In southeastern France, we find the Rhône wine region. If you love powerful reds and full-bodied whites, this region might just be your favorite. The region is named after the eponymous river that runs through it. Thanks to its unique location and expansive terrain, there are many different climates and terroirs. And that's precisely what makes Rhône wines so special.

The division in the Rhone region

The river divides the region into two, the southern Rhône and the northern Rhône. By far the most wine is produced in the south. The area boasts a Mediterranean climate with soil rich in clay and sand. And it's precisely this warm climate that the grapes love so much. The Grenache grape plays a dominant role on this side of the river. But there are also about fifteen other red grape varieties planted. This allows winemakers much more room for experimentation, and most wines from the south are Rhône blends. The red wines are known for their refinement and fruity flavors.

The famous and powerful Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines

In the southern part of the Rhône, we find Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Powerful red wines are produced here, beloved and renowned worldwide. The quality of the wines is unparalleled, but vinifying good wines here is anything but easy. A great deal of expertise and courage is expected of the winemakers. In a Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine, each grape variety has its own role to play. In a blend, the grapes enhance each other, and no grape is inferior to the other. One winery that is happy to show its boldness is Delas. This long-standing winery owns vineyards that cover almost the entire commune. The Delas Châteauneuf du Pape is a powerful wine that has been aged for an impressive 14 months. This results in strong aromas and an even more powerful, full flavor.

Besides Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Cotes du Rhône appellation is also found in the south of the Rhône. The terroir here is quite diverse, ranging from sandy soils to small-scale soils. This results in wines that are incredibly different from one another, making it even more interesting to explore the wines from this region.

The white Rhône wines

After the south, the northern Rhône is also a key component of this region's success. Significantly fewer wines are produced there, but thanks to the continental climate with warm summers and cold winters, a variety of wines can be found. A major difference from the south is that one grape variety is by far the most important here: Syrah. But the white wines are also worth exploring. And we're talking about ripe, full-bodied white wines. For those, you absolutely have to go to the northern Rhône. For example, many Viognier vines are planted there, particularly in the village of Condrieu. Winery M. Chapoutier, with its Invitare Condrieu, has succeeded in producing a classy Viognier-based wine. This fantastic white wine has a beautiful bouquet of aromas and a balanced flavor with just the right amount of freshness. A winery that perfectly demonstrates why the Rhône is the place to be for good wine.