An overview of the grape varieties of the Rhône Valley
There Rhône Valley The Rhône Valley is brimming with prestigious appellations, renowned wineries, and exceptional vintages. What are the ingredients of these superb wines that have made the region famous? Let's take a brief look at the grape varieties that make up the wines of the Rhône Valley.
Northern Rhône Valley
Vineyard, climat and name
The Rhône Valley vineyard is very extensive. It stretches all along the Rhône River from Vienne to Avignon. The wine region is divided into two main parts: the Northern Rhône Valley and the Southern Rhône Valley. climat being very different on either side of the region, the same grape varieties are not found in the north as in the south.
The Northern Rhône Valley stretches from Vienne to Valence, covering 4,700 hectares. Here you'll find the famous terraces so characteristic of the vineyards and the climat The climate there is temperate. There are 8 appellations in this vineyard: Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Condrieu, Saint-Joseph, Château-Grillet, Saint-Péray and Cornas.
Syrah: Queen of Reds
Syrah is the 6th most planted grape variety in the world. It represents 4% of the world's vineyards with 185,000 hectares of planted area. It is experiencing very strong growth, with an increase of 80% in 10 years!
It is recognizable by its intense purple color and characteristic aromas of pepper, black fruit, and violet. Indulgence, generosity, and pleasure are guaranteed!
We like to pair it with red meats, pepper sauces and spicy dishes.
In Rhône ValleyWe recommend the syrah of Domaine the Heathers has Saint-Joseph to discover its lovely violet notes or the excellent Little Chapel of the Domaine Paul Jaboulet the Elder.
White grape varieties: Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne
THE Viognier It is used as a single varietal in the northern part of the region, notably in Condrieu and Ampuis. It is the main grape variety in Condrieu wines, Château Grillet and in the composition of reds Côte-Rôtie up to a maximum of 20%.
We love this grape variety for its finesse, the richness it brings to wines, and the complexity of its aromas. Its aromatic range is extremely broad, from lime and quince to honey, apricot, honeysuckle, and tobacco. Depending on the winemaking process, the terroir, the aging, and the vintage, Viognier can surprise with the richness of its expressions.
Floral aromas for Marsanne and delicacy and finesse for Roussanne are the main characteristics of these two complementary grape varieties from the Northern Rhône Valley. Often blended, they produce light wines with notes of yellow and white fruits, and hints of flowers and honey. While these two grape varieties are well-known in the lovely white wines of Saint-Joseph And to bring elegance to the appellation's red wines, they are remarkable in Saint-Péray. As shown la cuvée The Balières of Vienne Wines.
The Southern Rhône Valley
Vineyard, climat and name
The vineyard stretches from Avignon to Montélimar, covering 71,000 hectares of vines. It benefits from a climat Mediterranean climate with exceptional sunshine. The terroirs are numerous, resulting in a multitude of grape varieties throughout this vineyard. The region boasts many prestigious appellations such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Tavel, Lirac, Rasteau or even Beaumes-de-Venise.
A multitude of white grape varieties
In the Southern Rhône Valley, white wines are less common than reds. They are often blends of different grape varieties. Common varieties (Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Clairette, etc.) are used, as well as rustic, uncommon, and rare varieties (Bourboulenc, Picpoul, Ugni Blanc). These are used as complementary elements in the blends of the region's white wines. Each of these grape varieties contributes a particular characteristic to the wines:
- Finesse : rolle, bourboulenc, maccabeao, ugni blanc
- Alcohol : Clairette, white Picpoul
- Roundness white grenache, clairette, white muscat
The wines develop a wide aromatic range; they are bursting with pleasure, like The White Ladies of the South of Domaine de Grangeneuve.
Red grape varieties: Grenache, Mourvèdre and others
THE Grenache completed by Mourvèdre are in the majority across all appellations, closely followed by the Carignan and the CinsaultOther, less well-known varieties are used in the composition of red wines, such as... counoise, THE Vaccarèse, THE Calitor, THE grey grenache, THE marselan, dormouse, muscat black, picpoul, terrestrial black.
With this multitude of grape varieties, it's understandable that the wines of the Southern Rhône Valley are the result of blends of several varieties. This diversity and richness are reflected in the very wide aromatic range of the region's wines.
The champion appellation for blending remains Châteauneuf-du-Pape which allows up to 13 grape varieties in its specifications. Hommage à Jacques Perrin of Perrin & Sons This is a perfect example of this meticulous blending of grape varieties. Each one complements the others and contributes to the whole, and it's fabulous!
The wines of the Rhône Valley derive their finesse, richness, and distinctive character from the diversity of their grape varieties. Each tasting is a discovery, as the multitude of grape varieties offers countless possible expressions for the region's wines.