Rhône wine

The region's major appellation in production volume is Côtes du Rhône AOC.

The southern sub-region produces an array of red, white and rosé wines, often blends of several grapes such as in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

The origins of the two most important grape varieties in the northern Rhone (Syrah and Viognier) have in the past been subject to speculation.

[1] However, extensive DNA typing and viticultural research has established beyond doubt that Syrah originated in the Rhône region itself.

[2] Rhône reappeared in the 13th century when the Popes and their considerable purchasing power moved to Avignon, at which time the production of wine expanded greatly.

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.

Gigondas AOC, on the other hand, is predominantly made from Grenache noir has a more restricted set of permitted grapes.

Depending on the specific AOC rules, grapes blended into southern Rhône reds may include Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Cinsault.

The reds from the left bank are full bodied, rich in tannins while young, and are characterized by their aromas of prune, undergrowth, chocolate and ripe black fruit.

This AOC is also used by the commercial blenders (négociants) who buy grapes in bulk from various parts of the region to bottle, distribute, and export on an industrial scale.

[7] In 2004, Costières de Nîmes AOC, which previously had been counted as part of eastern Languedoc, was also attached to the Rhône wine region.

In that year, INAO moved the responsibility for oversight of this appellation's wine to the regional committee of the Rhône valley.

[8] Local producers of Côtes du Rhône-styled wines made from Syrah and Grenache lobbied for this change since the local winemaking traditions did not coincide with administrative borders, and presumably due to the greater prestige of Rhône wines in the marketplace.

Several wineries produce wines from organically cultivated vines that, provided they comply with the rules for varieties, plant spacing, pruning and maximum yield, are admitted in the AOC.

Rhône does not have an official classification using "Grand cru", or similar terms, in contrast to Bordeaux or Burgundy.