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The Rhône Valley is renowned for its two-thousand-year-old winemaking history. With an area of about 70,000 hectares of vineyards, the region offers a great diversity of grape varieties, wine types, 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, contributing to the production of unique and captivating wines.
The main grape varieties of the northern Rhône Valley are Syrah, Viognier, as well as Marsanne and Roussanne. Discover their amazing characteristics below !
-Syrah : this delicious grape variety is the only possible variety 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, the latter 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.
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 northern Rhône Valley is divided into eight main AOCs: Côte Rôtie, Condrieu, Château Grillet, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, Cornas, and Saint-Péray.These latter, located on steep hillsides, benefit from a unique terroir and a continental climate with Mediterranean influence. Here is their description:
-AOC Côte Rôtie : 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 based on Syrah, which can sometimes be blended with a little Viognier (maximum 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 safe bet in this area.
-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. Here, the soils are mainly granitic. Turn to the cuvées from Pierre Gaillard estate to explore the area !
-Château-Grillet: this micro-appellation is actually a monopoly bearing the name of the estate. It is enclosed 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 unique minerality.
-Saint-Joseph : located on the right bank of the Rhône, from Chavanay to Guilherand-Granges, the Saint-Joseph PDO produces red wines made from Syrah as well as whites 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 develop on often steep slopes.Taste the delicious wines from the Jolivet estate 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 reds are powerful, complex, and suitable for long aging, with aromas of black fruits, spices, leather, and sometimes truffle. The white wines 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 reds based on Syrah but also some white wines made from Marsanne and Roussanne. The reds are more approachable and fruity 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, but also clay-limestone. The domaine des Hauts Châssis, for example, produces magnificent cuvées, perfect reflections of 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. The latter is robust, concentrated, and expresses aromas of black fruits, spices, and licorice. The bottles often require a few years to soften and reveal their full richness. The soils here are mainly granitic. A superb example is that of the Famille de Boel France estate.
-Saint-Péray : located near Cornas, this appellation mainly offers white wines made from Marsanne and Roussanne. These are fine and elegant, revealing notes of citrus, white flowers, and a beautiful freshness. Little-known fact, some sparkling wines are also produced using the traditional method in the AOP. The soils here are limestone and granite.
The Southern Rhône Valley stretches from the south of Montélimar to the border with Provence and Languedoc, bordering the left bank of the Rhône all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. This vast region experiences a Mediterranean climate and is composed of a large number of appellations as well as a great diversity of grapes and wine styles. Let's take a look together at the main varieties and AOPs to remember!
-Grenache noir : it is the king red grape variety of the Southern Rhône. It is indeed at the heart of many appellations, notably Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, or Côtes du Rhône. It produces fleshy, round wines, often spicy, with aromas of ripe red fruits, licorice, and pepper. It is a grape variety highly valued for blending.
-Syrah : although Syrah is more present 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 in the southern Rhône Valley such as Vacqueyras, Gigondas, Lirac, or Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It brings structure, tannins, aromatic complexity (notes of dark 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 AOCs such as Tavel and Lirac. This grape variety produces fresh, aromatic, and easy-to-drink wines.
-Grenache blanc : it 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 texture, indulgente 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 aromatic potential and structure.
-Châteauneuf-du-Pape : it is probably the best-known appellation in this part of the French vineyard. Here, more than 13 varieties are permitted, but Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre are the main ones. Red wines represent the majority of production and are powerful, complex, evoking aromas of black fruits, spices, garrigue, and a great aging potential. The whites, rarer, are rich and aromatic. The terroir here is varied between 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 basis of regional wines and is mainly located in the southern part of the vineyard. Here, the predominant grapes are, once again, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre. The terroirs of Côtes du Rhône produce fruity, spicy red wines that are often pleasant in their youth, as well as fresh and aromatic whites and rosés. 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 varieties are, here as well, the "GSM" grape varieties. The terroir is mainly clay-limestone on steep slopes.
-Vacqueyras : similar to Gigondas, Vacqueyras offers generous red wines, well balanced between fruitiness and spices, 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 famous for its powerful and complex rosés, while Lirac produces reds (mainly Grenache-based) and fresh, fruity whites. The soils are mainly clay-limestone and 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 in the same appellation.
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 Syrah 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.
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.
Moreover, and to suit your schedule, La Cave Éclairée offers you delivery to a pick-up point as well as home delivery either standard or express 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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Syrah is a grape variety whose origins remained a mystery for a long time. However, and although it is a difficult variety to cultivate due to its sensitivity to various...
Syrah is a grape variety whose origins remained a mystery for a long time. However, and although it is a difficult variety to cultivate due to its sensitivity to various...
Wine jewel of the Rhône Valley, the Condrieu appellation is famous and celebrated for its exceptional white wines. Nestled on the right bank of the Rhône, the vineyard is entirely dedicated...
Wine jewel of the Rhône Valley, the Condrieu appellation is famous and celebrated for its exceptional white wines. Nestled on the right bank of the Rhône, the vineyard is entirely dedicated...
The Saint-Joseph appellation is certainly one of the most beautiful wine regions in the Rhône Valley and in France. Its vineyard, made up of steep hillsides nestled on the right bank...
The Saint-Joseph appellation is certainly one of the most beautiful wine regions in the Rhône Valley and in France. Its vineyard, made up of steep hillsides nestled on the right bank...
What wine enthusiast has never heard of Châteauneuf-du-Pape ? This appellation resonates through history, and its papal origins are as deeply engraved in its name as on its prestigious bottle.Why is...
What wine enthusiast has never heard of Châteauneuf-du-Pape ? This appellation resonates through history, and its papal origins are as deeply engraved in its name as on its prestigious bottle.Why is...
