Rhône wines

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History of wines from Rhône

The history of Rhône wines dates back to around 600 BC when the Greeks first cultivated vines in the region. They introduced viticulture to the area, particularly around Marseille. The ancient Greeks named the Rhône River after the Greek island of Rhodes, laying the foundation for the region's wine heritage. The Romans later refined wine production and storage techniques, establishing vineyards and wineries along the Rhône River, including the famous villa of Molard.

After the Roman Empire fell, interest in Rhône wine waned for centuries. However, the papacy's move to Avignon in the 14th century revitalized the region. Successive popes invested in improving Rhône wine, planting extensive vineyards around Avignon and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This period marked a significant shift in the region's wine production, leading to the development of high-quality wines.

In the 19th century, Syrah from Hermitage was sold to Bordeaux and Burgundy to enhance their wines. This exposure helped elevate the reputation of Rhône wines. By the 20th century, the region experienced a renaissance in wine production, driven by advancements in winemaking techniques and increased global recognition. Today, the Rhône Valley is renowned for its diverse wines, with Syrah dominating the northern region and Grenache leading in the south.

Terroir of Rhône

The terroir of Rhône Valley wines is characterized by its diverse and geographically varied landscapes. In the Northern Rhône, the climate is temperate with a continental influence, and the vineyards are often planted on steep hillsides in granitic and schistose soils. This terroir is home to famous appellations like Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, and Saint-Joseph, producing fine red wines with excellent ageing potential. The main grape varieties here are Syrah for reds and Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne for whites.

In contrast, the Southern Rhône has a Mediterranean climate with diverse soils including clay-limestone, terraces with rounded pebbles, molasse, and sand. This region is renowned for its iconic wines such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, and Vacqueyras. The main grape variety in the south is Grenache, often blended with other varieties like Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault. The unique terroir of the Southern Rhône contributes to the complexity and richness of its wines, making them distinctively bold and full-bodied.

Top grapes in Rhône

Syrah

Syrah is a prominent grape variety in the Rhône Valley, especially in the northern part. It is the sole grape used in the production of the renowned red wines of the Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Cornas appellations. Known for its powerful and full-bodied wines, Syrah exhibits flavors of dark fruits like blackberry and plum, often combined with spicy, peppery notes and a hint of smokiness. This grape is highly valued for its ability to produce deeply colored wines that age well, developing complex flavors over time.

Grenache

Grenache is one of the most widely planted red grape varieties in the southern Rhône and is a key component in the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape blend. It thrives in the warm, dry climate of the region, contributing significantly to the body, sweetness, and alcohol content of the wines. Grenache typically presents flavors of red fruit such as raspberry and strawberry, with hints of white pepper and orange zest. It is appreciated for its versatility, being used in both red and rosé wines, and for its ability to blend harmoniously with other varieties.

Mourvèdre

Mourvèdre plays a crucial role in the blends of southern Rhône, particularly in wines from appellations like Bandol and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It adds structure, tannin, and longevity to the wines, complementing the softer Grenache and the aromatic Syrah. Mourvèdre is known for its deep color and robust flavor profile, featuring notes of dark fruit, leather, and forest floor. This grape variety prefers a hot, sunny climate to fully ripen, and it contributes significantly to the complexity and aging potential of the wines it is part of.