View source for Rhône Valley

'''Rhône Valley''' (French: Vallée du Rhône [valɛ dy ʁon]) is a major [[wine region]] in southeastern [[France]], extending along the Rhône River from [[Lyon]] to [[Avignon]]. It is one of the country’s most diverse [[viticultural]] areas, encompassing both continental and Mediterranean climates, and is traditionally divided into the [[Northern Rhône]] and [[Southern Rhône]].<ref>Johnson & Robinson, ''The World Atlas of Wine'', 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019, pp. 140–145. ISBN 978-1784724030.</ref>

== Historical background ==
Viticulture in the Rhône dates back to the [[Roman era]], when [[vines]] were planted around [[Vienne]] and later spread southwards.<ref>Roudié, ''Vignobles et vignerons du Rhône'', Presses Universitaires de Lyon, 1994, pp. 18–22. ISBN 978-2729705312. (French original)</ref> By the [[Middle Ages]], monastic orders and the papal court in Avignon had strengthened the region’s reputation, particularly for the wines of the southern sector.<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015, p. 601. ISBN 978-0198705383.</ref> In the 20th century, the Rhône became central to the development of the French [[appellation]] system, with [[Châteauneuf-du-Pape]] designated among the first controlled appellations in 1936.<ref>Stevenson, ''The Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia'', 5th ed., DK, 2011, p. 195. ISBN 978-0756686840.</ref>

== Geography and sub-regions ==
The Northern Rhône, stretching from Vienne to [[Valence]], is characterised by steep granite slopes and a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Its most renowned appellations include [[Côte-Rôtie]], [[Hermitage]], [[Cornas]], and [[Condrieu]].<ref>Johnson & Robinson, ''The World Atlas of Wine'', 2019, pp. 142–143.</ref>

The Southern Rhône, extending from [[Montélimar]] to Avignon, has a Mediterranean climate influenced by the Mistral wind. Here, vineyards spread across broader plains and rolling hills, producing wines under appellations such as [[Châteauneuf-du-Pape]], [[Gigondas]], [[Vacqueyras]], and [[Côtes du Rhône]].<ref>Inter Rhône, “Les vins de la Vallée du Rhône”, inter-rhone.com. (French original)</ref>

== Grape varieties and wine styles ==
The Northern Rhône is defined by [[Syrah]], the sole permitted red grape, yielding deeply coloured wines with aromas of black fruit, pepper, and sometimes floral [[notes]]. [[White wine|White wines]] are made primarily from [[Viognier]], as in [[Condrieu]], and from [[Marsanne]] and [[Roussanne]], as in Hermitage and [[Saint-Joseph]].<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', 2015, p. 603.</ref>

In the Southern Rhône, blends dominate. [[Grenache]] is the cornerstone of most [[red wine|red wines]], typically complemented by Syrah, [[Mourvèdre]], and other permitted varieties. These wines are generally [[fuller-bodied]] and often higher in alcohol than their northern counterparts. The region also produces notable [[rosé wine|rosés]], particularly from [[Tavel]], and whites from [[Clairette]], [[Grenache Blanc]], and [[Bourboulenc]].<ref>Stevenson, ''The Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia'', 2011, pp. 197–198.</ref>

== Contemporary developments ==
The Rhône Valley has grown in international prominence, with both prestigious appellations and more accessible wines exported worldwide. Climate change has brought challenges, particularly in the south, where rising temperatures can increase alcohol levels and alter ripening patterns. At the same time, producers are adopting sustainable viticultural practices and exploring organic and biodynamic methods.<ref>Johnson & Robinson, ''The World Atlas of Wine'', 2019, p. 145.</ref> The regional trade body, Inter Rhône, plays a central role in promotion and regulation across the appellations.<ref>Inter Rhône, “Les vins de la Vallée du Rhône”, inter-rhone.com.</ref>

== See also ==
* [[France]]
* [[Bordeaux]]
* [[Burgundy]]
* [[Loire Valley]]
* [[Grenache]]
* [[Syrah]]
* [[Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC)]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Wine regions]]
[[Category:Wine in France]]