Wines of the Rhône Valley - A Tasting Guide

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Wines of the Rhône Valley

the Rhône Valley's iconic wine styles

The first thing to know about the France’s Rhône Valley wine region is that it divides into two distinct areas.

The southern Rhône is known chiefly for its red blends. These are made mostly from Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre (a recipe so successful that it has been adopted by the Aussies, who label their blends GSM).

Half is bottled under the Côtes-du-Rhone AOC appellation – and they tend to be rich, warming and packed with spicy bramble fruit flavours. The region’s most revered red, however, is Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

The northern Rhône is known mostly for its pure Syrah reds. With its steep hillsides, there is much less land under vine than the southern Rhône, and vineyards here – especially on the higher slopes – are very precious.

The most famous wines of the northern Rhône are Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie. The region also produces some highly regarded fine whites – including the fabulously rich, hedonistic Condrieu.

Southern Rhône

Côtes-du-Rhône Villages AOC

The Côtes-du-Rhône Villages AOC was created in recognition of the fact that some of the villages in the southern Rhône were making consistently better wines – most notably Chusclan, Séguret, Sablet and Plan de Dieu.

These wines are seriously worth looking out for, as they have worked hard to gain their status – and they provide excellent value alternatives to the wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Some of the Côtes-du-Rhône Village AOC wines have been granted AOC status in their own right. Notable examples include Vacqueyras AOC and Rasteau AOC – both are well worth seeking out.

Tip From the Tasting Room: Le Prince de Courthézon - As close as you could hope to come to an authentic Châteauneuf style without paying the premium. Expect herb-scented, velvety black fruit, liquorice and spice.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the most famous red of the southern Rhône, adored for its big spice and warm, ripe, velvety fruit. It lies at the heart of the Côtes-du-Rhône region, home to some of the areas finest vineyards.

One of its most distinctive features is the carpet of large stones (known locally as galets roulés) that cover many of the vineyards. These are said to help the grapes to ripen – by storing the heat from the day and releasing it at night.

Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape is also unusual in that up to 18 grape varieties are permitted in its wines. In practice, however, most reds rely on far fewer, with Grenache as the mainstay, giving them their signature rich, brambly character. The whites - far rarer - are typically made from Grenache Blanc and Roussanne, producing rich, honeyed wines that are highly prized.

Gigondas

Gigondas lies about 10 miles southwest of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the southern Rhône, and the wines of the two regions are often compared. Many see Gigondas as a better-value alternative to the wines of Châteauneuf.

While the climate is similar and favours the same grape varieties, the soils are very different. In place of the galets roulés of Châteauneuf, Gigondas has sandy, gravelly soils. These provide good drainage and result in intensely flavoured wines.

All Gigondas red wines must comprise at least 50% Grenache – with the remainder made up of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault.

Northern Rhône

Hermitage

This is the best-known northern Rhône red, named after the famous hill of Hermitage on which the vineyards lie. Hermitage wines must be made purely from Syrah. The wines tend to be traditionally made, with fermentation in large wooden vats and ageing in oak barrels. These are among the longest-lived reds of the Rhône and can age gracefully for decades.

Hermitage reds are typically rich and full bodied with complex aromas of black fruits and spice. Elegantly structured, they offer red and black fruit flavours including blackberry, blueberry, and strawberry, with notes of spicy oak and olives.

Crozes-Hermitage

This appellation covers the vineyards surrounding and immediately below the hill of Hermitage. While they may not reach quite the heights of Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage reds are very similar in style.

These are still very fine wines and offer a great-value alternative to those of the more exclusive Hermitage region.

Saint-Joseph

Another classic northern Rhône region, Saint-Joseph is very similar in style to Crozes-Hermitage, but perhaps a little lighter in style.

Producers here are very keen to get more recognition for their wines – and as a result, Saint-Joseph reds often offer excellent value for money.

Expect complex red and black fruit flavours with notes of minerals, herbs, and liquorice.

Côte-Rotie

These are some of the finest and most exclusive reds of the northern Rhône. Its name means ‘roasted slope’ – referring to the steep, sun-soaked south-facing slopes. Like Hermitage, these are hard work to manage – but repay the efforts with exceptionally fine reds.

The Côte-Rôtie appellation is unusual in that the AOC regulations allow up to 20% Viognier in the reds – lending the wines a delicate, aromatic character. The wines typically offer expressive aromas of spicy bramble fruit, liquorice, coffee, violets, and olives and Syrah’s classic edge of black pepper.

SHOP ALL RHONE VALLEY REDS

Northern Rhône

Condrieu

These are some of France’s, if not the world’s most sought-after whites. Made purely from Viognier, they are unctuous, golden and decadent, with flavours of peaches and apricots, and orange, honey and blossom notes. Definitely a wine to experience if you can.

The region is also home to Château-Grillet, a tiny property that is also its own AOC – making it the smallest appellation in France. Needless to say, its wines are as pricy as they are exclusive and delicious.

Saint-Péray

The Saint-Péray appellation is unusual for the northern Rhône as it makes only still and sparkling white wines.

Both are made from Marsanne and/or Roussanne, giving them a floral character. The sparkling wines are made, like Champagne, using the Traditional Method, and producing a fine fizz that’s both elegant and easy drinking. The still whites are becoming more popular in the region and are prized for their delicacy and finesse.

Southern Rhône

Although the southern Rhône is best known for its reds, there are some great whites to discover, too.

Most whites in the southern Rhône are bottled under the Côtes-du-Rhône AOC appellation. The most common grapes are Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc along with Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier.

Usually rich in texture and nicely rounded, they offer flavours ranging from apple and peach to honeysuckle and apricots.

If you like rich, tropical flavours – and you’re looking for an alternative to Chardonnay – a white Côtes-du-Rhône is a great choice.

If you want to take a step up in fine wine quality – opt for a Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc. These whites are very similar in style to white Côtes-du-Rhône – but with greater intensity, elegance, and complexity. Looking for the perfect Christmas dinner white? You just found it!

SHOP ALL RHONE VALLEY WHITES