Regional Overview
The Rhone Valley is France's second-largest AOC wine producer. Almost half of the region's production is bottled under the regional Cotes du Rhone AOC, offering tremendous value and consistent quality. The region's wines have risen 64% in export value over the past decade while volume increased just 9%.
Key Regional Characteristics
- Continental meets Mediterranean: A collision of north and south expressed in food and wine culture
- Lyon: The culinary heart of France with more Michelin-starred restaurants than any city outside Paris
- Granite meets sedimentary: Massif Central (west) collides with Alpine foothills (east)
- The Mistral: The defining wind that shapes viticulture throughout the valley
Three Subdivisions
| Subdivision | Extent | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Rhone | Vienne to Valence | Steep slopes, terraces, Syrah-only reds |
| Southern Rhone | Montelimar to Nimes | Flat plains, galets, GSM blends |
| Les Cotes du Rhone | Vienne to near Avignon | Regional AOC zone |
Production Trends (2009-2019)
- Red wine sales: 88% → 79% (falling)
- Rose sales: 11% → 19% (rising)
- Reflects worldwide consumption trends
Viticultural History
Mourvedre's Decline
Before phylloxera, Mourvedre represented one-third of Southern Rhone plantings. Finding a suitable rootstock partner took decades, allowing Grenache and Syrah to dominate. Today, Mourvedre represents only ~4% of Cotes du Rhone plantings.
Geography & Climate
Location
The Rhone Valley is situated in southeastern France, bordered by:
- North: Lyon and Beaujolais
- Southwest/Southeast: Languedoc and Provence
- East: The Prealps
- West: Mountains of the Massif Central
The Rhone River
Begins as glacial meltwater in the Swiss Alps, pours into Lake Geneva near Montreux, then travels southwest through the Jura Mountains to Lyon. There it joins the Saone and pivots southward, streaming through narrow Northern gorges before sweeping onto Southern plains toward the Mediterranean. Total drop: 6,000 ft/1,800 m over 505 mi/813 km.
Climate Comparison
| Factor | Northern Rhone | Southern Rhone |
|---|---|---|
| Climate Type | Continental + Mediterranean | Mediterranean |
| Sunshine Hours | ~2,350/year | 2,600-2,800/year |
| Hazards | Fog, spring frost, autumn hail, snow | Drought, violent storms, flooding |
| Ripening Window | Shorter — early varieties needed | Longer — late varieties possible |
| Vintage Variation | Higher — more unpredictable | Lower — tremendous consistency |
The Mistral's Effects
- Northern Rhone: Steep slopes on narrow riverbanks intensify the moderating river effect; vines trained to stakes (echalas) on south/southeast-facing slopes to minimize wind exposure
- Southern Rhone: Open plains expose vines to full force; sturdy vines like Grenache are trained in gobelet close to the ground and often lean south from persistent wind pressure
Climate Change Effects
- Average temperatures increased 2.5°F/1.4°C over the last century
- Harvest moved forward 15 days in last 26 years
- Potential alcohol increased 0.6% while acidity dropped 0.5 g/l
- Producers planting at higher elevations
- Shade panels and morning misting being tested
Geology, Topography & Soils
Northern Rhone Geology
The Northern Rhone forms part of a rift valley system created when the Alps rose. The Rhone Glacier widened and deepened this valley during the last Ice Age, creating a steep gorge with gradients up to 60°.
Northern Rhone Soils
Crozes-Hermitage also has pockets of galets, clay, and loess/molasse. Hermitage contains some clay and sand.
Southern Rhone Geology
The Southern Rhone's broad rocky plains were created by the Rhone Glacier and its tributaries during the last Glacial Maximum (26,500-20,000 years ago). Limestone peaks formed when the Alps pushed skyward:
- Mont Ventoux and Luberon Massif — eastern border
- Dentelles de Montmirail — shelter for Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaumes de Venise
- Alpilles — southern horizon near Avignon
Five Principal Southern Rhone Soil Types
Grape Varieties
Inter Rhone records 34 grape varieties planted throughout the Rhone Valley. Twenty-three may be incorporated into Cotes du Rhone AOC wines.
Northern Rhone — Red Grape
Syrah is the sole red grape of the Northern Rhone. It is reductive in nature, so care must be taken to avoid excessively gamey, barnyard notes.
