Rhône wine

Home to some of the best southern French wines, the Rhône is France’s third largest wine region, behind the Languedoc-Roussillon region and Bordeaux.

While red wine reigns supreme in the Rhône, the region also produces impressive white and rosé wines. The Northern Rhône favours Syrah grapes, producing structured, savoury reds, while the Southern Rhône grows a diverse range of grapes, leading to blended wines like Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

The Grenache-based southern wines are known for their fruitier, more approachable profiles compared to the more austere and spicier wines of the north.

Wines made in the Rhône region are made in accordance with strict appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) rules, ensuring the wines’ geographical origin and winemakers’ commitment to specific production methods.

Learn more about the Rhône Valley wine region

Located in southern France, the Rhône wine region is set against the backdrop of the Rhône Valley. Starting from the historic city of Lyon in the north, it extends to the tranquil Camargue area near the Mediterranean coast in the south.

The Rhône is uniquely divided into two main subregions: the Northern Rhône and Southern Rhône. The Southern Rhône is a broader area than Northern Rhône and accounts for nearly 95% of Rhône wine production.

The Northern Rhône has a continental climate with harsh winters and warm summers, ideal for Syrah grapes. While the Southern Rhône has a Mediterranean climate with milder winters and hot, dry summers – perfect for growing a variety of grapes like Grenache.

The Rhône wine region is divided into two unequal parts, north and south:

• Northern Rhône: Known for its steep hills descending to the Rhône River's banks, the Northern Rhône hosts eight distinct appellations (AOCs). Syrah is the sole red variety permitted, complemented by white grapes such as Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier. It’s no wonder that winemakers here have built a reputation for producing some of the world’s best-loved Syrah wines.
• Southern Rhône: Southern Rhône winemakers are especially famed for their Grenache-based blends (many are known as GSM blends for Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre). With 14 AOCs, each defined by its unique microclimate and landscape, this sub-region boasts the world-renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape red wine.

French wines use the appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) system to show the geographical origin, quality and, typically, the style of a wine. There are many AOCs in the Rhône wine region, but the best known include:

• Côtes du Rhône AOC: Covering both the north and south sub-regions of the Rhône, this AOC is typically used if a wine doesn’t qualify for an appellation with stricter standards. Therefore, most Côtes du Rhône AOC wines are from the Southern Rhône, as the north has more famous appellations and fewer vineyards.
• Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC: Winemakers in this region – which surrounds the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the Southern Rhône – are responsible for premium red wine blends. Adhering to the AOC’s strict guidelines, only 13 grape varieties are cultivated here (including Cinsault, Grenache Noir and Grenache Blanc), adding to the area’s exclusivity.
• Hermitage AOC: Nestled just south of Lyon, the Hermitage AOC is a gem of winemaking – with earth-toned red wines and opulent, dry whites crafted from Marsanne and Roussanne grapes.
• Côte-Rôtie AOC: Another winemaking centre of the Northern Rhône, the Côte-Rôtie AOC is distinguished by its steep vineyard terraces, which are exposed to plenty of sun. Here, the wines – typically a blend of Syrah and Viognier – follow the standards of the AOC. The result is wines with rich, fruity notes and delicate floral undertones.

A diverse range of wine grapes grow in the Rhône, thanks to its various climates and soil types. While its reds are dominated by Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre varieties, white varieties include Marsanne, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Viognier. Some of the most famous wines from this region include:

• Châteauneuf-du-Pape: A standout from the Côtes du Rhône, this red wine is known for its robust character, often described as earthy with hints of spice. It pairs exceptionally well with hearty meat dishes. Not to be overshadowed, the white version has flavours of peach and honeysuckle, and is a delightful match with grilled seafood.
• Côte-Rôtie: Originating from the Northern Rhône’s steep slopes, winemakers predominantly use Syrah, blended with up to 20% of Viognier. The result is a red wine with layered flavours: think black raspberry and violet with an occasional hint of olive.
• Hermitage: Hermitage wines are a treat. The reds, made from Syrah, carry dark fruit flavours with leather undertones. The whites, often less known but equally delicious, use Marsanne and Roussanne grapes. These whites age well, evolving flavours that range from stone fruits in their youth to more oak and hazelnut notes as they mature.