Rhone

Subcategories

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  Cornas

  The appellation of Cornas is lesser-known than its northern counterparts, but has the ability to make delicious, hearty, long-lasting wines. The hills of Cornas are steep and hug the Rhone river, as many Northern Rhone appellations do. Cornas is typically best when aged for up to 10 years, although pioneer winemakers, like Jean-Luc Columbo, are now producing wines that require less time in bottle for maximum enjoyment.

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  Cote rotie

  This prestigious cru is made from Syrah grapes that when combined with the viognier produce extraordinarily delicate aromas and remarkably fine tannins.

  
  The wine’s beautiful ruby colour, the complex and elegant nose of spices, summer fruits, black fruits, and violet, its robustness and of course its pedigree make this a highly sought after wine.

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  Hermitage

  The vineyard’s perfect location on the left-bank of the Rhône is known for its exposure to the sun, the influence of the Mediterranean, and for being sheltered from the northerly winds.

  This harmony between the soils and the exposure are perfect for Syrah that, in the area’s red crus, finds the perfect expression of its strength. This balance is also reflected in the tannins that oscillate between strength and finesse.
  
  The appellation also produces light and golden white wines that are characterized by floral notes with a touch of vanilla, and nutty aromas dominated by roasted almonds... Finally, the Hermitage cru can produce incredibly rare straw wines, made from the appellation’s white grape varieties.

  Grapes variety:

  The red wine, made using Syrah, can contain up to 15% Roussanne and Marsanne, and is a deep ruby red colour. As it ages, this strong wine, meaty and robust, acquires a surprising roundness and flexibility. Ageing incredibly well, the best vintages become finer and more harmonious over time, developing exquisite notes of violet, spices, and blackcurrant.
  
  The Hermitage white wines, made from Marsanne and Roussane grapes, display a wonderful yellow colour and are of a rare smoothness. They develop the creamy, honeyed aromas of hazelnut, peach, and apricot, and may even reveal scents of iris, narcissus, and linden. They can be kept for decades.

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  Chateauneuf-du-pape

  In addition to the diversity of the 13 varieties of grape, it is characterized by its consistent soil quality. The limestone earth produces full, aromatic white wines with a crisp freshness.

  To the South, the clay soil with galets roulés (small round pebbles) produces full bodied, well structured wines: the epitome of their kind.

  To the North, the sandy earth produces light, yet fine and spicy wines.

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  Condrieu

  Condrieu is arguably the northern Rhone's most distinctive wine appellation. It covers white wines made exclusively from Viognier.

  The appellation was created in 1940, and today over 40 growers make wines from just over 100 hectares of vineyards.