Among my all-time favorite wines are the luscious reds from France’s southern Rhone Valley. More specifically, I am referring to the Grenache-based blends from the appellations of Côtes-du-Rhône, Gigondas, Lirac and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
The Rhone Valley is considered as one wine region however it contains two distinct areas with different climates. The northern Rhone occupies a 45 mile stretch along the Rhone River. The climate here is continental with hot summers, cool autumns and cold winters. The cool fall weather suits the early-ripening Syrah grape, the single red variety used in the wines.
After a gap of about 37 miles the Southern Rhone begins. The climate here is Mediterranean, with hotter and dryer summers, warmer autumns and milder winters. This is perfect for the late-ripening Grenache grape. The wines are blends of the signature Grenache, with Syrah and Mourvèdre making up most of the rest. Smaller amounts of Cinsaut and Carignan are sometimes added.
A dominant climatic feature of the Rhone Valley is the strong, cold north wind known as the Mistral. Because it is so strong, the vines need to be staked to withstand its onslaught. However, the improved air circulation inhibits diseases and also reduces the size of the grapes which concentrates their flavors.
Côtes-du-Rhône is a huge wine area that accounts for more than 80% of the production for the region. The wines are some of the best values in the southern Rhone and maybe the world, fruit driven, reliable and perfect for everyday drinking. By appellation law, more than 20 grape varieties are allowed to be used in the blend.
Côtes-du-Rhône wines are medium bodied, loaded with red and black fruit flavors with fresh acidity and spice so they are extremely food friendly and pair well with a wide variety of foods.
The village of Gigondas is not far from the more famous area of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The wines are blends of up to 80% Grenache along with at least 15% Syrah and Mourvèdre. Other authorized grape varieties can be used up to a maximum of 10%.
Gigondas is often called a baby Châteauneuf-du-Pape but I think the wines stand up on their own. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is more structured and concentrated while Gigondas tends to show more bright fruit and fresh acidity.
Lirac is just across the Rhone River to the west of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The wines are made with varying blends of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvédre, and Cinsault. They are loaded with flavors of rich, red berry, blackberry, herb, and baking spices and often a hint of anise. Lirac wines are great values, priced somewhere between a Gigondas and a Côtes-du-Rhône.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the most famous village and the star of the southern Rhone Valley. Here Grenache is considered to be at its very best due to excellent exposure of the vines to the sun. The climate is very hot so the grapes get fully ripe, sweet and fruity at harvest. The terroir of Châteauneuf-du-Pape comes from the layer of stones called galets which retains the heat during the day and releases it at night hastening the ripening of the grapes.
Along with Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Cinsaut are also included in the blend however the proportions can vary significantly from producer to producer and in some cases, all thirteen permitted grape varieties are included. These wines can be very age-worthy with incredible depth and concentration. Over time they develop complex aromas like dried fruit, baking spice, coffee and leather.
Whether you go for a classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape or a wallet-friendly Côtes-du-Rhône, it is easy to fall in love with the red wines of the southern Rhone.
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