Rhône
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 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.[1]
Background
Viticulture in the Rhône dates back to Roman settlement, when vineyards were established along the river to supply local consumption and trade routes.[2] During the Middle Ages, the Papal Court in Avignon further encouraged vine planting, cementing the region’s role in French wine culture.[3] 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
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.[4]
- **Southern Rhône**, with a Mediterranean climate, flatter terrain, and large-scale production. Key appellations include Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Côtes du Rhône.[5]
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.[6]
- 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.[7]
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.[8] Rhône styles have inspired winemakers abroad, particularly the Rhône Rangers movement in California and the GSM blends popular in Australia.[9]
See also
References
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
- ↑ Livingstone-Learmonth, The Wines of the Rhône, Infinite Ideas, 2019.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., 2019.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., 2019.
- ↑ Livingstone-Learmonth, The Wines of the Rhône, Infinite Ideas, 2019.
- ↑ Syndicat des Côtes du Rhône, vins-rhone.com (French original).
- ↑ Syndicat des Côtes du Rhône, vins-rhone.com (French original).
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.