Northern Rhone

The Northern Rhone Valley of France is known for the world’s best Syrahs. The three best areas are Hermitage, Cote-Rotie and Cornas. And, the Rhone Valley is my favorite wine region in France. The Southern Rhone is known for its spectacular Grenache based wines like Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Most of the wines of the Northern Rhone are 100% Syrah although some blending grapes are permitted. It is a small area that only accounts for 5% of the wine wine produced in the entire valley. And, there are some other notable areas for reds like Saint Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage. Also, there are some excellent whites from Condrieu and Saint-Peray.

Hermitage, Cote-Rotie and Cornas

There is a reason these are the world’s best Syrahs. It has to do with climate, terroir, centuries of experience, vines tended by hand, etc. And, some come with 3 digit price tags. They are usually the Hermitage. Others can be $50 or more. However, you can taste the greatness in some of these wines in the other areas of the valley. Some of the best producers are Jean-Luc Colombo, M. Chapoutier, E. Guigal, and Jean Louis Chave. Unfortunately, due to the small area and amount of bottles, prices are high.

Saint Joseph and Others

Saint-Joseph is one of my favorites because it is affordable and beats any Syrah in the world. The same goes for Crozes-Hermitage. The most affordable wines from the Northern Rhone are simply called Cotes-du-Rhone. And, it doesn’t’t matter which producer you find. They will all be good.

Northern Rhone Whites

There is a small amount of white wine made in the Northern Rhone. The best is called Condrieu and is made of Viognier. You will not find better Viognier anywhere in the world. Also, there is Saint-Peray which makes white wines from Marsanne and Roussanne grapes. And, they make sparkling wines that rival Champagne.

The sheer beauty of the hillsides of the Northern Rhone valley is breathtaking. River cruises are a popular way to experience these places in Europe. The same is true of the Southern Rhone.

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