The Rhône wine region in Southern France is situated in the Rhône valley and produces numerous wines under various Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) designations. The region's major appellation in production volume is Côtes du Rhône AOC. It is divided into two sub-regions with distinct vinicultural traditions, the Northern Rhône and the Southern Rhône. The northern sub-region produces red wines from the Syrah grape, sometimes blended with up to 20% of white wine grapes, and white wines from Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier grapes. The southern sub-region produces an array of red, white, and rosé wines, often blends of several grapes such as in Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
The first cultivated vines in the region were probably planted around 600 BC by the Romans. The two most important grape varieties in the northern Rhone (Syrah and Viognier) are indigenous. When the Popes and their considerable purchasing power moved to Avignon in Provence, wine production expanded rapidly.
Tasting Notes
1. 2021 Domaine Font du Vent 'Les Promesses' – a blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Roussanne and Bourboulenc.
· Medium bodied and fruity on the palate with aromas of violets, apricot and florals. It has a fine, minerally finish, perfect for summer or as an aperitif.
2. 2020 Yves Cuilleron - Marsanne
· A delightful, aromatic dry white. On the nose you'll find aromas of white stone fruit, acacia blossom and citrus peel. Fresh and well balanced and slightly bitter spices on the finish.
3. 2021 Domaine des Blais Cote de Provence Rosé
· Delicate scents of cherry blossom, rose petal, and apricot on the nose. A dry rosé with big aromas of red currants, raspberries, and melon. Soft, fully rounded texture on the palate. The finish is refreshing with balanced acidity.
4. 2020 La Suffrene Bandol Rose - Mourvedre, Cinsault, Grenache and Carigan
· Succulent blackcurrant, floral and fresh thyme aromas; glossy and slick with mouth-watering orange peel acidity. A perfumed spice and a structure that will soften with age. Rich and full in the mouth, with lots of a texture.
5. 2019 Parc St Charles Cotes du Rhone – a blend of Grenache, Shiraz, Carignan & Cinsault
· Supple spicy, blackberry, earthy nose follows on to a dark concentrated core of fruit on the palate with good ripe tannins with a gentle but balanced acid. The palate is round and the silky tannins in the background.
6. 2019 Domaine La Soumade Rasteau – A blend of Grenache Syrah and Mourvèdre
· Intense flavours of preserved plums and black-cherry notes are complemented with cocoa. There is a salty minerality back note. This wine will age very well.
7. 2020 Yves Cuilleron St Joseph 'Pierre Sèches' - Syrah
· The colour is deep ruby. The palate is smoke- and spice-tinged with blackberry and dried cherry aromas. The top notes are floral are enlivened by a suave floral top note. The finish is very long with dusty tannins coming in late to add nice complexity.
8. 2019 Santa Duc Gigondas 'Aux Lieux Dits' - Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault
· A beautiful bouquet of blackberries, black cherries, ground pepper, and floral nuances. Balanced minerality and medium to full-bodied richness on the palate. A beautiful wine.
9. 2020 Pierre Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape – Grenache blend
· Soft, supple layers of strawberry and raspberry preserves are laced with a salty, earthen streak of minerality in this bright, fresh-fruited Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
