Rhone Valley

This is the second most important wine producing area in France. In the north you will find Cotes Rotie, Saint Joseph, Hermitage and Crozes Hermitage, whilst the South is dominated by Chateauneuf du Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Lirac, Tavel and Cotes du Rhone Villages.These are the appellations with the best reputations.

Main Grape Varieties

Southern Rhone
Reds
Grenache.Carignan.Cinsault. Mourvedre and Syrah

Whites
Far less important than the reds.
Bourbelenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Picpoul.

Northern Rhone
Reds
Syrah

Whites
Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne