Rhône wine region French wine region guide: location, history, appellations, grapes & food
The Rhône Valley is one of France's great red-wine regions, famous for powerful Syrah in the north and generous Grenache-based blends in the south, from Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage to Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
More info about the Rhône wine region
Geographic position
Southeastern France, along the Rhône river for about 200 km from Vienne, south of Lyon, to Avignon. The narrow, steep Northern Rhône contrasts with the wide, sunny Southern Rhône, which makes most of the region's wine.
Origin & history
Greek traders brought vines up the Rhône from Marseille, and the Romans planted the slopes around Vienne. In the 14th century the popes in Avignon built a summer castle at Châteauneuf-du-Pape and promoted local wines. Baron Le Roy's rules for Châteauneuf in the 1920s inspired the French AOC system.
Main appellations & varieties
North: Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage and Cornas, from Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne. South: Côtes du Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Rasteau, Tavel and Ventoux, mainly Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre.
Food specialties
Lyon charcuterie, Bresse chicken, Picodon goat cheese, truffles from the Tricastin, lamb with herbs, olives and tapenade, and nougat from Montélimar.
Rhône appellations
Main grape varieties of Rhône
Grenache Noir, Marsanne, Mourvèdre, Roussanne, Syrah, Viognier