🇫🇷FRANCE–Northern Rhone

NORTHERN RHONE IS–   AOC.- 12     @Vienne/ Valence

• BLANC= Jacquere AKA=Cugnette, Marsanne, Rousanne, Viognier
• ROUGE= Syrah(Indigenous?), Serine, Terret Noir
  • –International– Grenache AKA=Garnacha, Zinfandel

GOPOGRAPHY– France(South Central), REGOIN-Northern Rhone, +Latitude(45.76° to 44.80°‘N’)

• South of Lyon-City(36km.), BETWEEN-Vienne(North) to Valence(South), (65km. Long)
• DEPARTMENTS-Ardeche, Drome, Isere
• Sub-Zones/ AOC.’s– Brezeme AOC.(Un-Official), Chateau-Grillet AOC., Condrieu AOC., Cornas AOC., Coteaux du Lyonnais AOC, Cote Rotie AOC., Cotes-du-Rhone AOC., Crozes-Hermitage AOC., Hermitage AOC., Seyssuel AOC.(Un-Official), St. Peray AOC., St. Joseph AOC.
• GRAND CRU- Most Demanding Level of Quality and Distinction.
  • 17 Named Appellation Are Allowed to Be Recognized by Their Village Without the Mention of Cote Du Rhone On Label.
  • Southern Rhone-(9)– Beaumes de Venise AOC., Cairanne AOC., Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC., Diois AOC., Gigondas AOC., Lirac AOC., Rasteau AOC., Tavel AOC., Vacqueyras AOC., Vinsorbes AOC.
  • Northern Rhone-(8)– Chateau-Grillet AOC., Condrieu AOC., Cornas AOC., Cote-Rotie AOC., Crozes-Hermitage AOC., Hermitage AOC., Saint-Joseph AOC., Saint Peray AOC.

TOPOGRAPHY– FEATURES– “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Terraced/ Valley(Rhone)”

• SLOPES/ Granitic Escarpment, +Altitude(116mt. to 400mt.), Extension of Massif Central
• On~Rhone~River~(West & East), “Frances Main North-South Water Artery.”
• TOPOGRAPHIC EVENTS- Created During Last Ice Age When Rhone Glacier Carved the Rhone Valley.
• The Rhone River Valley
  • Geography- The Rhone River Valley Which Drains Much of the Western Alps Starts as Run-Off  From the Rhone Glacier In the Saint-Gotthard Massif at Its “Source/ Head-Waters” of the Upper Rhone Valley In the Canton of Valais, Switzerland at 2,208 mt.  The 813 km. River Flows Through Valais, Lake Geneva, Savoie, the Rhone Valley and Provence Before Entering the Mediterranean Sea. The Rhone River Has Always Been an Important Highway/ Trade Route Since the Times of the Greeks and Romans.

SOILS– “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”, Granite, Gneiss

• Calcareous-Schist, Granitic-Sandy Soil, Alluvial Quaternary Delt Deposits, Pliocene Marl, Limestone, Silica
•  Slope Wash- A Concern, Soil is Gathered and Carried Back to Top of Vineyards.

CLIMATE– “Continental” With “Mediterranean” Influences

• +WINDS~~Le Minstral~
  • Origins Begin In the Massif Central of Central France and Blow South Through the Rhone Valley and Into the Mediterranean Sea.

VITICULTURE–  ? ha. Planted,  Harvested by Hand,  *Outstanding Vintages– ’98,’01,’05,’07

• Vine Training- Echalas(Staked Vine) Trellis System-  The Crown of the Young Vine is Developed In a Bush Vine Shape to Start.  The Shoots Are Then Tied to the One Pole. (No Wires Are Used.)  
  • Benefits– This Trellis Style Allows Bunches to Ripen In Mini-Microclimates That Are Well Aerated Allows Sun to Enters the Canopy In “Dapple Light” From All Directions.  Echalas is Also Good In Steep Slopes Vineyards and In High Wind Areas.
• CHALLENGES/ Water Stress
• Terraces- Romans Built Terraces to Stop “Slope Wash”. Construction of the Stone Terraces Walls Provide Two Purposes. They Remove the Large Rocks From the Soils, Facilitating Cultivation, and They Prevent the Remaining Soils From Washing Down the Hill In Rainstorms.
• VINTAGE RATING- (Rating On 1-5 Scale, Provided by Decanter Magazine)
  • 2021-  ?        2020- 4.5     2019- 4     2018- 3.5     2017- 4
  • 2016- 4.5     2015- 5         2014- 3     2013- 3.5      2012- 4
  • 2011- 3.5      2010- 5        2007- 5     2005- 5         2001- 5  
  • 1998- 5

HISTORY– 

• 1500 BC. @Rhone Valley– Romans Introduce and Establish Quality Viticulture and Reputation For Wine.
• 1865- @Rhone Valley– Phylloxera Arrived In the Northern Rhone Valley.

