Location, geography and climate
Côtes du Rhône is a wine region in southeast France. It’s on either side of the Rhône river, which stretches over 200 kilometres (125 miles) long. The climate differs based on where you are in the valley. For example, the north is cooler than the south because it’s farther away from the Mediterranean Sea, a body of water located to its south that moderates temperatures year-round and helps prevent frost during winter.
Geology and soil
- The Côtes du Rhône’s granite soil.
On the vineyards of Côtes du Rhône, winemakers grow their grapes on a variety of different soils. However, the most common type of soil is granite. This type of soil is crucial to producing many Rhône wines that are rich in minerals and earthy flavours.
- A number of other soil types can be found in some parts of the region which also contribute to wine production but aren’t as frequently seen. One of these is clay-limestone soil, which gives the wines a fuller body and higher acidity than those grown on granitic soils.
Main grape varieties
- Syrah
- Grenache
- Mourvedre
- Viognier
- Marsanne
- Roussanne
- Grenache Blanc
- Clairette
- Picpoul
- Bourboulenc
- Ugni Blanc
History of Rhône wines
Some history: The Rhône Valley has been an important wine-producing region since the Roman era. By the Middle Ages, it was known as a major producer of fine red and white wines. However, like much of France, this region suffered major setbacks in the 19th century due to a devastating phylloxera epidemic (that is, a bug that wiped out grape vines and all of their associated vineyard plants). Since that time, the region has experienced monumental changes and rebirths.
The modern revival began in 1970 when four young Rhône winemakers founded a cooperative to remind consumers that their wines were not just from conventional regions. This helped promote awareness of their quality and push for increased recognition (and sales) within France.
Classification of Rhône wines
Côte du Rhône AOC wines are produced in a wide area of the Rhône Valley in France that includes both the Côtes du Rhone and the Coteaux Varois. The region’s climate has something of a Mediterranean influence, which lends itself to wine styles that tend to be light, fruity, and fruit-driven. These wines typically feature citrus notes, but also include lavender, rosemary (or woodcutter’s thyme), and chalky mineral notes from calcite. These qualities are often balanced by aromas of white flowers or spice like angelica or star anise.
Côtes du Rhone Villages AOC are wines from individual communes (such as Cornas) within the region. They may have exactly the same grape varieties as their larger cousins’ wines—but they must meet specific production requirements for ageability (established minimum vintage years before a wine can be classified as “village”), appellation (a geographical designation based on village), and quality (“village” status is conferred upon wine produced by members of 3rd-generation families).
Appellations of the northern Rhône Valley
- Côte-Rôtie
- Côtes du Rhône Villages (Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage and Cornas)
- Condrieu and Château Grillet
The northern Rhône’s wines are based on Syrah. Red Côte-Rôtie is 100% Syrah. Condrieu is 100% Viognier. White Château Grillet is 100% Viognier. Oak aging is rare in the northern Rhône but allowed in these appellations as well as Saint-Péray and Coteaux du Tricastin. The wines tend to be big, potent and tannic, with full body and high alcohol levels (around 12%).
Appellations of the southern Rhône Valley
- côtes du rhône
- red, rosé, white wine (grenache, syrah, mourvèdre)
- côtes du rhône villages
- red wine (grenache, syrah)
A vast region
Côtes du Rhône is a vast region producing a whole range of red, white and rosé wines, from everyday quaffing to some of the most sought-after at the top end of the market.. In the Côtes du Rhône, you’ll find Châteauneuf-du-Pape. While Côtes du Rhône is a large wine region, this smaller subregion of Châteauneuf-du-Pape has some extremely well respected wines and is known for its red blends. You’ll find Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre as the main grapes in these wines, which are all grown within the stone walls of this small commune.