Rhône Valley
The Rhône Valley spans two worlds: the cool north, where Syrah reaches profound heights in Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage, and the warm south, where Grenache-led GSM blends dominate sun-scorched Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Fast facts
At a glance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Climate | North: continental / South: Mediterranean |
| Geography | Steep granite slopes in the north, pebbly terraces in the south |
| Key appellations | Côte-Rôtie · Hermitage · Châteauneuf-du-Pape · Gigondas · Condrieu |
| Main grapes | Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier |
| Famous for | Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, GSM blends |
Grapes
Signature grapes of Rhône Valley
The varieties that define this region's wines.
Syrah / Shiraz
Syrah (known as Shiraz in Australia) is one of the world's great black grapes, capable of extraordinary power …
Grenache / Garnacha
Grenache (Garnacha in Spain) is one of the world's most widely planted grapes, thriving in hot, dry climates f…
Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre, known as Monastrell in Spain and Mataró in Australia, is a deeply coloured, tannic grape that thriv…
Viognier
Viognier is a luxurious, headily aromatic white grape from the northern Rhône, most famously the tiny appellat…
Nearby
Related regions
Explore neighbouring wine areas.
Wine travel
Visiting Rhône Valley
The Via Rhôna cycle route and the villages of Tain-l'Hermitage and Châteauneuf-du-Pape offer dramatic views and cellar doors.
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