Two regions, one river
The Rhône Valley stretches 200km south from Lyon to Avignon. It is divided into two distinct regions, northern and southern, that share a river but have almost nothing else in common: different soils, different climates, different grape varieties, and completely different wine styles.
The Northern Rhône
The northern Rhône is dominated by Syrah, the only permitted red grape in the top appellations. The wines are made on impossibly steep granite terraces above the river, with some of the most dramatic and labour-intensive viticulture in France.
Key appellations:
- Côte-Rôtie ("the roasted slope"): Syrah sometimes blended with up to 20% Viognier. Perfumed, elegant, among France's greatest reds.
- Hermitage: the most powerful northern Rhône red. Full-bodied, structured, capable of ageing 30+ years.
- Crozes-Hermitage: the approachable, better-value neighbour of Hermitage.
- Saint-Joseph and Cornas: excellent, often underpriced alternatives.
For whites: Condrieu (Viognier) and Hermitage Blanc (Marsanne and Roussanne) are the benchmarks.
The Southern Rhône
The southern Rhône is broader, flatter, hotter, and planted with a completely different set of varieties. Grenache is king, usually blended with Syrah and Mourvèdre (the "GSM" blend).
Key appellations:
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape: the most famous appellation, famous for galets roulés (large heat-retaining stones) and wines of great richness and longevity.
- Gigondas: structured, full-bodied, often better value than Châteauneuf.
- Vacqueyras: similar to Gigondas, slightly more rustic.
- Bandol (technically Provence): Mourvèdre-dominant, the most age-worthy rosé in France.
- Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages: the everyday category, enormous range of quality.
The key difference in one line
Northern Rhône: Syrah, granite, cool, elegant, expensive. Southern Rhône: Grenache blend, garrigue, hot, generous, better value.
