Southern Rhône Overview

1. The Region

The Southern Rhône lies in southern France, near Avignon and Nîmes, and produces most of the Rhône Valley’s wines.
The climate is hot and sunny, with dry summers and a strong Mistral wind that keeps vines healthy.
Vineyards grow on gentle slopes and flat plains with rocky, sandy, and clay soils.

2. Main Grapes

Most wines are blends:

• Grenache – Soft, fruity, high in alcohol.
• Syrah – Adds colour and spice.
• Mourvèdre – Adds structure and dark fruit.
  These three are often blended together (the GSM blend).
  Other grapes like Cinsault, Carignan, and Counoise add freshness.

White wines use Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Roussanne, and Viognier, making soft, full-bodied whites.

3. Wine Styles

• Côtes-du-Rhône / Villages: Everyday red blends — fruity and spicy.
• Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Famous, powerful reds from warm, stony soils.
• Gigondas / Vacqueyras: Rich, structured reds similar to Châteauneuf.
• Tavel: Rosé-only appellation — deep pink, dry, and full-flavoured.
• Rasteau and Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise: Sweet fortified wines (VDN) — Rasteau is richer and darker; Muscat is golden and floral.
• Clairette de Die / Crémant de Die: Local sparkling wines, either naturally sweet (Clairette) or dry (Crémant).

4. Why It’s Special

The Southern Rhône is loved for its warm, generous wines — from bold reds and structured rosés to sweet Muscats and sparkling wines.
The combination of sunshine, varied soils, and traditional blending makes it one of France’s most diverse and approachable wine regions.