Rhône Valley Vineyards

About Rhône Valley Vineyards

The Rhône Valley is the second largest producer of AOC wines in France. The range of wines produced is as large as the region itself: about 70,000 hectares dedicated to the making of 388 million bottles from numerous different appellations.

The Rhône Valley was the result of an epic geological clash between the Massif Central and the Alps, creating a rift valley which was flooded by the Mediterranean. Today, the valley’s soils consist of four different types of rock: granite, sandy silica, limestone and clay. The bedrock plays an essential role in the way in which the growing vines are supplied with water, determining the varied aromas and flavors of Rhône wines.

The vineyards of the Rhône Valley run along the banks of the Rhône River in southeast France, which originates from the Rhône glacier in the Swiss Alps, flows 500 miles though Lake Geneva, Lyon, Avignon and then into the Mediterranean Sea. The sunny climate and Mistral wind from the Alps down to the Mediterranean has nurtured vines and winemaking in the region for over 2,000 years. Rhône Valley wines exhibit rich and concentrated flavors due to the regional soil diversity and warmth of the sun. The region offers beautiful rosés, whites and red blends, made from 20+ different grape varietals, notably Grenache and Syrah.

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Winemaking Techniques

Concerned for the quality of its wines, the Rhône Valley played an active role in the establishment of French wine-industry appellations.

Each AOC in the Rhône Valley has its own practices and guidance; within these guidelines the 5,000 wine growing operations bring their own know-how and personal approach to vine-growing, harvesting, and wine-making. Overall, the region makes 79% red wine, 14% rosé and 7% white wine.

Native/Important Grape Varieties of the Rhône Valley

Syrah
A low-yielding variety, rare and highly prized, Syrah is grown exclusively on soils suited to its cultivation. It produces wines of deep color, tannin, and structure; Its trademark flavor is black pepper. Recent analyses have shown its roots to be in Savoy and the Ardèche. Syrah is the single red grape variety of the Northern Cru appellations Côte-Rôtie, St. Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage, Cornas and is used in Southern blends.

Grenache
Grenache, the most widely grown grape variety in the Rhône Valley, is a charmer, offering both warmth and roundness of character. Famous for its upright habit and vigorous growth, it is a versatile grape that can adapt to a range of soils (limestone, sand, slate) and growing conditions. It is an eco-superstar thanks to its drought-resistance and self-sufficiency. One thing is certain: in blends of different grapes, it embodies all the joie de vivre and generosity of Rhône wines.

Grenache Blanc
Grenache Blanc produces full-bodied, textured white wines, and winemakers use this grape for the structure it lends. Grenache Blanc-based wines are often round and mellow, with noticeably low acidity and a lingering finish.

Viognier
Viognier creates a harmonious, rounded wine with floral aromas (violets, may blossom, acacia), and develops honey musk, peach, and dried apricot aromas as it matures.
Viognier is the single white grape variety in Condrieu and Château Grillet and can be blended with Syrah in Côte-Rôtie.

Other important red grapes: Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cinsault, Marselan
Other important white grapes: Marsanne, Roussanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc

Best Vintages

The Rhône Valley had good to great vintages these past 5 years. Blessed by a sunny and dry climate, the vines are generally in good health and make great grapes. Keep in mind the differences between the Northern and Southern Rhône, between Côtes du Rhône, Côte du Rhône Villages, and the Crus when reading vintage information.

2012 is classic. The wines are elegant, balanced with a good freshness, and tannins that are supple and rounded. It was a small harvest. For the crus, reds are marked by solid, ripe fruit and refined, lengthy finishes; you can expect a nice aging profile.

2013 was a particularly small harvest. Southern Crus emphasize Syrah and Mourvèdre as the Grenache crop was small. Overall the wines are fresh and pure with a floral-edge. Northern Crus reds are pure, ripe and focused; whites are gorgeously aromatic and lively.

2014 was a year of distinctive wines, consistent with each appellation’s identity.

2015 is one of the best harvests in winemakers' memory. All grape varietals were consistent in their growth delivering to their full potential. Winemakers had a broad choice of blending options. 2015 Crus will be without a doubt great wines for cellaring.