Rhone Wine
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE
The first of the appellations to be established, is an area
on the east bank of the Rhone to the north of Avignon and
includes the estates occupied by the Popes during their residence
in that city. Both white and red wines are made, but the reds
are justly regarded for their strength and power, combined
with a deceptive softness.
Eight grape varieties of which the chief are Grenache and
Syrah, are blended to produce the wines which acquire their
unique characteristics from the fact that the surface of the
vineyards is covered with large stones which radiate back
the heat absorbed from the sun and almost “cook”
the grapes while they are on the vines. The wine bottles of
Chateauneuf-du-Pape are entitled to bear the papal arms embossed
on them.
HERMITAGE & CROZES HERMITAGE
These two appellations occupy the left bank of the river Rhone
to the north of the town of Tournon. Both white and red wines
are made, the former from the Marsanne and Roussanne, and
the latter exclusively from the Syrah grape. The white wines
are dry and delicate, while the reds are full-bodied and soft
to the palate.
The vineyards of Hermitage are divided into three first and
ten second growths. The appellation of Crozes Hermitage in
effect surrounds that of Hermitage. Its wines are similar,
but are considered by some to be lighter, although still eminently
drinkable.
COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES
An area covering a portion of the Rhone valley above the river’s
junction with the river Aygues and stretching in a roughly
crescent shape from the village of Rousset-lesVignes at its
northern end to St. Gervais and Laudun at its southerly point.
Within this area there are, in all, seventeen villages which
having complied with more stringent controls regarding yield
and alcoholic strength, and an annual tasting test, may add
the name of the individual village to the general Cotes du
Rhone, or may describe their wines as Cotes du Rhone Villages.
The wines are red and are made from the Grenache and a number
of other grape varieties grown in the Cotes du Rhone. Within
this area the village of Gigondas now enjoys its own Appellation
Controlee for both red and rose wines.
Burgundy |
Bordeaux |
Chablis | Rhone
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