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Rhone

Region
The Rhône Valley is divided into two parts: The Northern Rhône is an area with steep terraces that tower above the Rhône river - this is the perfect area for classic, powerful ageworthy wines. The vines are planted on steep slopes allowing for little or no machinary, this adds cost to the wine, and many vines have to be staked due to the stronf Minstral wind that blows up the valley, although this also aids with riping and diseases. This is the classic region for Syrah wines. The wines display moderate climate Syrah characteristics like black pepper, tannins and acidity. Well known rehions are Hermitage and Cote Rotie. Condrieu has a speciality for the best Viogniers.
Southern Rhône is much flatter and the vineyards stretching over wide, stony plains. Here the dominant grape variety is Grenache, which is characterised by large grapes with thin skins, high sugar levels and low acidity which causes full bodied, highly alcholic wines. Wines made from this grape are often light in colour and full in body with a red fruit character and spice. In the Southern Rhône it is usually blended with other varieties, eg. Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault. The most famous area here in Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Principle Red Grape Variety: Syrah, Grenache
Climate: Moderate/Warm