Northern Rhone — White Grapes
| Grape | Role | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Viognier | Aromatic, co-fermented with Syrah | Adds perfume and color intensity |
| Marsanne | Primary white blend component | Higher extract levels; also co-fermented with Syrah |
| Roussanne | Aromatic blending partner | Adds perfume to both whites and reds |
Southern Rhone — Primary Grapes
GSM — The Classic Red Blend
| Grape | % of CDR | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Grenache | 55% | High alcohol, moderate pigment/acid; oxidative nature requires blending |
| Syrah | 24% | Higher acidity, tannic structure; reductive nature counters Grenache |
| Mourvedre | 4% | Alcohol, tannin, acid, pigment; also reductive |
Primary White Grapes (6)
Bourboulenc Clairette Grenache Blanc Marsanne Roussanne ViognierMuscat a Petits Grains Blanc is important for VDN production.
Other Red Grapes
Cinsaut Carignan Counoise MarselanViticulture
Northern Rhone Viticulture
Steep Slope Challenges
- Unterraced vineyards require annual repositioning of stones that wash downhill
- After harvest, vignerons strap buckets to their backs and cart "topsoil" back up
- Most harvesting is manual — steep terraces impossible to machine harvest
Training Systems
| System | Description | Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Echalas | Traditional stakes (2-3) arranged teepee-fashion | Syrah, Viognier |
| Guyot | Modern trellising with posts, wires | Modern plantings |
Southern Rhone Viticulture
Gobelet Training
Most Southern Rhone vines are trained using the gobelet (bush vine) method. This ground-hugging system protects vines from the Mistral. Sturdy, upright canes like those of Grenache are ideal.
Harvesting
- Vineyards can be machine or hand harvested
- Trellised (Guyot) vines lend themselves to mechanical harvesting
- Gobelet vines require hand harvest
- Only Beaumes de Venise AOC mandates hand harvesting by law
Vine Spacing & Irrigation
- Southern vines spaced more widely due to depleted soils and lack of water
- Irrigation is not illegal but requires special permission
- Groundwater levels dropping alarmingly
Winemaking
Northern Rhone Winemaking
White Wines
- Most are still and dry
- Small amount of sparkling in Saint-Peray (since 1825)
- Typically fermented in neutral vessels; some aged in oak (rarely new)
Sweet Wines
- Late-harvest Viognier in Condrieu is rare
- Vin de Paille in Hermitage: Marsanne/Roussanne dried on straw mats for at least 45 days
Red Wines
- Still and dry with vivacious acidity
- Cornas and Hermitage most structured; Saint-Joseph and Cote Rotie more elegant
- All except simplest wines are built to age
Aging Vessels
Southern Rhone Winemaking
The Beauty of the Blend
Traditionally, Southern Rhone vineyards were planted with a mixture of different varieties. Although some vignerons still co-ferment, most now harvest and vinify each variety separately, then craft their blends.
White Wines
- Most intended for consumption within 2-4 years
- Fermented in neutral stainless steel or concrete
- Some CdP whites aged in oak for greater texture and ageability
Rose Wines
- Overwhelmingly dry and still
- Methods: saignee, maceration, direct press
Northern Rhone Appellations
All vineyard area in the Northern Rhone is covered by one of eight appellations. Each is considered a cru, and all lie within the Cotes du Rhone zone of production. No Northern Rhone cru is authorized to make rose.
"Roasted slope" — named for the long hours of sunlight on its southeast-facing aspect. Highly-esteemed, steep slopes.
Red: Syrah [P] + up to 20% Viognier [S]
Terraced vineyards on the right bank, most facing east. Medium- to full-bodied wines of moderate to low acidity. Sweet style (min 4.5%/45 g/l RS) was common in 18th-19th centuries but is rare today.
Located within the boundary of southern Condrieu. Wines aged 2+ years in oak barrels or tanks; can age 10+ years.
Long, narrow stretch with varying aspects. Matures more quickly than other Northern Rhone crus. Production: ~86% red, 14% white.
White: Marsanne Roussanne
Red: Syrah [P] + up to 10% Marsanne/Roussanne
Steep, southeast-facing terraced slope of granite forming a natural amphitheater. Jean-Luc Colombo describes it as "an island of the south in the north."
Most southerly Northern Rhone cru, but deep valley slopes make it slightly cooler. Traditional-method sparkling produced since 1825, though very little is made today.
One of the oldest vineyards in France still under cultivation. Yields one of the longest-lived and most collected wines in the Rhone. Production: ~2/3 red, 1/3 white (both with similar aging potential). Up to 15% white grapes may be co-fermented with Syrah.
Largest of the Northern Rhone crus with varied soils including sedimentary elements. Both reds and whites are lighter, faster-maturing versions of Hermitage. Up to 15% Marsanne/Roussanne may be co-fermented with Syrah.
