The Rhône Valley is one of the most renowned wine-growing regions in France and Europe. The wines produced in the vineyards are characterised by their great diversity and are protected by the AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) and AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protecte) labels.
Rhône Valley vineyards, an exceptional terroir
Zoom in on the crus of this valley, the result of a harmonious marriage between a varied terroir, a favourable climate and ancestral know-how, between the northern and southern Rhône.
There are two official labels for Rhône Valley wines:AOC, for appellation d’origine contrôlée, andAOP, for appellation d’origine protégé.
Both have specific specifications listing the territories, authorised grape varieties, yields and other production and vinification criteria.
Map of Rhône Valley vineyards
From Vienne to the Mediterranean, all the appellations from the north to the south of the Rhône Valley vineyards:
Northern Rhône Crus
In this northern part of the valley, the climate is continental, with cold winters and hot summers, while the predominantly granite and schist soils favour the cultivation of grape varieties such as Syrah for the reds and Viognier for the whites.
Emblematic crus such as Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu and Hermitage offer wines renowned for their finesse and aromatic complexity to the vineyards of the Rhône Valley.
Map of Northern Rhône vineyards
The appellations from Vienne to Montélimar along the Rhône river and its tributaries such as the Isère and the Drôme:
AOC Côte-Rôtie
Situated in the north of the valley, this cru is famous for its elegant red wines, made mainly from Syrah and Viognier grapes. The steep terroir and specific microclimate give the wines remarkable finesse and complexity.
AOC Condrieu
Renowned for its exquisite white wines, Condrieu is the birthplace of the Viognier grape variety. These wines are appreciated for their rich aromas, combining floral notes with hints of white-fleshed fruit.
AOC Hermitage
This cru produces powerful red wines and complex whites. The reds, dominated by Syrah, offer aromas of black fruit, spice and earth, while the whites, made from Marsanne and Roussanne, are round and rich.
AOC Crozes-Hermitage
The largest cru in the northern region, it offers red and white wines that are more accessible but no less qualitative. The reds, predominantly Syrah, are fruity and spicy, while the whites offer freshness and aromas of white flowers from the Marsanne and Roussanne varieties.
AOC Saint-Joseph
Producing mainly Syrah-based red wines, this cru is renowned for its excellent value for money. The wines are fruity, spicy and well-structured. Our favourite of the Rhône Valley vineyards.
The Crus of the Southern Rhône
North of Montélimar, the imaginary dividing line between the north and south of the valley, other appellations stand out as you head towards the Mediterranean.
The southern Rhône has a Mediterranean climate and more varied soils, including clay, limestone and river pebbles.
This diversity is reflected in the grape varieties, dominated by Grenache noir, Mourvèdre and other local varieties. Crus such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas and Tavel illustrate the richness and diversity of the region’s wines.
Map of Southern Rhône vineyards
The appellations from Montélimar to Bouches-d-Rhône, following the valleys and towns towards the Mediterranean:
AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape
This prestigious appellation is famous for its robust, complex red wines. Using up to 13 different grape varieties, with a predominance of Grenache Noir, these wines are renowned for their richness, depth and spicy notes.
8 red grape varieties (Cinsault, Counoise, Grenache noir, Mourvèdre, Muscardin, Syrah, Terret and Vaccarèse) and 5 white grape varieties (Clairette, Bourboulenc, Picpoul, Picardan and Roussanne) are authorised for this cru.
AOP Gigondas
Situated at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, this cru produces vigorous, full-bodied red wines. Grenache dominates, accompanied by Syrah and Mourvèdre, offering aromas of red fruit, spices and garrigue.
AOC Tavel
One of a kind, Tavel is renowned for its wines, all of which are rosé. They are made mainly from Grenache Noir grapes, with Bourboulenc, Cinsault, Clairette, Mourvèdre, Picpoul and Syrah added to the mix. These are structured, fruity wines, ideal for accompanying summer cuisine.
AOC Vacqueyras
This cru produces full-bodied, aromatic red wines. Grenache Noir also dominates, creating wines with notes of ripe fruit and spices, and good longevity. Syrah and Mourvèdre are also included, with other grape varieties possible up to a maximum of 10%.
AOC Lirac
Known for its reds, whites and rosés, Lirac offers a wide range of tastes. The reds are rich and spicy, the whites fresh and floral, and the rosés delicate and fruity.
The grape varieties used vary according to the type of wine. Grenache blanc, Clairette and Bourboulenc for the whites, Grenache noir, Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Syrah for the reds and rosés.
Economic impact and change
The vineyards of the Rhône Valley play a crucial role in the Frenchwine economy, as do the regions concerned: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Occitanie and Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur. They attract wine connoisseurs from all over the world, contributing to France’s cultural and gastronomic influence, while also offering a source of diversity for wine lovers.
Faced with climate change and new consumer expectations, winegrowers in the Rhône Valley are adapting. They are innovating in terms of growing practices and exploring new approaches to winemaking, while preserving the tradition and quality for which their wines are renowned.
The Rhône Valley, with its exceptional crus, is a wine-growing treasure trove, the 2nd largest in France after Bordeaux. Each cru, with its unique characteristics, tells a story of terroir, passion and excellence. It’s an invitation to discover and savour the diversity and richness of the wines from this emblematic region.
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Travel link
- Rhône Valley vineyards, Wikipedia
- Destination: the Rhône Valley!
- Where to stay in the Rhône Valley?
- IGN maps, Rhône valley
- Map of river tourism on the Rhône
- Regions, cantons, départements and communes along the Rhône
- Map of the Rhône River and its tributaries
- Au fil du Rhône, RTS video report