Steeped in centuries of winemaking tradition, the picturesque Rhône Valley wine region is a haven for wine enthusiasts and novices alike, offering a captivating blend of history, diverse terroirs and exceptional wines. Join us as we journey through the Rhône Valley, uncovering its rich history, celebrated producers and the unique characteristics that make its wines so irresistible.
Flowing from its glacial source in the Swiss Alps, the mighty Rhône River reaches France’s gastronomic capital of Lyon, known as the ‘gateway to the south’, and the beginning of the Rhône Valley wine region. The river, approximately 505 miles long, is a constant throughout the region, shaping the landscape and winding all the way down to the Mediterranean Sea. Much more than a namesake, it defines the unique terroir and climate of the region, which in turn influences the characteristics of the wines produced here.
The Rhône Valley's diverse climate and varied terroir contribute to the distinctiveness of its wines. In the north, a continental climate prevails, with harsh winters and warm summers tempered by the cooling Mistral winds. Here, the steep, granite-rich slopes are home to the Syrah grape, producing robust and spicy red wines. Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne are the primary white varietals, known for their aromatic complexity and elegance.
In contrast, the Southern Rhône enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers, mild winters and abundant sunshine. This region's diverse soils, ranging from pebbly galets roulés to limestone and clay, support a myriad of grape varieties. Grenache reigns supreme, often blended with Syrah, Mourvèdre and other regional grapes to create rich, full-bodied reds. Whites here are typically blends of Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Bourboulenc, offering vibrant and refreshing profiles.
The Rhône Valley is divided into two distinct subregions: the Northern Rhône and the Southern Rhône, each with its own unique characteristics and wine styles. The Northern Rhône is synonymous with powerful, single-varietal Syrah wines. Names like Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage and Cornas evoke images of terraced vineyards clinging to steep hillsides, producing wines of remarkable intensity and longevity. The signature white wine from the Northern Rhône is Condrieu, celebrated for its exquisite, highly perfumed bottlings made exclusively from Viognier.
In the Southern Rhône, the wines are often blends, with Chateauneuf-du-Pape standing as the region’s crown jewel. The prestigious appellation, known for its bold and complex reds, offers a masterclass in the art of blending, with up to 13 different grape varieties permitted. The rolling vineyards, dotted with ancient stone huts and framed by the backdrop of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountains, create a landscape as captivating as the wines themselves.
For those looking to explore Rhône Valley wines, Côtes du Rhône provides an ideal starting point. Spanning the expansive Rhône region from Vienne in the Northern Rhône to Avignon in the Southern Rhône, these wines are esteemed for their affordability and approachability. Representing a significant portion of the region's production, Côtes du Rhône red blends often feature Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, offering a harmonious blend of vibrant red fruit flavours complemented by subtle hints of spice and earthiness. Meanwhile, white varieties crafted from Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne showcase refreshing notes of citrus, peach and floral aromas, balanced by crisp acidity. Perfect for everyday enjoyment or pairing with a variety of dishes, Côtes du Rhône wines invite both novices and enthusiasts alike to discover the rich tapestry of flavours that characterise this renowned wine region.
Hidden Gems
Besides the popular and wallet-friendly Côtes du Rhône, there are numerous lesser-known appellations in the Rhône Valley that offer exceptional value and unique characteristics. Lirac, located just across the river from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, produces bold reds and aromatic whites with comparable depth and complexity at a fraction of the price. Vacqueyras, although often overshadowed by its more famous neighbour Gigondas, also crafts robust red wines that boast rich flavour and structure, ideal for immediate enjoyment or ageing. Historically renowned for its fortified wines, Rasteau has evolved to produce robust reds and complex sweet wines, showcasing the evolving diversity of wines in the Rhône. Known for bold reds and aromatic whites, Ventoux, situated near the iconic Mont Ventoux, features wines that embody the rugged landscape and Mediterranean climate of the region.
The Rhône Valley is a region of incredible diversity, history and beauty, offering wines that cater to every palate and preference. From the powerful Syrahs of the north to the sumptuous blends of the south, there‘s a world of discovery waiting in every bottle, and we’ve got a world-class collection to explore right here.
