Rhône Valley

Southeastern France

The Rhône Valley is a historic wine region shaped by the Rhône River, spanning from alpine-influenced northern vineyards to the broad, Mediterranean landscapes of the south.

Transitioning from cool and semi-continental in the north to warm Mediterranean in the south.

See Producers

Geography & History

The Rhône as a corridor

The Rhône river originates high in the glaciers of the Swiss Alps and flows by such cities as Geneva, Lyon, and Avignon on its way down to the Mediterranean. Navigable from Lyon to the ocean, the Rhône has historically been a hugely important transportation corridor and remains so today with important highways and train lines running through its valley. It’s, therefore, not surprising to hear that the hillsides along the river have been planted with vines since at least Roman times, and likely even before.

Northern Rhône

Syrah and steep slopes

Two very distinct regions make up the Rhône wine region. In the northern Rhône, syrah rules. Here the valley is narrow, and the hillsides on either side are steep. The climate is semi-continental, with the merest hint of Mediterranean influence. The Northern Rhône is the home of such fabled appellations as Côte Rotie and Hermitage. Despite the fame of the red wines from this region, other styles are made too, such as the rich viogniers of Condrieu and the sparkling wines of St. Péray. Special mention should also go to the vineyards of Seyssuel, directly across the river from Côte-Rotie. This historically significant area is currently being revitalized and is expected to gain AOP status in the coming years.

Transition Zone

Between north and south

Heading south, between Valence and Montélimar there are hardly any vineyards, save a small area called Brézème. Then the valley becomes much broader, and the climate changes to warmer, drier, Mediterranean type. Grenache takes over as the dominant grape, though tens of different varieties are grown, with mourvèdre, syrah, and cinsault playing the most prominent supporting roles.

Southern Rhône

Scale, hierarchy, and diversity

The southern Rhône encompasses a huge area and accounts for 95% of the whole region’s output. There is a well-defined hierarchy to the vineyards here: the most basic wines fall under the umbrella of Côtes du Rhône. One step up is Côtes du Rhône Villages, then Côtes du Rhône Villages with a named village. Finally, there are the crus that get their own appellations, such as Rasteau, Gigondas, Tavel, or, most famously, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with its powerful, brooding, long-lived reds. Each of these has its own, more stringent production rules.

Outlying Areas

Beyond the core valley

Also included in the Rhône wine region are a handful of outlying areas: Duché d’Uzès, Costières de Nîmes, Lubéron, and Diois, to name a few. Geographically and stylistically, they are a bit further afield, but administratively they are all contained within the big tent of the Rhône.

Côtes du Rhône

Appellation Scope

Breadth and variability

This broad appellation covers the viticultural areas of the southern Rhône that do not fall under the designation of Côtes du Rhône Villages or other specific appellations. Stretching over 200km from north to south across a big swath of geographical zones, it is hugely varied and resists any generalization. That said, the vast majority of the wines from the area are red, and grenache and syrah are the dominant grapes. The climate is mostly Mediterranean, though that influence wanes the further north you get. Additionally, an important factor throughout the region is the mistral, the cold, north winds that blow through the valley.

Vinsobres

Climate & Exposure

Freshness at the edge of the Alps

Vinsobres has only been its own appellation since 2005 – before that, it fell under the umbrella of Côtes du Rhône Villages. This is a relatively cool, fresh area, right at the edge of the foothills of the Alps, but protected from the most intense effects of the mistral. The vineyards are planted up to 400m elevations along a southeast-facing limestone hillside, with soils ranging from stony to sandy. Only red wines are produced in Vinsobres, with grenache (minimum 50% of any blend), mourvèdre, and syrah playing the dominant roles. A host of other grapes (including some white wines) plays a supporting role.