In contrast to the Northern Rhône, the Southern Rhône boasts a warmer climate, diverse terroirs, and a tradition of blended wines centered around Grenache as the primary grape variety. These blends often include varying proportions of Syrah, Mourvèdre and other local grapes, resulting in wines celebrated for their generous fruit flavors, smooth tannins, and approachability.
The Southern Rhône also holds historical significance on two fronts: firstly, as the unfortunate ground zero for the phylloxera epidemic that devastated European vineyards, and secondly, as the birthplace of the French Appellation system, notably in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This appellation set the standard for all French and European wine regulations, defining geographical limits, quality requirements, minimum alcohol levels, and aging criteria.
Geographically larger than the North, the Southern Rhône also produces a greater quantity of wines, including reds, rosés, whites, and sweet wines. The region’s Mediterranean climate supports the cultivation of warm climate varieties such as Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Cinsault. The soils vary, comprising a blend of clay, sandy limestone and gravel and galets (larger stones, similar in size to a fist but good to retain heat that aids ripening). Unlike the steep vineyards of the northern Rhône, those in the south are mostly planted on gentle hills near the river, where they benefit from the Mistral, mitigating vineyard diseases but requiring vines to be low trained in goblet fashion to withstand its full force.
Over 23 grape varieties are permitted here, with Grenache dominating red blends alongside Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and Carignan. Whites feature blends of Grenache Blanc, Ugni Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains.
Key appellations include:
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Renowned for its bold red wines with complexity and aging potential, these wines feature ripe black fruits: black currants, blueberries, garrigue herbs (rosemary, lavender, etc), spices, leather, game and tar tones. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the most esteemed red appellation in the south, competing favorably with the best from the North, like Hermitage or Côte-Rôtie). It has received its name from the relocation of the Papal court to Avignon that happened in the 14th century. Most Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines are blends of Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre (though 13 varieties are allowed in total in this appellation).
Gigondas and Vacqueyras: Produce robust reds with dark berries, herbs, and spices notes. Gigondas leans toward Grenache-dominant blends, while Vacqueyras incorporates more Syrah.
Lirac and Tavel: known for vibrant rosés and fruity reds balancing freshness and richness.
Côtes du Rhône: represent 70 % of all red Rhone wines produced, with vineyards scattered throughout the region but primarily in the south. These wines are simple, juicy fruit reds to have every night, most of them offering excellent value.
Côtes du Rhône Villages: includes several villages known for producing wines of higher quality than basic Côtes du Rhône. They are often simple blends made from Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre.
Stylistically, Southern Rhône wines are distinguished by their powerful, full-bodied character, ample alcohol, and concentrated fruit flavors. Whether red, white, or rosé, these wines consistently offer richness and depth, making them versatile partners for a variety of Mediterranean dishes.
My Recommendations: (not all featured in my picture, though)
Domaine Saint Gayan Côtes du Rhône 2020, $19
Famille Perrin Côtes du Rhône Villages 2021,$15.99
Famille Perrin “Les Christins” 2021,Vacqueyras AOC, $29
Domaine de Bosquets “La Colline” 2020, Gigondas AOC, $75
Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2021,$104
Clos de Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2021, $125
Other good producers to try: Clos St Jean, Domaine Giraud, Domaine Le Vieux Télégraphe and Château La Nerthe. Cheers! Silvina.
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