France | Southern Rhône
The Southern Rhône, in contrast to the Northern Rhône, has a more Mediterranean climate with milder winters and hot summers. Drought can be a problem in the area, but limited irrigation is permitted to try and combat this problem. The differing terroirs, together with the rugged landscape which partly protects the valleys from the Mistral, produce microclimates which give rise to a wide diversity of wines.
An interesting feature to the cultivation of vines in the Southern Rhône is the use of large pebbles (galets) around the bases of the vines which absorb the heat of the sun during the day. At night due to the cloudless skies there is often a significant drop in temperature, but the heat from the pebbles helps keep the vines warm.
The Southern Rhône's most famous red wine is Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a blend containing up to 13 different varieties of wine grapes, both red and white. Other nearby AOC regions including, Coteaux du Tricastin AOC, Côtes du Ventoux AOC, Côtes du Vivarais AOC, Lirac AOC, Tavel AOC and Vacqueyras AOC may contain even more grape varieties in the blend.
Depending on the specific AOC rules, grapes blended into Southern Rhône red wines may include Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan and Cinsault. Red wines made on the left bank of the valley tend to be full bodied and rich in tannins while young; whilst the right bank reds are slightly lighter and fruitier.
White wines from the Southern Rhône, such as in Châteauneuf-du-Pape whites, are also typically blends of several wine grapes. These may include Ugni Blanc, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, Picpoul, and Clairette. Viognier is increasingly being used in the Southern Rhône and is appearing as a single varietal white wine.
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Domaine de la Solitude Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2023
From £16.00
An elegant Côtes du Rhône from one of the region's finest estates...Read More...
Rotem & Mounir Saouma Châteauneuf-du-Pape Omnia 2021
From £99.00
This is a wine that needs to be tasted to be believed...Read More...
Domaine de Durban Muscat de Beaumes de Venise 2022
£13.50
A highly aromatic, opulent & delicately coloured dessert style wine...Read More...
Château de Campuget '1753' Viognier 2023
From £15.00
A beautifully balanced & aromatic Viognier, perfect with Asian or Indian inspired cuisine...Read More...
Château de Campuget '1753' Syrah Sans Sulfites 2023
From £15.00
A classy and intense Syrah made without the addition of sulphites...Read More...
Domaine de Beaurenard Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2021
From £47.00
Rotem & Mounir Saouma Côtes du Rhône Villages Inopia Rouge 2018/20
From £28.50
A silky & elegant Côtes-du-Rhône Villages of tremendous finesse and balance...Read More...
Domaine de Beaurenard Rasteau 2021
From £24.50
Domaine de Beaurenard Châteauneuf-du-Pape Boisrenard 2020
From £64.00
A stunning, benchmark Châteauneuf-du-Pape produced organically & biodynamically...Read More...
Domaine André Brunel Est-Ouest Côtes du Rhône 2023
From £13.50
A delicious and inviting Côtes du Rhône showing warm, juicy & spicy black plum flavours...Read More...
Château Beauchêne Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grande Réserve 2022
From £32.00
A perfectly concentrated, spicy, & delicious Châteauneuf-du-Pape made from ancient vines...Read More...
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Château de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône Coudoulet Blanc 2021
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Château de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône Coudoulet Rouge 2022
From £35.00
An impressive wine that offers outstanding value for a Côtes du Rhône of this calibre...Read More...
Maison Tardieu-Laurent Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc Nobles Origines 2021
From £24.50
This white Côtes-du-Rhône displays intense honeysuckle aromas & is absolutely delicious to drink now...Read More...
Domaine André Brunel Les Cailloux Chateauneuf du Pape 2022
From £40.00
Concentrated, velvety and harmonious with a wonderful long and savoury finish...Read More...