Part II · Terroir

Rhône Valley

[RONE val-ee]

Powerful granite-grown Syrah in the north; Grenache-led blends in the sun-soaked south.

The Region

The Rhône Valley splits into two distinct zones: the Northern Rhône, where Syrah achieves its most peppery, structured expression on steep granite terraces, and the Southern Rhône, where Grenache-led blends thrive in a sun-drenched landscape of rounded stones (galets). Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the south's flagship appellation.

History

The Rhône's vineyards date to Roman times; the Pope's residence in Avignon (14th century) lent its name to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The 20th century saw the codification of the north's single-grape Syrah tradition and the south's blended, Grenache-driven model.