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'''Rhône''' (/roʊn/) is one of the major wine-producing regions of [[France]], taking its name from the [[Rhône River]]. It is divided into the [[Northern Rhône|Northern]] and [[Southern Rhône]], which differ markedly in climate, topography and wine style. The Rhône is considered a cornerstone of French [[viticulture]] and has exerted strong influence on international [[winemaking]] traditions.<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015.</ref>  

== Background ==  
Viticulture in the Rhône dates back to [[Roman Era|Roman]] settlement, when vineyards were established along the river to supply local consumption and trade routes.<ref>Livingstone-Learmonth, ''The Wines of the Rhône'', Infinite Ideas, 2019.</ref> During the [[Middle Ages]], the Papal Court in [[Avignon]] further encouraged [[vine]] planting, cementing the region’s role in French wine culture.<ref>Johnson & Robinson, ''The World Atlas of Wine'', 8th ed., 2019.</ref> By the twentieth century, the Rhône had secured recognition within the French [[appellation]] system, with [[Côtes du Rhône]] becoming one of the country’s largest and best-known designations.  

== Geography and Subregions ==  
{{Main|Rhône Valley}}
The [[Rhône Valley]] stretches from [[Lyon]] in the north to Avignon in the south, a distance of about 200 kilometres. It is generally divided into two subregions:  

* **Northern Rhône**, characterised by a continental climate, steep granite [[slopes]], and limited vineyard land. Appellations include [[Côte-Rôtie]], [[Hermitage]], [[Cornas]] and [[Condrieu]].<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015.</ref>  
* **Southern Rhône**, with a [[Mediterranean]] climate, flatter terrain, and large-scale production. Key appellations include [[Châteauneuf-du-Pape]], [[Gigondas]], [[Vacqueyras]] and Côtes du Rhône.<ref>Johnson & Robinson, ''The World Atlas of Wine'', 8th ed., 2019.</ref>  

== Grapes and Styles ==  
The Rhône is home to both red and white grape varieties.  

* In the north, [[Syrah]] is the sole permitted red grape, producing powerful wines of great [[ageing]] potential. Whites such as [[Viognier]], [[Marsanne]] and [[Roussanne]] are used for varietal or blended wines.<ref>Livingstone-Learmonth, ''The Wines of the Rhône'', Infinite Ideas, 2019.</ref>  
* In the south, blends dominate, with [[Grenache]] as the foundation, often complemented by [[Syrah]] and [[Mourvèdre]] in the classic GSM combination. Southern whites use a broader palette, including [[Grenache Blanc]], [[Clairette]] and [[Bourboulenc]].<ref>Syndicat des Côtes du Rhône, vins-rhone.com (French original).</ref>  

== Contemporary Significance ==  
Today the Rhône produces a wide spectrum of wines, from everyday Côtes du Rhône to prestigious [[single-vineyard bottlings]]. The [[Syndicat des Côtes du Rhône]] oversees regulations and promotion of the appellations.<ref>Syndicat des Côtes du Rhône, vins-rhone.com (French original).</ref> Rhône styles have inspired winemakers abroad, particularly the [[Rhône Rangers]] movement in [[California]] and the GSM blends popular in [[Australia]].<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015.</ref>  

== See also ==  
* [[Rhône Valley]]  
* [[Syrah]]  
* [[Grenache]]  
* [[Châteauneuf-du-Pape]]  
* [[French wine]]  

== References ==  
{{reflist}}  

[[Category:Wine regions]]  
[[Category:French wine]]