Rhône

The valley of the Rhône from Lyon to the Mediterranean offers much in the way of striking scenery, from the dizzyingly steep slopes of Côte Rôtie, via the dramatic cliffs of Saint-Peray, to the Provençale palette of the Côtes du Rhône, set against the spectacular backdrop of the Dentelles de Montmirail and Mont Ventoux.

This diverse region that presents such a feast for the eyes has become one of the world’s most exciting fine wine-producing areas. A new generation of passionate young grower-winemakers has begun producing wines under their own labels once contracts with the négociants expired. Their enthusiasm and attention to detail have tremendously boosted the quality and distinctiveness of the wines, which are amazingly well priced for the quality they offer.

Within the region, there are two distinct areas that make quite different styles of wine. Deeply-coloured reds made from Syrah, rich whites based on Marsanne and Roussanne, and (in Condrieu only) intensely-perfumed whites from Viognier come from between Lyon and Valence. South of Montélimar, Grenache dominates the paler but velvety red wines, with Syrah, Mourvèdre and others forming a supporting cast.

Whites also tend to be blends, based on Grenache Blanc. Because of the geographical separation of these two areas and the different grapes grown, the character of a given vintage will vary considerably between the two.

Recent Rhône vintages

2008  Softer than 2007, with fantastic purity of fruit among both reds and whites we have encountered so far from Côte Rôtie, Condrieu, Cornas and Châteauneuf du Pape.

2007  "...may be the most compelling vintage of any viticultural region I have ever tasted." - Robert Parker. A famous vintage for the Southern Rhône with concentrated yet fresh and long-lasting wines. We have also been very impressed with the many Northern Rhône 2007 reds we have tasted.

2006  A little like 2004 for its approachability, but with more intensity, vibrancy and perfume.

2005  Marvellous reds for keeping. Whites tended to be overripe and should be drunk up.