CULTURE– Northern Rhone Valley is Officially Called Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes.

• PIONEERS~ ~Chave Family~  Wine Growing Family In Northern Rhone Since 1481(16 Generations)
  • Currently Gerard and Son Jean-Louis Head the Family Winery.
• WINE ROUTE~ ~Route du Septentrion~ (Northern Rhone)
  • ~Cote du Rhone Wine Routes~ Series of Traveling Routes Between Vienna and Avignon That Allow For Wine Tourism In Different Section of the Rhone Valley.
• GASTRONOMY…   |   CHEESE… Bleu d’Auvergne(Cow/ Blue), Rigotte de Condrieu(Goat/ Fresh)
• WINE DAYS~ ~International Syrah Day~ (February 16th.)

**Northern Rhone Wine Map Images Courtesy of Delong Maps, Purchase Maps at Delongwine.com

“South of Lyon, a Couple Hundred Meters Past the Border of the Old Roman City of Vienne the Vineyards of the Northern Rhone Begin.”

Cotes du Rhone Septentrionaux

COTEAUX Du LYONNAIS AOC.     @Lyon

• BLANC= Aligoté, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc   |   ROUGE= Syrah
• GEOGRAPHY– France, REGION-Northern Rhone Valley(North), DEPARTMENTS-Rhone
  • West of Lyon-City(     km.), +Latitude(45.76°‘N’)
  • Sub-Zones- Mont d’Or(North), L’Arbresle Valley(Central), Southern Area(South)
  • BETWEEN-Beaujolais & Northern Rhone Valley But Not Considered Part of Either.
• TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly”
  • SLOPES/ Massif Central-Monts du Lyonnais, +Altitude( ? mt.), On~Rhone~River~(West)
• VITICULTURE- 290 ha. Planted
  • Estate/ Producers- Baptiste Nayrand, Clusel-Roch, Guillaume Clusel, De La Petite Gallee, Regis Descotes, Saint-Bel(C0.-Op.)
• HISTORY & CULTURE- 1984- AOC. Officially Established.

SEYSSUEL AOC. (Un-Official)     @Vienne

• BLANC= Viognier   |   ROUGE= Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
• GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Northern Rhone Valley(North), DEPARTMENTS-Rhone
  • COMMUNES– Chasse-sur-Rhone, Seyssuel, Vienne,  North of Vienne-City(5km.), South of Lyon-City(30km.)
  • BETWEEN-Lyon & Vienne(Not Considered Part of Rhone Valley.)
  • Sub-Zones- Chasse-sur-Rhone, Seyssuel, Vienne
• TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly”, +Altitude( ? mt.), On~Rhone~River~(East)
• SOILS- “Metamorphic”, Schist-Quartzite, Schist-Mica
• VITICULTURE- 80 ha. Planted
  • Estate/ Producers- Bott, Cave Yves Cuilleron, Christophe Billon, Eymin-Tichoux, Garon, Francois Villard, Ogier(Stephane)(3.5ha.), Pierre Gaillard, Pierre-Jean Villa, Les Vignobles de Seyssuel
• VINICULTURE- Wine Produced Here Labeled Under Collines Rhodaniennes IGP.

