📍 Rhône Valley

The Rhône Valley is a wine region in south-eastern France along the river Rhône, from Vienne to Avignon, spread over six departments. The north has a moderate continental climate and steep granite slopes planted with Syrah; the south has a Mediterranean climate, the mistral and Grenache. The main appellation is AOC Côtes du Rhône, recognised in 1937; 93 % of its wine is red.

The rules draw the line between the Northern and Southern Rhône along the parallel of Montélimar (44°33′). The mistral blows on average 120 days a year and there are over 2,500 hours of sunshine; the dry wind airs the vines and protects them from fungal diseases. The soils vary: river terraces, marls, soft limestones, sands and molasse. Wine has been traded here since Greek colonisation – for more than two thousand years.

The appellations form three tiers: Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages and 17 crus. In the north these include Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Condrieu and Cornas; in the south, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Tavel. Most Côtes du Rhône is made in the south, between Avignon and Donzère. The region also includes the sparkling Clairette de Die and Crémant de Die from the Drôme valley.

Red Côtes du Rhône is a blend of at least two main varieties: Grenache has to make up at least 30 % of a holding's plantings, and Syrah and Mourvèdre together at least 20 %. For Côtes du Rhône Villages, Grenache has to be at least 40 % of the blend. White wines are made from Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc and Grenache Blanc.

Why it matters to you. “Côtes du Rhône” with nothing added is the basic wine, most often from the south and based on Grenache. “Villages” means stricter rules, and the name of a cru, such as Hermitage or Gigondas, points to a specific commune.