Rhone Valley
Rhône wines
The Rhône is France's second-largest wine-growing region. It stretches from the center of France, south of Lyon, to the Mediterranean Sea. The region is home to many legendary appellations, named after the communes along the river. In this guide, we'll take a look at the region's most famous appellations, as well as its best estates and wine producers
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The Rhône wine region, France's second largest appellation
The Rhône Valley is distinguished by its vastness, the great diversity of its terroirs, the many grape varieties planted and the abundance of wine styles. Viticulture in this region dates back over 2000 years. Indeed, ruins of vine plantations have been found here as far back as the 4th century BC. Today, the annual production of this great wine-growing region reaches over 33 million cases of wine per vintage. 6,000 wineries and vineyards contribute to this production volume. Its 79,000 ha of cultivated vineyards produce over 30 different appellations d'origine contrôlée (AOC) in a total of 1,317 communes. These crus and wines are made from 27 unique grape varieties. Red wine is the most important in the Rhône Valley. The Rhône Valley vineyards are divided into 2 unequal sub-regions
-The northern region, between Vienne and Valence. Vineyards are perched on the steep slopes of the valleys and on the right and left banks of the Rhône. This region produces prestigious wines such as Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, Côte-Rôtie and Saint-Péray. Its production capacity is relatively low, at 3% of the valley's total. It produces fine, spicy red wines from the Syrah grape and dense, full-bodied white wines from Marsanne and Roussanne. The vast majority of wines are sold by appellation. The "vins de pays" category is also used in this region.
-The southern part of the region, between the Vivarais and Avignon hillsides, is characterized by a greater production of simple wines such as Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Pierrevert, Cairanne, etc., but also includes the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. These vineyards also produce the Côte du Rhône appellation, which is tending to disappear in the northern region.
Our selection of Rhône wine appellations
The Appellation Contrôlée system was created in Châteauneuf-du-Pape in 1933. Its aim is to optimize the quality of wines and certify their origin. AOCs must comply with specifications drawn up at the time. These include technical constraints in terms of growing area, vine variety, growing method, minimum alcoholic strength and harvesting period. Since then, the AOC label has been linked to the quality of the wine, giving an indication of the contents of the bottle
-The Châteauneuf du Pape AOC covers 3,231 ha and brings together more than 320 winegrowers. of these, 250 produce and bottle their own wines, while the remainder sell to négociants or cooperatives. This wine-growing region produces great red wines with character. They are available in a wide range of styles, from opulent, full-bodied and sexy to refined, fresh and elegant. This type of long-ageing wine is perfect with beef, game, duck, charcuterie, seafood and more.
-The Cornas AOC applies to the 110 ha of vineyards located south of Saint-Joseph and north of Saint-Péray. They produce only red wines from the Syrah grape variety. These wines are rich and powerful, with supple, ripe tannins and good ageing potential. They're perfect with starters like lamb kebabs, or dishes like leg of lamb, grilled beef...
-Côtes du Rhône: this AOC appellation is one of the most popular in France, even if not among the most prestigious. It's a vast agricultural region covering over 31,000 ha of vineyards. These are fruity, spicy red wines that don't need aging, although some will evolve with a few years' cellaring. This type of wine goes well with all dishes, including aperitifs, starters, meats, fish and cheeses. White wines are full-bodied, round, aromatic and low in acidity. They go perfectly with asparagus, white pudding, shrimps, seafood, etc.
-Côte rôtie: this is the prestigious red wine appellation produced by the parishes of Ampuis, Saint-Cyr-sur-le-Rhône and Tupin-et-Semons. This small estate covers just 119 ha of vines, with steep slopes rising from the banks of the Rhône to over 300 m in altitude. The appellation admits only two grape varieties: Syrah and Voignier. These highly sought-after wines are not very pleasant to drink young. They are characterized by rich, complex aromas and concentrated flavors that transform over time into sensual, silky, exotic textures. The best wines can be aged for 3 or 4 decades or more.
-Hermitage: this appellation d'origine contrôlée is the smallest wine-growing region in the Rhône Valley, with 130 ha of planted vines. It includes the red Syrah grape and two white varieties, Marsanne and Rousanne. The vineyard is owned by 6 négociants, one cooperative and 21 caves particulières. The wines are red, full-bodied and rich, some from different climates. They improve after 15 to 20 years of ageing. White wines reveal floral, toasted nut and vanilla notes. They can be kept for several decades.
-Saint-Joseph: This AOC appellation comprises over 1,200 ha of vines and some 115 active winegrowers spread over 26 communes. Wines are made from the red Syrah grape and two white varieties, Marsanne and Rousanne. The reds are elegant, powerful or feminine, affordable and drinkable young. Their fine or powerful character makes them the perfect accompaniment to game, duck, sausages, red meat or other oriental dishes. The whites have a subtle, elegant nose with floral notes that develop with age.
-Vacqueyras: This appellation is produced in the Vaucluse department over an area of 14 km of vines. The terroir lies around the communes of Vacqueyras and Sarrians. The red grape varieties are Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. White wines are made from Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc and Roussanne. This AOC is characterized by red wines of varying character, balanced and fine or full and fat on the palate. They feature floral, red fruit and undergrowth aromas. These wines go well with dishes such as roast pigeon, beef bourguignon and stewed lamb.
-Vin de Pays de Vaucluse: IGP Vaucluse is produced in the southern Rhône valley. These wines are blends of grape varieties including Grenache, Syrah, Marselan, Merlot or single-vineyard varieties. These aromatic, complex wines are rich, full-bodied, supple and fresh all at once. They go perfectly with aperitifs, poultry and fish.
Main Rhône wine producers
The Rhône Valley produces a wide range of wines under different AOC appellations from north to south, including the sublime Hermitage, Côte Rotie and generous Châteauneuf-le-Pape wines. Here are the winemakers who are essential to the production of these wines
-Emmanuel Reynaud: This winemaker is the fourth generation of Reynaud winemakers. He replaced his father at Château de Tours in 1997 and his uncle Jacques Reynaud at Château Rayas. His lightly-colored wines do not disappoint with their aromatic and taste profile, and reveal their sublime character with 10 or 15 years of bottle age.
-Jean-Louis Chave: the Chave family has been making Saint-Joseph wines since 1481. Jean-Louis Chave is the 16th generation to manage the prestigious Hermitage appellation. His wines express both power and finesse.
-Henri Bonneau: this 12th-generation winemaker is a true Châteauneuf-le-Pape legend. He owns 6.5 ha of vines spread over 13 different parcels in this appellation. These are very expressive wines with good aromatic quality.
-Gentaz-Dervieux: this estate was also a legend in Côte rôtie. Today, it no longer exists, as its vines were integrated into the René Rostaing estate in the 1990s. But its wines are now very rare and sought-after.
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Rhone Valley Châteauneuf du Pape Original Wooden Case of 3Beaucastel CDP Rouge Hommage a J Perrin 2013Special Price €262.80 €219.00 Regular Price €300.00stock: 1 -
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Rhone Valley Châteauneuf du Pape LooseBeaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge 1982 Bottle (75cl) SDSpecial Price €114.00 €95.00 Regular Price €168.00stock: 1
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Promotion Deal for amateurs
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Rhone Valley Hermitage BlancBernard Faurie Hermitage Blanc 2018 Bottle (75cl)€210.00 €175.00stock: 2
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Deal for amateurs
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