An Exceptional Wine Region

Located in the northern part of the Rhône Valley, between Vienne and Valence, the Northern Rhône is distinguished by its unique terroir and demanding growing conditions. Here, vines cling to steep slopes, often in terraces, making viticultural work particularly arduous but also exceptional.

The region is dominated by an essential red grape variety: Syrah, which gives birth to deep, spicy, and elegantly structured red wines. For white wines, we mainly find Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier, offering aromatic and expressive whites. The continental climate, with Mediterranean influences, allows for wines that are both powerful and balanced, combining freshness and aromatic complexity.

The Great Appellations of the Northern Rhône

The Northern Rhône has eight appellations that reflect the diversity and richness of its terroir. Here's an overview of these great names from the Rhône vineyard:

Côte-Rôtie: Renowned for its exceptional Syrah-based reds, sometimes complemented by a little Viognier. The schist and granite soils produce fine, elegant wines built for aging.

Condrieu: The queen appellation of Viognier, producing rich, floral, and unctuous whites, with notes of apricot and violet.

Château-Grillet: A confidential micro-appellation dedicated to Viognier, offering rare wines of great complexity.

Saint-Joseph: Accessible and balanced red and white wines, on granitic soils. Perfect for discovering Northern Rhône Syrah.

Crozes-Hermitage: The largest appellation, offering fruity and supple red wines, as well as fresh and delicious whites.

Hermitage: A legendary name, with reds of impressive depth and whites among the greatest in France, known for their richness and aging capacity.

Cornas: Exclusively in red, this appellation produces 100% Syrah wines, powerful, full-bodied, and built for aging.

Saint-Péray: Less known but undergoing a revival, it produces still and sparkling whites from Marsanne and Roussanne, combining freshness and roundness.

What Dishes to Pair with Northern Rhône Wine?

Northern Rhône wines offer an incredibly varied palette of food and wine pairings. Here are some suggestions to elevate these nectars:

Classic pairings: A Côte-Rôtie will wonderfully accompany duck breast with figs, while a white Hermitage will enhance monkfish with beurre blanc.

Modern pairings: A Saint-Joseph red will be perfect with a aged beef burger, while a Condrieu will wonderfully complement a porcini mushroom risotto.

World cuisine: A Cornas will divinely pair with grilled Wagyu beef, and a white Crozes-Hermitage will bring an elegant touch to a Thai shrimp curry.

Your Questions, Our Answers on Northern Rhône Wines

What is the difference between the Northern and Southern Rhône?
The Northern Rhône is dominated by Syrah, which produces more structured and spicy wines. The Southern Rhône, on the other hand, blends several grape varieties such as Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, offering more sunny and generous wines.

Are the Coteaux du Lyonnais part of the Northern Rhône?
No, the Coteaux du Lyonnais are not considered Northern Rhône wines. Although they are located between Beaujolais and the Northern Rhône, they are administratively attached to the Beaujolais vineyard. The main grape variety there is Gamay, unlike the Northern Rhône where Syrah dominates for reds. The wine styles are therefore different, with Coteaux du Lyonnais being fruitier and lighter, similar to Beaujolais wines.

What grape varieties are used in the Northern Rhône?
Red: 100% Syrah.
White: Viognier (Condrieu, Château-Grillet), Marsanne and Roussanne (Hermitage, Saint-Péray, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph).

What is the average price of a Northern Rhône wine?
The price varies according to the appellation and the domain. You can find Crozes-Hermitage from €15-20, while an Hermitage or a Côte-Rôtie can exceed €100 for the great cuvées.

How long can a Northern Rhône wine be kept?
Crozes-Hermitage and Saint-Joseph: 5 to 10 years.
Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Cornas: 15 to 30 years for the best vintages.
Condrieu and Château-Grillet: best drunk rather young (3 to 8 years) to enjoy their fruitiness.

What are the best vintages for the Northern Rhône?
The 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2020 vintages are particularly successful, offering concentrated and balanced wines. Fans of old vintages will also appreciate 1990, 1999, and 2005.

Can you visit domains in the Northern Rhône?
Yes, many domains offer tastings, particularly in Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, and Saint-Joseph. The region also offers magnificent panoramas to discover on the wine route.

The Northern Rhône is a wine region of character, offering wines of incredible richness and diversity. Whether you're a fan of spicy Syrah or aromatic Viognier, you'll surely find what you're looking for in our selection. Discover our cuvées and let yourself be tempted by these jewels of the Rhône Valley!

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