villages wines are generally of higher quality, offering more structured cuvées.Given the size of the vineyard, the soils are also very diverse, including clay, limestone, and sandy soils. - Gigondas: Gigondas offers powerful and spicy red wines, with aromas of dark fruits, garrigue, and sometimes licorice. They are generally very well-structured and suitable for aging. The main grape varieties here are also the "GSM" blends. The terroir is mainly clay-limestone on steep slopes. - Vacqueyras: Similar to Gigondas, Vacqueyras offers generous red wines, well balanced between fruitiness and spice, with soft tannins and a beautiful length on the palate. The same grape varieties are also used, and the soils are composed of clay, limestone, and rolled pebbles.

-Lirac and Tavel : Tavel is renowned for its powerful and complex rosés, while Lirac produces reds (mainly Grenache-based) and fresh, fruity whites. The soils are primarily clay-limestone and covered with rolled pebbles.

-Beaumes-de-Venise : Beaumes-de-Venise is best known for its rich and elegant red wines, but also for its sweet and aromatic Muscat, produced under the same appellation.

An amazing diversity

As you will have understood, the varied terroirs throughout the Rhône Valley offer an incredible diversity of possibilities, allowing producers to play with grape varieties and winemaking techniques to create captivating wines. Thus, whether you wish to explore the graceful Syrahs of the Northern Rhône Valley or indulge in the powerful wines and generous wines of the south, the region will win you over with its diversity and exceptional quality.

Delivery of your Rhône Valley wines 

Whether you prefer an elegant red wine from the Northern Rhône Valley or a rich and smooth white wine from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, we guarantee that all the bottles offered on our site are in actual stock and carefully stored in our cellars under ideal storage conditions.

Furthermore, to suit your schedule, La Cave Éclairée offers you pick-up point delivery as well as home delivery with both standard and express options for those in a hurry. Finally, whether you order a single bottle or several cases, we take the same care in preparing your package.

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