SOUTHERN RHÔNE

PRODUCERS FOR THIS CELLAR

FRANCE SOUTHERN RHÔNE

15 Indie Wineries

The Rhône Valley wine region can be divided into four parts. It runs north to south for around 240 kilometres from the south of Lyon to the Mediterranean coast. At the northern end, the Valley is narrow, with steep slopes of granite planted to Syrah. At the southern end, the Valley widens with lower gentle slopes scattered with alluvial deposits and typically rolled pebbles known as “galets” and the Rhône River delta. Here the climate is warmer and suitable for late-ripening varieties with plantings of Mourvèdre, Carignan and Grenache alongside Syrah.

Both sides of the river have Appellations with distinctive terroirs: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas on the left bank, Tavel and Lirac on the right, are amongst the most well known. Côtes du Rhône is produced throughout, the best examples often coming from growers making more prestigious Appellations who make a strict selection for their top wines declassifying their lesser wines. Côtes du Rhône Villages are a step up in quality with several villages with the highest potential permitted to append their name to the Appellation. To the west, off the main drag, is the Ardèche with vineyards in mountainous settings.