By Chris Cree MW
With its location in the sunny south of France and beautiful Mediterranean climate, the Rhône region is well situated to produce wines that range from some of the best values anywhere in the world of wine to some of the most sought after and expensive classics.
The region spans from Vienne, just south of Lyon, for about 200 kilometers south to Avignon, sprawling. It is composed of two main sectors: the Septentrionale (Northern Rhône) and the Meridional (Southern Rhône), and each of these is broken down into smaller sub-appellations. The south is by far the larger in terms of production, with the North accounting for less than 5% of total Rhône wine production, and overall the Rhône is the second-largest wine region in France after Bordeaux.
The north and the south are markedly different from each other in terms of climate, terroir, grapes grown, and wine styles. The Northern Rhône lies at a point where the Mediterranean and continental climate influences converge and is cooler overall. The south is full-on Mediterranean – sunny, dry, and warm. The topography is different too, and the north’s vineyards often cling to the steep, rocky, terraced slopes along the narrow river valley. In the south the hills are more rolling, the valley wider. The mix of grapes changes as well, and in the north Syrah is the major grape for the reds, and Viognier, Roussanne, and Marsanne for the whites. In the warmer south, Grenache is the workhorse for the reds, with a host of supporting varieties collectively known as Rhône varietals including Syrah, Mourvèdre, and more blended in. The white can be made from a wide range of grapes including Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette Blanche, Roussanne, and more
The Côtes du Rhône AOC makes up about half the region’s production, the vast majority of which are red although some very good rosé and white wines are made as well. The reds are primarily made from Grenache and Syrah, although a host of grapes are permitted including Cinsault, Mourvèdre, and Carignane. They are typically light to medium-bodied, fruity with red fruits and spice, versatile, easy to drink, food-friendly, and generally a great value.
Next comes the Côtes du Rhône-Villages, similar wines to the above, but from vineyards deemed to have superior conditions and the ability to produce higher quality wines.
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The next step up is the individual Appellations, subregions that produced unique wines based on their specific soils, climate, and grape varieties. There are 11 in the south, the most famous of which is Châteauneuf du Pape, made from up to 13 grape varieties including 5 white grapes. Grenache makes up the majority of the blend, and most focus on two or three grapes that include Mourvèdre, and Syrah in the blends. Grown in soils deposited by the meandering Rhône river over millions of years, they are hearty, full-bodied wines that embody the warm sunny region where they are born. The best can age for several decades, and top cuvees from the best producers can run into the $200-300 range. There is also a small production of Chåteauneuf du Pape Blanc produced, a blend of grapes that can include Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette Blanche, Roussanne and more.
Gigondas is another well-respected AC in the south, located in the hills of the eastern edge of the region near the jagged peaks of the Dentelles de Montmirail. Similar to Chåteaunuef in grapes composition, it is a perhaps a slightly more rugged, rustic variation on the theme that typically sells for less money, and the top producers are well worth seeking out.
The eight northern appellations are located on both banks of the Rhône. On the western steeply terraced side of the river is Côte Rôtie, producing solid, age-worthy wines such as Guigal’s super expensive La Landonne, La Mouline, and La Turque that can start at about $400. Hermitage lies on the right side of the river with world-renowned Jean Louis Chave making one of the most sought-after red wines in the world in the steep granite soils of the massive hill above the town of Tain l’Hermitage. Condrieu and Chåteau Grillet are white wine-only appellations on the west bank just south of Côte Rôtie, producing lovely perfumed and aromatic wine from the Viognier grape grown in steeply terraced vineyards. Cornas, Saint Joseph on the left bank, and Crozes Hermitage on the right are regions that were somewhat sleepy and overlooked but have now come into the spotlight for their exceptional Syrah-based reds, as well as a much smaller production of white.
The wines of the Côtes du Rhône are generally incredibly versatile, food-friendly, and for the most part extremely affordable. Perfect for summer grilling and entertaining! With a couple of great vintages in the market, it is an excellent time to explore the amazing variety of wines from one of the world’s top wine regions – from everyday affordable to some of the world’s top classics for the cellar – Cheers! Chris Cree, MW 
Christopher Cree MW is one of only 57 Masters of Wine in the US and is the Founder of the Cree Wine Company, a Wine Bar (with great food and wine), Wine School, Event Space, and online wine seller located in Perryville NJ. CreeWineCo.com