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You have an appointment with the northern vineyard of the Rhône Valley, which stretches from Vienna to Valencia, on more than 4,000 hectares along the river. The granitic and steep soil is the place to be for terraced crops and Syrah. Here, the wine is powerful and very colorful, evolving towards notes of pepper, spices and leather and it is very often monocépage. Along the Rhône coast, discover the 8 appellations of the region: Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Condrieu, Saint-Joseph, Château-Grillet, Saint-Péray and Cornas.

Stretching from the south of Lyon, the capital of gastronomy, to the south of Avignon, the city of the Popes, the Rhône Valley has Stories to tell.This Valley has enjoyed long periods of prosperity, especially with the Romans. Indeed, it's streamlined and powerful wine has seduced wine lovers through centuries.

The cradle of the Syrah is not outdone! In the North, exceptional reds are cultivated between Hermitage, Cornas, Saint-Joseph and the Roasted Coast. Further South, the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines stimulate the taste buds of the finest palets. While true artisans of the vineyard develop prestigious wines, large houses have arisen and cultivate with dexterity this vineyards with specific reliefs. This is where the terraces are established on the hills: they offer wonderful views.

The sharp and precise whites also reveal you the ressources of these coveted terroirs. From North to South of the valley, some hidden wonders deliver their secrets. From the dry white wine of Condrieu, Saint Péray, Château-Grillet and Châteauneuf-du-Pape to the natural sweet wines of Rasteau and Beaumes-de-Venise and the straw wines of Hermitage, the range of aromas offered by these elixirs is impressive.

The Rhône Valley has preserved its authenticity year after year. The gastronomic culture of Lyon, capital of Gaul, has visibly influenced the whole valley with many specilaities: Lyon sausage, truffles, cheeses of all kinds, olive oils and Nougat. The Rhône River and its tributaries traverse cities marked by history. Lyon and its basilica, Vienna and its cathedral, Orange and its ancient theatre or Avignon and its city of the Popes… Here is a sketch of what has been built over the centuries and that you can visit during a stopover.

Northern Rhone Valley:

This is the territory of Syrah. Côte-Rotie, Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage and Cornas know how to sublimate it on their red cuvees. Côte-Rotie still concedes up to 20% of Viognier for more finesse. Because they are rather powerful wines that can be found from Vienna to Valencia. Notable differences in style can still be seen between the Crozes-Hermitage and the Cornas with tight tannins. The most fruity are to drink young but it is necessary to know how to wait for the Côte-Rotie, Hermitages, and Cornas so that they reveal all their complexity and finesse at full maturity. The elegant and precise white wines are not outdone. Further North of the Valley, the Condrieu and Château-Grillet appellations are made up of 100% Viognier, which gives them unctuosity and generosity. The appellations Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitages and Saint-Peray (producing only whites) are composed of the star couple Marsanne/ Roussanne. Working alone or in pairs, these grape varieties complement each other wonderfully. When the Marsanne brings power and exuberance, the Roussanne brings finesse and elegance.

Southern Rhone Valley:

It is difficult to mention all the appellations and the multiple grape varieties (more than 20 authorized) found south of Montélimar. On the red side, Grenache and Syrah can be completed by Carignan, Mourvèdre and Cinsault (to name a few). The whites from Grenache blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette, Marsanne or Roussanne are often quite powerful and bodied. The region is also known for its rosés. Tavel and Lirac offer powerful rosés and wine.

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