WineRegionsOld WorldFranceRhone
Often called the Cotes du Rhone Meridionales, the Southern Rhone Valley
does not really begin to emerge until one reaches the old Roman city of
Orange, which is 60 miles south of Valence. The differences in climate and
geography are striking between the Northern and Southern Rhone, as are the
resulting wines,
The topography here reflects a much drier, hotter, breezier Mediterranean
climate than the North. The soils are far more stone-laden, and the vineyards
that dot the vast landscape are usually located on slightly undulating hills
and plains. An almost provincial picture is apparent where many herbs, olive
trees, and fruit orchards are planted.
Most of the wines are blends of grape varieties, in contrast to the Syrah
influence of the Northern Rhone. The leading variety is often the hearty,
deeply colored Grenache grapes. This grape produces ripe, alcoholic, fruity
wines that can yield considerable character when production is strictly
curtailed. Other grapes commonly used are the spicy Syrah, Mourvedre (adding
color, structure and complexity) and Cinsault (contributing aromatic depth
and acidity). Less commonly encountered are the Counoise, Muscardin, Terret
and Vaccarese varieties. With such an assortment of grapes available. it
is no wander that the type and style of each producer's wine in the Southern
Rhone can vary enormously, depending on the percentage of a particular grape
used in the blend.
The Southern Rhone is a fertile region for producing tremendous variety
and value in French wine, with a consistent and favorable climate. It has
become the most dependable source of serious, sumptuous, and pleasure-giving
wines produced in the world.
Rhone wines and varietals have grown in popularityRasteau
Tavel
Beaumes de Venise
Chateauneuf du Pape
Lirac
Gigondas
Vacquoyras
Cotes du Ventoux
Costieres de Nimes
Cotes du Rhone
Cotes du Rhone (Drome)
Cotes du Rhone (Vaucluse)
Cotes du Rhone (Gard)