Geography and landscape
The Rhône wine-growing region forms a corridor from north to south along the Rhône between Vienne and Avignon. It is located in France and extends across six départements. In the north, abrupt, steep slopes shape the viticulture, transitioning into gentler slopes and terraces. The south includes extensive plains as well as hills and terraces.
Climate and soils
In the southern Rhône valley there is a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers, usually low rainfall, mild winters and occasional heavy thunderstorms. The dry north wind, the Mistral, can dry out the vines after rainfall. The soils range in the north from loam, stones and granite to slate and limestone; in the south, among other things, sand, marl, rounded pebbles, gravel and calcareous loam occur.
Vines and viticulture
In the north, Syrah is the most important red grape variety, while Viognier and Marsanne are among the defining white varieties. In the south, Grenache noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Cinsault are frequently used for red wines. Common white varieties include Grenache blanc, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc and Viognier. The Rhône valley’s appellation system lists a total of 37 approved grape varieties. On steep slopes, terraces make viticulture possible.
Wine styles and history
The Rhône valley’s appellations produce dry red, rosé and white wines, and in certain appellations sparkling wines and naturally sweet wines. Côtes-du-Rhône red wines are described as fruity and generous, rosés as fruity and floral, and white wines as floral and rounded. Viticulture in the northern Rhône valley developed in the first century AD. The current appellation regulations were shaped, among others, by Joseph Capus and Baron Le Roy. Côtes du Rhône is protected as an AOC and AOP; the requirements govern origin, grape varieties and production methods.
