Our Southern Rhône Wines

At the heart of the Rhône Valley, the Southern Rhône produces sun-drenched, generous and complex wines. Here, Grenache reigns supreme, often blended with Syrah and Mourvèdre. The result: warm, rich reds bursting with aromas of spice, ripe fruit and garrigue.

Our Southern Rhône wines reflect the diversity of the terroirs: from
prestigious Châteauneuf-du-Pape to accessible Côtes du Rhône, including distinctive appellations like Gigondas and Rasteau.


TERROIR & APPELLATIONS OF THE SOUTHERN RHÔNE

The Southern Rhône benefits from a Mediterranean climate, marked by generous sunshine and the mistral wind, which forge powerful and expressive wines. Here, the soils are as varied as the appellations:

- Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Famous for its rounded river stones (galets roulés), which store heat during the day and release it at night, giving the wines their power and aromatic richness.

- Côtes du Rhône: A broad and convivial appellation, perfect for discovering the Southern style, on clay-limestone soils, sands and alluvial deposits.

- Gigondas: Planted on the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail, with limestone and clay soils that bring structure and freshness.

- Rasteau: Clay-limestone slopes and marl, producing structured wines with aromas of candied fruits, liquorice and cocoa.

- Vacqueyras: Powerful reds with floral elegance; also produced in white and rosé.

- Lirac: Rocky terraces and sandy soils, offering structured reds and
generous rosés.

- Tavel: Varied soils (river stones, sands, limestone) producing vinous and gastronomic rosés.

- Beaumes-de-Venise: Clay-limestone slopes and marl, perfect for
concentrated reds and the famous sweet natural Muscats.

- Cairanne: Soils mixing clay, pebbles and sand, for fruity and
balanced reds.

- Vinsobres: A cru since 2006, exclusively red. Structured and spicy wines with remarkable freshness thanks to the altitude of its vineyards.

At Vinodelice, we offer an emblematic selection from this southern terroir, featuring Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Château Maucoil and Gigondas, Rasteau and Côtes du Rhône from Maison Lavau.


GRAPE VARIETIES & AROMATIC PROFILES

- Grenache Noir: The king grape, bringing richness, roundness and generosity.
- Syrah: Structure, color and aromas of black fruits, violet and spices.
- Mourvèdre: Depth, firm tannins and garrigue notes.
- Cinsault and Carignan: Supporting grapes that add fruitiness and suppleness.

The GSM blend (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) is the signature of the Southern Rhône. Its success has inspired many vineyards around the world, notably in Australia (Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale), the United States and South Africa, where producers have adopted this model to create powerful, sun-drenched reds in the same spirit.

When blended, these grapes produce red wines with intense profiles: black fruits, spices, Provençal herbs, sometimes with a touch of cocoa or liquorice.


WHY CHOOSE A SOUTHERN RHÔNE WINE?

- Diversity of styles: From supple Côtes du Rhône to powerful Châteauneuf.
- Excellent value for money: Especially Rasteau, Gigondas and Côtes du Rhône.
- Unique terroirs: River stones, clay-limestone slopes, Mediterranean influence.
- Perfect pairings with convivial cuisine: Grilled meats, braised dishes, aged cheeses, world cuisine.
- An international model: The GSM blend has inspired far beyond the Rhône, reinforcing this wine region's prestige.


OUR FEATURED ESTATES & WINES

🍷 CHÂTEAU MAUCOIL (Châteauneuf-du-Pape & Côtes du Rhône)
A historic estate, renowned for its wines of great elegance that marry power and finesse.

- Château Maucoil Privilège Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018
A Châteauneuf-du-Pape from the oldest vines, intense and refined,
blending black fruits, spices, garrigue and polished tannins: a prestige cuvée for special occasions.

- Château Maucoil Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Blanc 2022
An organic white wine, sun-drenched and elegant, blending notes of ripe citrus, white flowers and beautiful minerality: the luminous expression of a distinctive vineyard.

🍷 MAISON LAVAU (Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône, Gigondas & Rasteau)
An emblematic family house of the Southern Rhône, renowned for its expertise and the typicity of its wines.

- Lavau Domaine Les Évigneaux Rasteau 2019
A structured and sun-soaked Rasteau with notes of candied black fruits, liquorice and cocoa. Ideal for accompanying sauced dishes or a beautiful grilled beef. 92 pts James Suckling.

- Lavau Gigondas 2020
An intense and structured Gigondas, marked by aromas of ripe red fruits, spices and a persistent finish. Perfect for accompanying game or lamb tagine.


FOOD PAIRINGS WITH SOUTHERN RHÔNE WINES

- Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Braised meats (Provençal daube, confit lamb), aged cheeses.
- Côtes du Rhône: Grilled meats, tapas, charcuterie.
- Gigondas: Game, spiced dishes, roasted meats.
- Rasteau: Rich dishes (civet, braised beef), powerful cheeses.
- World cuisine: Tagines, couscous, mild curry, balanced spicy Asian dishes.

From convivial Côtes du Rhône to prestigious Châteauneuf-du-Pape, through refined Gigondas and structured Rasteau, Southern Rhône wines express all the warmth and generosity of the Mediterranean. Between power, spice and elegance, they offer both wines for immediate pleasure and age-worthy cuvées.

Discover our selection from Château Maucoil and Maison Lavau, and let yourself be seduced by the intensity of the great reds of the Southern Rhône.


FAQ – SOUTHERN RHÔNE WINES

What are the main appellations of the Southern Rhône?
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône, Gigondas, Rasteau, as well as Vacqueyras, Lirac, Tavel, Beaumes-de-Venise, Cairanne and Vinsobres.

Which grape varieties dominate in the Southern Rhône?
Grenache Noir dominates largely, blended with Syrah and Mourvèdre, producing powerful and generous wines.

What is the difference between Gigondas and Rasteau?
Gigondas wines are structured, spicy and refined, while Rasteau wines are more full-bodied, with notes of liquorice, candied fruits and sometimes cocoa.

What is the style of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines?
Rich, complex, spicy wines built for aging, made from blends of up to 13 grape varieties.

What dishes pair with Southern Rhône wines?
Côtes du Rhône: Grilled meats, tapas. Gigondas: Game and roasted meats.
Rasteau: Braised dishes, powerful cheeses. Châteauneuf: Provençal daube, confit lamb.

Where to buy Southern Rhône wines?
Online at Vinodelice, which offers a selection of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Rasteau and Côtes du Rhône from Château Maucoil and Maison Lavau.