Region
Diversity is the beauty of the Rhône and nowhere more so than in the appellation of Côtes du Rhône Villages where each winemaking village has its own characteristics.
Whether a named village or a “Cru”, each imparts its own unique terroir onto the wine – individuality which we aim to enhance in the finished wine.
The Rhône’s international reputation for producing consistent wines, which are both fairly priced and enjoyable to drink, stems from a combination of natural assets, together with a determination to keep yields amongst the lowest in France in order to preserve quality.
The region enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate influenced by the Mistral wind, which enhances the growth of the vines. The climate is a blend of heavy rainfall, high temperatures and long intervals of exceptional sunshine, each of which plays its part in the growing and ripening process.
The terrain benefits from the alluvial deposits of the vast river Rhône, which has carved out hills and vales through the length of the region, creating a complex and varied landscape with a wide range of different soils. This in turn gives rise to the variety of wine styles on offer.
The region also grows a number of different grape varieties: Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre are the dominant varieties. Others such as Cinsault, Carignan and Counoise are used in smaller quantities to achieve wines with unique character. Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne are also grown to produce the region’s distinctive white wines.
