The Rhône Valley splits into two distinct wine zones: a cooler Northern Rhône built almost entirely around Syrah reds and Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne whites, and a warmer Southern Rhône known for hearty Grenache-based red, white, and rosé blends. Styles range from single-varietal wines like Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu to complex multi-grape blends such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Grapes grown here
Sub-regions
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a celebrated Southern Rhône red wine appellation known for large, rounded pebbles (galets) in its vineyards, which absorb daytime heat and radiate it back to help ripen the grapes. The appellation permits thirteen different grape varieties in its reds, but the blend must always be predominantly Grenache. A small amount of white wine, around 5% of output, is also produced, while rosé is prohibited.
Côte-Rôtie
Côte-Rôtie, meaning "the roasted slope," is a top-tier Northern Rhône red appellation on steep, sun-drenched terraces split between the iron-rich, dark schist of the Côte Brune and the paler granite-and-schist Côte Blonde. Its reds are built almost entirely on Syrah, though up to 20% white Viognier can be co-fermented in, lending floral aromatics alongside notes of meat and bacon.
Gigondas
Gigondas is a robust Southern Rhône red appellation in the shadow of the Dentelles de Montmirail, often described as a "little brother" to neighboring Châteauneuf-du-Pape and valued more for power than elegance. Blends are capped at 80% Grenache, with Syrah and Mourvèdre together required to make up at least 15%, plus a small allowance of other Rhône varieties.
Hermitage
Hermitage is a historic Northern Rhône appellation grown on a steep granite-and-gravel hill facing the afternoon sun, widely regarded as the spiritual home of Syrah, which dominates its powerful, age-worthy reds. Up to 15% Marsanne and Roussanne may be blended into the reds, while those same two grapes also produce the appellation's rich white wines.