The wines
of the Rhône valley
The vineyards of the RhôneValley are among the oldest in France; they follow the path of the Rhône and benefit from an extraordinary climate and soil.
Vines have been cultivated here since antiquity, but it was with the arrival of the Popes in Avignon in the 14th century that the vineyards of the Rhône began to establish their reputation. And it was not until 1937, with the creation of the Côtes-du-Rhône A.O.C. by Baron Le Roy, that several centuries of history and tradition came to be recognised. The vineyards of the Rhône Valley were finally rewarded for the special characteristics of its grape varieties and the richness of its terroir.
The Northern vineyards of the Rhône Valley are located to the North of Valence. The climate there is temperate with a continental influence. The vines are often planted on steep hillsides in granitic and schistose soils.
The northern Valley offers eight magnificent wines: Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu (white), Château-Grillet, Saint-Joseph (red and white), Crozes-Hermitage (red and white), Hermitage, Cornas and Saint-Peray. The main grape varieties are Syrah for the reds and Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier for the whites.
The Southern vineyards of the Rhône Valley are located to the South of Montélimar. The climate is Mediterranean and the soil is very diverse: clay-limestone, terraces with rounded pebbles, molasse and sand. The region offers famous wines: Châteauneuf-du-Pape (red and white), Gigondas (red and rosé), Vacqueyras, Beaumes de Venise, Vinsobres, Lirac (red, white and rosé) and Tavel. The main grape is Grenache, which is blended with other varieties to produce perfectly balanced wines.