Northern Rhone Production (2019)
| Appellation | % of N. Rhone |
|---|---|
| Crozes-Hermitage | 41% |
| Saint-Joseph | 35% |
| Hermitage | 9% |
| Cote Rotie | 5% |
| Cornas | 4% |
| Saint-Peray | 3% |
| Condrieu | 3% |
The Diois
The Diois is considered part of the Northern Rhone but, unlike the Northern Rhone crus, is NOT included in the Cotes du Rhone zone of production. This mountainous wine region lies 25 mi/40 km southeast of Cornas, marking the southwestern edge of the pre-Alpine Massif du Vercors.
Climate & Terroir
- Continental with Alpine influences
- Greater seasonal and diurnal variation than rest of Rhone
- Hot summer days, substantially cooler nights
- One of France's highest wine regions (up to 2,300 ft/700 m)
- Soils: mainly limestone and clay
Two wines made under this appellation:
- Clairette de Die: Traditional-method sparkling, 100% Clairette
- Clairette de Die Methode Dioise Ancestrale: Sweet sparkling blend of Muscat and Clairette (Muscat dominates)
Mostly Clairette with Aligote and small portion of Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc permitted.
Still wines in all three colors. Red and rose based on Gamay; white is a blend of Chardonnay and Aligote.
Southern Rhone Appellations
The Southern Rhone extends from Montelimar to Nimes. Unlike the north, vineyards stretch up to 50 mi/80 km away from the river.
Cotes du Rhone Hierarchy
Represents over 40% of the entire Rhone Valley's production. Encompasses 171 of 300 villages.
Red south of Montelimar: At least 2 principal grapes at min 60%, Grenache mandatory.
Red north of Montelimar: Only 1 principal grape at min 60% (not specified).
More stringent laws than CDR. Over 95% of production is red. The zone lies only within the Southern Rhone.
Red CDRV: At least 2 principal grapes at min 66%; one must be Grenache.
The largest and most famous Southern Rhone Cru. Principal soils: limestone, sandstone, clay, and galets. Reds are powerfully full-bodied, fleshy with ripe tannins and Kirsch/garrigue aromas. Half of production is exported.
Nine sanctioned grapes grow on sand, limestone, and galets. Grenache must be in the blend; no single variety can exceed 60%. Vinification is via maceration. Tavel stands out for concentration, structure, and depth of color.
Vineyards on marls, limestone, and sand at significant altitude. Most northwest- and west-facing. Reds and roses must be Grenache with either Syrah or Mourvedre. Gigondas has applied for white wine production.
Generally warmer than Gigondas, producing fleshier, meatier reds that ripen earlier. Reds are predominantly GSM blends.
Vineyards in Dentelles foothills at average 1,000 ft/300 m elevation. Grenache mandatory (min 60%); must be blended with Syrah and/or Mourvedre.
The newest Southern Rhone Cru (promoted from DGC in 2018). Grenache-based reds with Syrah and/or Mourvedre. Nearly half of production is exported internationally.
Unique mesoclimate: almost all vineyards face south, creating a large-scale amphitheater trapping sunlight and blocking the Mistral. Reds are predominantly GSM blends.
Terraced vineyards cooled by local night winds. Over 30% farmed organically. Reds must contain either Syrah or Mourvedre in addition to Grenache.
Directly across from Tavel on the right bank. Hot, sunny, dry location with poor soils. Fairly dark roses, generous reds.
Rasteau VDN AOC (Est. 1944)
Only 15 ac/6 ha under vine. Fortified white, red, or rose. Min sweetness: 4.5% (45 g/l). Min alcohol: 15%.
Styles:
Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise AOC (Est. 1945)
Production: 83% white, 15% rose, 2% red. All wines made in fresh, reductive style.
Minimum sweetness: 10% (100 g/l) | Minimum alcohol: 15%
Grape: Muscat a Petits Grains (Blanc or Rouge)
Other Rhone Valley AOCs
Seven AOCs lie in the Southern Rhone but outside the Cotes du Rhone zone of production. They cannot produce regional CDR wines. Together they account for one-quarter of total Rhone Valley production.
Named after Mont Ventoux (6,273 ft/1,912 m), famous from the Tour de France. Mediterranean with Alpine influences — UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Production: 36% rose, 50%+ red.
More Provence than Rhone in profile — over 50% of production is rose. Mediterranean with strong continental influences.
Summers regularly reach 95°F/35°C from June to August — some of the highest temperatures in France. Cold air from Petite Camargue cools nights.
Minuscule zone dedicated to white wine from Clairette. Soil is a "gravel desert" — peppered with galets washed down from the Alps.
Other Rhone Valley Production (2019)
| Appellation | % of "Other" |
|---|---|
| Ventoux | 38% |
| Costieres de Nimes | 27% |
| Luberon | 24% |
| Grignan-les-Adhemar | 8% |
| Duche d'Uzes | 2% |
| Cotes du Vivarais | 1% |