WINE REGION
Rhône Valley
Power, Spice, and the Soul of the South
The Rhône Valley runs south from Lyon to Avignon, producing some of France's most powerful and characterful wines. The Northern Rhône, with its steep granite terraces, is home to Syrah of extraordinary elegance and longevity. The Southern Rhône, broader and sunnier, produces the rich, spicy blends of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the rosés of Tavel.
"Rhône Syrah at its best is one of the world's great red wines — not the jammy fruit bomb of the New World, but something darker, more complex, and more profound."
The Northern Rhône is a narrow corridor of steep terraced vineyards on granite slopes above the river. The Southern Rhône opens into a broad plain of galets roulés — large rounded stones that retain heat and reflect sunlight onto the vines.
KEY GRAPES
Northern Rhône reds: Syrah exclusively. Northern Rhône whites: Viognier (Condrieu), Marsanne, Roussanne. Southern Rhône: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and up to 18 permitted varieties in Châteauneuf.
CLIMATE
Northern Rhône: continental with steep slopes providing shelter. Southern Rhône: Mediterranean, hot and dry, with the Mistral wind providing ventilation.
AGEING POTENTIAL
Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie: 15–30 years. Châteauneuf-du-Pape: 10–20 years. Crozes-Hermitage: 5–10 years.
FOOD PAIRING
Northern Rhône Syrah: lamb, venison, black truffle. Châteauneuf-du-Pape: wild boar, daube, aged Comté. Condrieu: foie gras, lobster, apricot tart.
APPELLATIONS
Key Appellations
PRODUCERS
Producers to Know
E. Guigal
Côte-Rôtie
The La La La wines — La Mouline, La Landonne, La Turque — are among the greatest Syrahs on earth.
Jean-Louis Chave
Hermitage
The benchmark Hermitage producer — wines of extraordinary complexity and extraordinary longevity.
Château Rayas
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The most idiosyncratic Châteauneuf — pure Grenache of haunting elegance and complexity.
Georges Vernay
Condrieu
The definitive Condrieu producer — Viognier of extraordinary aromatic intensity and richness.
TASTING NOTES
Bottles Worth Seeking Out
E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie La Mouline 2017
Violet, black olive, smoked meat, and a silky texture of extraordinary refinement. One of the great Syrahs.
Château Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2016
Ethereal and complex — red cherry, garrigue, leather, and a finish of haunting length.
Georges Vernay Condrieu Les Chaillées de l'Enfer 2021
Peach, apricot, white flowers, and a richness that is balanced by remarkable freshness.
FROM THE JOURNAL