Rhone Valley

Question 1

Rhône Valley

Answer 1

“Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre are the primary varieties in the Rhône Valley. In the South, Côtes du Rhône blends (red and rosé) can feature up to 18 different grapes in a blend! In the Northern Rhône, single-varietal Syrah is the focus, along with scant plantings of Viognier.”

Question 2

Syrah
(Rhône Valley)

Answer 2

Full Body Red

“Many look to the Northern Rhône regions of Côte Rôtie, Hermitage, and Cornas for the ultimate expression of Syrah. Wines are bold with high tannin and savory olive, plum sauce, and bacon fat flavors. Stock up on Saint-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage on good vintages for great values.”

“OLIVE TAPENADE, PLUM SAUCE, BLACK PEPPER, BACON FAT, DRIED HERBS”

Question 3

Rhône / GSM Blend

Answer 3

Medium Body Red

“Grenache features prominently in the Southern Rhône GSM Blend, but the region is home to many rare varieties including Cinsault, Counoise, Terret Noir, Muscardin, and Marselan, which are often found in small amounts in the fruity-yet-rustic red blend.”

“GRILLED PLUM, TOBACCO, RASPBERRY SAUCE, DRIED HERBS, VANILLA”

Question 4

Marsanne Blend

Answer 4

Full Body White

Many white varieties can be found growing across the Rhône valley but the two used most commonly in Côtes du Rhône whites are Marsanne and Roussanne. Marsanne blends tend to be rich and fruity with bolder peach flavors along with an oily texture that finishes similar to oaked Chardonnay.”

“APPLE, MANDARIN ORANGE, WHITE PEACH, BEESWAX, ACACIA”

Question 5

Viognier
(Rhône Valley)

Answer 5

Aromatized wine

“The two tiny regions of Condrieu and Château-Grillet produce 100% Viognier. Wines often have noticeable sweetness that many believe is the classic expression of this variety. Because of Viognier’s increasing international popularity, we’re likely to see more Viognier in years to come.”

“PEACH, TANGERINE, HONEYSUCKLE, ROSE, RAW ALMOND”

Question 6

Châteauneuf-du-Pape
(Rhône Valley)

Answer 6

One of the most prestigious AOCs in the southern Rhône, producing powerful red blends dominated by Grenache, with Syrah, Mourvèdre, and others. A small amount of white wine is also made.

Question 7

Côte-Rôtie
(Rhône Valley)

Answer 7

Located in the northern Rhône, this AOC is famous for its elegant Syrah-based red wines, often co-fermented with a small percentage of Viognier to add floral aromas and complexity.

Question 8

Hermitage
(Rhône Valley)

Answer 8

Another northern Rhône AOC, known for robust, age-worthy Syrah reds, along with limited production of white wines from Marsanne and Roussanne.

Question 9

Crozes-Hermitage
(Rhône Valley)

Answer 9

The largest northern Rhône AOC, producing Syrah-dominated reds that are more approachable and less expensive than Hermitage, as well as some white wines from Marsanne and Roussanne.

Question 10

Gigondas
(Rhône Valley)

Answer 10

A southern Rhône AOC producing rich, spicy red wines, primarily from Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, often considered a more affordable alternative to Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Question 11

Vacqueyras
(Rhône Valley)

Answer 11

Close to Gigondas, this AOC offers powerful reds with Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, as well as some whites and rosés.

Question 12

Côtes du Rhône
(Rhône Valley)

Answer 12

The largest and most versatile AOC in the Rhône, producing a wide range of wines, with reds dominating the region. These wines are typically blends of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.

Question 13

Tavel
(Rhône Valley)

Answer 13

Renowned for producing some of the best dry rosés in France, Tavel wines are typically fuller-bodied, with deep color and intense fruit flavors.

Question 14

Saint-Joseph
(Rhône Valley)

Answer 14

A northern Rhône AOC producing Syrah reds that are more approachable than Hermitage or Côte-Rôtie, as well as Marsanne and Roussanne-based whites.

Question 15

Cornas
(Rhône Valley)

Answer 15

Located in the northern Rhône, Cornas is famous for its bold, rustic 100% Syrah reds that can be quite tannic and age-worthy.