Southern Rhône Valley

The Southern Rhône region in France is known for its warm, rich, and spicy wines, especially compared to the drier wines of Bordeaux. This area produces some of France’s most alcoholic wines, like Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which often reaches 14-15% alcohol without added sugar.

The key grape here is Grenache, which gives the wines a fruity, easy-to-enjoy character. The warm Mediterranean climate, rocky soils, and limited rainfall help concentrate the flavors. Large pebbles around the vines store heat during the day and keep them warm at night, helping the grapes ripen.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the most famous wine, made from a blend of up to 19 different grapes. Other well-known reds include those from Gigondas, Vacqueyras, and Lirac. Most red blends contain Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre (GSM), giving them bold flavors of dark fruit, spice, and chocolate. Wines from the left bank are fuller and richer, while those from the right bank are a bit lighter and fruitier.

The region also produces excellent white wines, often blends of grapes like Roussanne, Clairette, and Viognier. Tavel is famous for its top-quality rosé, once called "the wine of kings."