Wines of the Rhône Valley – powerful reds and diverse terroirs

Rhône Valley: diversity and richness of a great French vineyard

The Rhône Valley, France's second-largest wine region, stretches over 200 km from south of Lyon to Avignon. It is divided into two main wine-growing areas: the Northern Rhône , cooler and steeper, and the Southern Rhône , wider and sunnier. Each offers wines with a distinctive character, from powerful reds to aromatic whites, including luscious rosés. Prestigious appellations exist alongside more approachable wines, making this region a benchmark for wine lovers.

Northern Rhône: the elegance of Syrah and Viognier

To the north, the vines grow on steep slopes, often terraced, with granite and schist soils. This is the realm of Syrah , the only permitted red grape variety, which produces deep, spicy, peppery, and floral wines. Here you'll find legendary appellations such as Côte-Rôtie , Saint-Joseph , Cornas , and Hermitage , with their complex and elegant red wines, perfect for aging.

For white wines, the star grape varieties are Viognier (Condrieu), Roussanne , and Marsanne . Northern white wines are distinguished by their aromatic richness, their smoothness, and their aging potential.

The Southern Rhône: the bounty of sunshine and blends

To the south, the climate is warmer and more Mediterranean. The terroir is composed of rolled pebbles, red clay, and limestone. Here, the wines are the result of blends often dominated by Grenache , complemented by Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cinsault, and other indigenous grape varieties. The reds are full-bodied, spicy, warm, and generous.

The Southern Rhône boasts iconic appellations such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape , Gigondas , Vacqueyras , Cairanne , Rasteau , and the vast Côtes-du-Rhône and Côtes-du-Rhône Villages . White wines are also produced here, often expressive, floral, and balanced, while the rosés are prized for their lusciousness.

Rich and varied food and wine pairings

A northern red pairs well with grilled meats, duck breast, or a rich, saucy dish like wild boar stew. A Condrieu will beautifully complement poultry in a cream sauce or pan-seared foie gras. Southern reds are a wonderful accompaniment to Provençal cuisine: daube, tagine, leg of lamb, ratatouille. Rosé wines are perfect for summer, as an aperitif or with Mediterranean dishes.

Les Vins de Carole: a selection for every palate

At Les Vins de Carole, we celebrate the richness of the Rhône Valley through a rigorous selection process: Grand Cru wines from the north, sun-drenched cuvées from the south, crisp rosés, and aromatic whites. Whether you're looking for a thirst-quenching wine or an exceptional bottle to age, our selection invites you to discover the full spectrum of a generous terroir, where each grape variety tells its own story.