Rhone
The
vineyards around the Rhône valley fall into two groups; the north
(Septentrional) which produces less than a tenth of the regions total and
almost all fine wine; and the south
...read more
...(Meridional)
which is much more diverse. The vineyards of the Northern Rhône barely stray
from the river’s course and the two principle appellations, Côte Rôtie and
Hermitage are situated where the curve of the river brings a southerly exposure
to the steep valley sides. Syrah is the dominant grape variety and the parallel
rows of vines impose their own geometry on the rugged landscape of granite and
limestone. Côte Rôtie is the most flattering of the two appellations to drink
when young, whilst the wines of Hermitage have exceptional staying power. At a
dramatic turn in the river ‘Condrieu’ produces white wines from the
extraordinary heady, recognisably perfumed Viognier grape with its aromas of
apricots and May blossom.
As
you enter the Southern Rhône, the steep Mistral buffeted valley gives way to a
broad, sunbaked Mediterranean plane. Pines and almond trees yield to olive
groves and vines bake in broad terrasses. The grape mix is richly varied,
Grenache being the dominant quality red grape, increasingly supported by Mourvedre
and Syrah. Chateauneuf- du-Pape is the vineyard area that best sums up this
regions qualities, but the surrounding villages of Gigondas and Vacqueyras are
just as able.
