The Rhône Valley was the result of a geological clash between Massif Central and the Alps montain range which has created a rift valley flooded by the Mediteranean. As a result the Rhône valley soils are very complex and diversed and consists of four different types of rock: granite, clay, limestone and sand.
It is one of the most ancient wine growing area which was established during the Roman antique time.
In the south of the Rhône valley the climate is mediterannean and give the opportunity the grow a lot of differents grape types. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault are the most important but Grenache is definitely the king of the south of the Rhône. Orginally from Spain this grape varietal like the sunny and dry conditions offered in the region.
The south of valley produces a lot of wine, but what is the hierarchy?
Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône villages, Côtes du Rhône villages + commune, Côtes du Rhône Crus (Chateauneuf du Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Tavel, Lirac, Rasteau, Cairanne, Beaumes de Venise, Vinsobres).