Northern Rhône Wine Overview

1. The Region

The Northern Rhône lies in southeastern France, running along the Rhône River between Vienne and Valence.
It’s a small but famous area with steep hillside vineyards and a continental climate—cold winters, warm summers, and dry autumns.
A strong wind called the Mistral keeps vines healthy but can damage young shoots.

Vineyards grow on terraces cut into the slopes, where all the work must be done by hand.

2. Main Grapes

• Syrah (red): The only red grape; produces deep-coloured, spicy wines with black fruit and black pepper notes.
• Viognier (white): Grown in Condrieu; rich and aromatic, with apricot and floral flavours.
• Marsanne and Roussanne (white): Often blended for fuller-bodied wines with nutty, honeyed notes.

In Côte-Rôtie, a little Viognier can be mixed with Syrah to add perfume and softness.

3. Famous Appellations

• Côte-Rôtie: Elegant, perfumed Syrah; the slopes of Côte Brune give structure, while Côte Blonde gives softer, aromatic wines.
• Condrieu: 100% Viognier; rich, floral white wines.
• Hermitage: Powerful, long-lived Syrah and rich whites.
• Crozes-Hermitage & Saint-Joseph: Softer, fruitier reds and some whites.
• Cornas: Warmest site; dense, full-bodied Syrah.
• Saint-Péray: White and sparkling wines from Marsanne and Roussanne.

4. Why It’s Special

The Northern Rhône is the home of Syrah, producing some of the world’s best examples—from elegant, floral Côte-Rôtie to intense, age-worthy Hermitage and Cornas.
Its steep granite slopes, strong winds, and skilled handwork make cultivation difficult, but the results are wines that are powerful, expressive, and truly unique.