Southern Rhône

Appellations of Southern Rhône

Cairanne AOC

Cairanne is a relatively new appellation having broken away from the the Côtes du Rhône AOC in 2016. It produces red, rosé and white wines.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is one of France’s most recognised red wines. Produced from a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and up to fifteen others, the wines are often big, robust and full bodied but with the potential to age and improve for many years from the vintage.

Luberon AOC

Luberon is a French wine AOC at the southernmost tip of the Rhône Valley region. Established in 1988 under the name Côtes du Luberon, the appellation produces red, white and rosé wines from a relatively long list of permitted grape varieties.

Vacqueyras AOC

Vacqueyras is predominantly a red wine appellation in the Southern Rhône. Created in 1990, it produces soft, plummy wines from Grenache. In some areas it reaches 440m and in good years vineyards at this altitude can provide interesting aromatic complexity. Vacqueyras is often compared to nearby Gigondas in style.

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Vinsobres AOC

Vinsobres is one of the exciting villages of the Côtes du Rhône and is appreciated for its red wines from Grenache, Syrah and/or Mourvèdre, planted on the undulating hills that characterise the area. It was granted its own appellation in 2005.

Beaumes de Venise AOC

Located in the Vaucluse, Beaumes de Venice was granted AOC status in 2005 for its spicy and peppery red wines. The area remains better known for its fortified and sweet Muscat based white wines however, which carry their own separate appellation.

Costières de Nîmes AOC

Although technically in the Languedoc, Costières de Nîmes AOC has been reassigned to the the administrative control of the Rhône Valley wine committee.

Coteaux de l’Ardèche IGP

Located on the western banks of the Rhône river, the Ardèche is home to home to around 7500 hectares planted in the pains of the Ardèche valley and the foothills of the Cévennes mountains. Varietal wines are increasingly popular but generally the wines are inexpensive blends from Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Gamay. Co-operative cellars are common in the area.

Coteaux du Pont du Gard IGP

Coteaux du Pont du Gard is home to some interesting winemaking. Red wines are often made with Grenache, Syrah, Carignan Noir and Marselan, although Clin d’Oeil is increasingly popular.

Coteaux du Tricastin AOC

Located in the heart of the Rhône Valley, Coteaux du Tricastin is quickly growing its reputation for a slightly lighter style of red wine than the region’s classic appellations.

Côtes du Rhône AOC

Côtes du Rhône AOC is a large area in the southern Rhône Valley producing good value wines from a blend of Grenache and Syrah.

Côtes du Vivarais AOC

Côtes du Vivarais AOC is a small appellation covering around 500 hectares in the south of the Rhône Valley. Most of the wine made here is red and is a blend of Grenache Noir, Syrah and Carignan Noir.

Gigondas AOC

Created in 1971, the relatively cooler climate of the Gigondas is becoming trendy as temperatures rise in the Southern Rhône. Here Grenache can grow as high as 600m and under the cooling influence of the Mistral wind and the protection of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountains, the long growing season can help create fascinating wines. At least 50% Grenache must be blended with Syrah and / or Mourvèdre.

Featured wines from Southern Rhône

Southern Rhône “Charme”

Domaine Eyverine, Rhône Valley, France

2018