Taking a frequent journey to the Rhône is wise wine decision.  But before you motor, the key is to know that the Rhône is bifurcated into the North and South which have distinct differences.

In the North, a warm continental climate provides cooling winds for Syrah that grows in porous granite and schist soil, providing excellent drainage.   The wines, typically aged in oak, are full-bodied, intense, flavorful, richly colored, very aromatic, and tannic.  The key AOCs include  Côte Rôtie, Condrieu, Château Grillet, Hermitage, Crozes Hermitage, Cornas, St  Joseph and Saint-Péray.

In the South, a Mediterranean climate with rolling hills protects the authorized grapes varieties such as Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault from the wind, affecting the ripening period of the grapes. Galet Stones also retain moisture in the soil, helping irrigation.  The wines, typically vinified in large cement tanks (protects the wine from oxygen given Grenache’s tendency to oxidize) are full bodied, thick, powerful, high in alcohol, and deeply colored.  The key communes include Châteauneuf-du Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Côtes du Ventoux, and the broader Côtes du Rhône.

More to come…