Rhone

Beaucastel | Clos des Papes | Clos Saint Jean | Jamet | Marc Sorrel

The Rhône Valley, revered globally for producing some of the finest expressions of Syrah, has indeed set an unparalleled benchmark for this grape variety. Leading the charge in showcasing the rich, complex nature of Syrah are renowned wineries such as Jamet, Chapoutier, and Guigal. These iconic producers have become synonymous with quality, their meticulous vineyard management and innovative winemaking techniques helping to define the region's esteemed reputation. 

With a winemaking legacy dating back to Roman times, the Rhone Valley is revered for its diverse array of wines, deeply influenced by its varied terroirs and climates. The Rhône divides into two distinctive sub-regions, the North and South Rhône, each producing wines with vastly different characteristics due to their distinct soils, climates, and grape varieties.

North vs. South Rhône Valley

The Northern Rhône, known for its steep slopes and a cooler climate, focuses almost exclusively on Syrah for red wines, with Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne leading the whites. In contrast, the Southern Rhône enjoys a warmer Mediterranean climate, allowing for a broader mix of grape types, including Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault for reds, and Grenache Blanc, Clairette, and Picpoul for whites. The North champions single varietal expressions, while the South often blends multiple grape varieties to create more complex profiles.

North Rhône Subregions

Cote-Rotie

Regarded as the pinnacle of Syrah expression, Cote-Rotie translates to "roasted slope," alluding to the ample sunlight these steep vineyard terraces receive. Wines here are known for their finesse, depth, and unique aromatic complexity that often includes a characteristic note of violets. Domaine Jamet, Guigal's La Mouline, La Landonne and La Turque are the pinnacle of the region.

Hermitage

Hermitage produces wines that are powerful and full-bodied, with an extraordinary ability to age. The region's reds are predominantly Syrah, commanding high prices and respect globally. Whites from Marsanne and Roussanne are rich, with remarkable ageing potential. Jean-Louis Chave, Paul Jaboulet and Chapoutier are the region's finest producers.

Cornas

Cornas is another appellation dedicated to Syrah, producing robust, meaty reds with a capacity to evolve gracefully over many years. The wines from Cornas are intensely flavoured, showcasing earthy and dark fruit notes. Vincent Paris, Auguste Clape and Thierry Allemand are the finest Cornas producers.

Condrieu

This appellation is exclusive to Viognier, producing highly aromatic whites that are both rich and delicate. Condrieu’s wines are noted for their floral and fruity character, often with a hint of minerality. Guigal cuvee La Doriane Condrieu is one of the best in the region along with Georges Vernay Condrieu Coteaux du Vernon.

South Rhône Subregions

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Famous for its galets roulés (large, smooth pebbles), Châteauneuf-du-Pape allows up to 13 different grape varieties. The result is complex red blends dominated by Grenache, known for their depth, and a small percentage of aromatic whites. Rayas has legendary status in Châteauneuf whilst these Clos Saint Jean, Clos de Papes and Beaucastel are the other leading wineries in the region.

Cotes du Rhône

As a more general appellation, Cotes du Rhône encompasses a vast area of the Rhône Valley. It offers wines that provide excellent value, displaying a wide range of styles from fresh, fruity reds, whites, and rosés to more structured and spicy reds.