Rhône Part 2: Northern Rhône

The French have named this part of the Rhône region ‘Septentrionales’ (and the southern region is titled ‘Méridionales’). The Northern Rhône is about 36 miles in length and its vineyards account for the smallest portion of the entire regions production.

Starting in the most northern tip we have Côtes-Rôtie, which means, “roasted slope”. The northern region in general is narrow with quite steep sides and most vineyards will be planted on the western bank of the river to proved maximum sun exposure and minimum ‘mistral’ exposure (as mentioned last week). Côtes-Rôtie is very lucky in that it really has minimum problems from the mistral and gets a lot of sun. Syrah (or Shiraz) is a very popular AC grape in Rhône and is the grape of choice for the greater majority of wine in this region. Some white is grown, however, and from a most interesting grape called Viognier. Its yields are very low but its quality is exceptional – with an apricot, musky feel to it. A final note about Côtes-Rôtie is that its very best vineyards are known as Côte Brune and Côte Blonde and this refers to the shade of the topsoil in the particular vineyards – and you may see these names on labels, it is an indication of quality.

Next to here is Condrieu – a region that grows only Viognier! The wine from this area is very individual and very full bodied for white wine. Chateau-Grillet within this region is also producing Viognier, which is aged in oak, an interesting combination.

Further down is Saint-Joseph which focuses on the signature Syrah. Some whites are grown here from another grape of distinction and quality – Roussanne – quite a peachy grape. Another white grape is Marsanne, however if it is not picked early it has a tendency to oxidize and so it is not grown as much as it used to be.

We already talked about the high quality of wines from Hermitage last week and their significance in history. Today powerful reds are still being made from Syrah. Within the region are some small sites, which are titled “mas” – each one has a historical reputation and one can expect wine of high quality from any such location as grapes are grown in low yields. The reds of Hermitage with their extended maceration and resultant strength, as you would expect, are best aged. This region is very famous with an excellent reputation. Crozes-Hermitage surrounds the above region and produces a lot lighter wines with a lesser reputation.

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