The Rhône River, one of France's major waterways, originates in the Alps and flows west, then south through Lake Geneva, before reaching its final destination at the Mediterranean Sea. Along its banks lie two important wine appellations: the Northern and Southern Rhône, each offering diverse terroirs, grape varieties, and winemaking traditions, recognized worldwide for yielding bold reds, rosés, and a small percentage of whites.
Nestled along the steep slopes of the Rhône River, between the cities of Vienne and Valence, the Northern Rhône is revered for its boutique appellations and single-varietal wines, made particularly from Syrah, which reigns supreme here, producing wines of unparalleled depth, complexity, and finesse.
The Northern Rhône features a continental climate with hot summers, cold winters, and ample fall rainfall. Vineyards are planted on steep terraces with granite and slate soils that ensure excellent drainage and heat retention. Most vineyards face south to maximize sun exposure, ideal for ripening Syrah grapes. Small amounts of white wines are also crafted, primarily from Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne. In some appellations, all three of these are also used in minimum percentages as part of red blends.
Stylistically, the Northern Rhône produces some of the world's finest Syrah wines, known for their concentration, full body, and elegant profiles. Influenced by the cool Mistral winds from the north and high altitudes, these wines feature flavors of black fruits like blackberry and plum, complemented by spicy notes of black pepper, violets, leather, and game. The region's whites, particularly Viogniers from Château Grillet and Condrieu, are exceptional though often pricey. Roussanne and Marsanne grapes are also used to make dry whites that offer rich, almost oily textures, featuring aromas of peach, quince, honey and lemon, and showing minerality, balanced acidity, and high alcohol content.
The Northern Rhône Key Appellations:
Côte-Rôtie: Renowned for its steep terraced vineyards and mineral-rich soils, Côte-Rôtie produces powerful yet elegant Syrah wines. These wines are characterized by floral aromas, black fruit notes, and a distinctive peppery spice, often complemented by a touch of Viognier to accentuate acidity and elegance.
Hermitage: Home to some of the world's most age-worthy wines, Hermitage offers bold, full-bodied Syrahs with flavors of dark berries, chocolate, cedar, smoked meat, with hints of black pepper.
Cornas: Known for robust, deeply colored Syrah wines, Cornas showcases intense flavors of black fruit, espresso, and a distinctive earthiness. These wines are structured and capable of significant aging.
Saint-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage: These appellations offer approachable and affordable expressions of Syrah compared to their prestigious neighbors. Saint-Joseph wines balance fruitiness with earthy tones, while Crozes-Hermitage exhibits more fruity aromas and softer tannins.
Château Grillet and Condrieu: are two important appellations for producing intense aromatic whites made from Viognier. They are full-bodied with low acidity, showcasing aromatic profiles of apricot, jasmine, spice, orange peel, and lanolin.
Cave de Tain Terre d’Ivoire 2022, Saint Joseph AOC,$40
Domaine Niero Les Ravines 2022, Condrieu AOC, $72
Maison Les Alexandrins Crozes Hermitage 2022,$28.99
Equinoxe Crozes Hermitage 2022,$35
Les Vins de Vienne “Les Grappiats” 2020, Crozes Hermitage AOC,$39
Ferraton Père et Fils “Patou” 2020, Cornas AOC, $52
Ferraton Père et Fils “L'Eglantine” 2020,Côte-Rôtie AOC, $65
M. Chapoutier Chante Alouette Hermitage 2021, $135
Other outstanding producers that you can try are: Jean Louis Chave, E.Guigal,Tardieu Laurent, Delas and Alain Voge.
Cheers! Silvina
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