COTE ROTIE AOC.     @Ampuis, Vienne

• BLANC= Viognier 8%    |   ROUGE= Syrah 90%, Serine, Terret Noir
• GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Northern Rhone Valley(North), DEPARTMENTS-Rhone
  • CITIES-Ampuis, Verenay, @Hw.#A7, +Latitude(45.48°‘N’)
  • COMMUNES-Ampuis, St. Cyr sur le Rhone, Tupin-Semons
  • BORDERS-Condrieu AOC.(South-East)
• TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Hilly/ Mountainous/ Terraces/ Valley(Rhone)”
  • SLOPES/ Massif Central(Foot Hills), +Altitude(330mt.), 10 Ridges 600mt. Wide, On~Rhone~River~(West)
• SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Granite, Schist(High Manganese, Iron), Gneiss, Wind-Loess
• CLIMATE- “Continental”, +WINDS~ ~Le Minstral~
• VITICULTURE- 290 ha. Planted, 130 Owners, Hand Harvested
  • 1940 AOC. Officially Established, Lieux-Dits- 75 Official
  • *Cote Rotie is Considered 1 of 8 Cru-Level Regions/ Wines of Northern Rhone.
• VINICULTURE-
  • Wine Must Be Syrah +80%, Co-Fermented With Viognier -20% to Be Labeled AOC.
  • Producers Can Use Up to 20% Viognier But Seldom Use More Than 10%.
• CULTURE-
  • ~Etymology~ “Cote Rotie” Meaning.. “Roasted Slope”
    • Refers to the Long Hours of Sunlight That the AOC. Receives.
  • PIONEERS~ ~Etienne/ Marcel/ Philippe Guigal~  Founder and Current Owner
• SUB-ZONES Of COTE-ROTIE
• St. CYR SUR Le RHONE– (North Cote Rote)
  •  Lieux-Dits...Bourrier, La Chapuise, Cumelle, Le Mont, Montilys, Planeze, Plany, Remilly, Servonniere, Vezerance, Le Village
• AMPUIS– (Central Cote Rotie)
  • Lieux-Dits...Arzelie, Baleyat, Bas-Boucharey, Bertholon, Besset, Bonniviere, Le Bourg, La Brocarde, La Brosse, Le Carcan, Le Champin, Champon, Chavaroche, Cognet, Combachez, Le Combard, Cote-Baudin, Cote-Rozier, Fongeant, Fourvier, Gerine, Le Goutay,  Grandes-Places, Grand-Taillis, Janet, Lancement, La Landonne(2.3ha.), Leyat, Les Lesardes, Marsanne, Le Mollard, Montmain, Mornachon, Les Moutonnes, Neve, Le Plomb, Ritolas, Les Rochains, La Roche, Rozier, La Taquiere, Tartaras, La Triotte, Le Truchet, Verenay, La Vialliere
  • Cote Brune–  ~Etymology~Lord Maugiron Deeded This Site to His Dark-Haired Daughter.
    • SOILS= “Dark”, Mica, Iron-Rich Schist, Clay
    • Vineyards- La Turque(1.2ha.)(Top of Slope)
      • La Landonne- +Altitude(275mt.), +Gradient(45°), Planted 1975.
      • Some Experts Consider La Landonne is Its Own Sub-Zone.
    • Cote Brune and Cote Blonde, Are Separated by a Deep Stream-Eroded Ravine.
  • Cote Blonde– ~Etymology~ Lord Maugiron Deeded This Site to His Blond-Haired Daughter.
    • SOILS= “Pale”, Gneiss, Granite, Schist, Limestone, Silica
    • Vineyards- La Mouline(1.2ha.)/ 11% Viognier/ Co-Fermented
• TUPIN-SEMONS– (South Cote Rotie)
  • Lieux-Dits…Les Bercheries, Beton, Bons-Arrets, But de Mont, Collet, Corps de Loup, Coteaux de Bassenon, Coteaux de Sumons, Coteaux de Tupin, Maisons-Blanches, Maison-Rouge, Pimotins, Semons
• Estate/ Producers-  Bernard Burgaud, Billon, Bonserine, Chapoutier, Delas Freres, Duclaux, E. Guigal(34ha.), Faury, Georges Vernay, JP Jamet, Jean-Michel Gerin, Levet, Monteillet, Ogier, Patrick Jasmin, Rostaing, Stephan(2ha.), Tardieu-Laurent, Vidal-Fleury, Xavier Gerard

CONDRIEU AOC.     @Condrieu

• BLANC= Viognier, Jacquere   |   ROUGE= Syrah
• GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Northern Rhone Valley(North), DEPARTMENTS-Ardeche
  • (19km. Long), @Hw.#A7, +Latitude(45.46°‘N’)
  • BORDERS-Cote Rotie AOC.(North), (In/ Laps)St. Joseph AOC.(South)
  • Sub-Zones- Chateau-Grillet AOC.(South)
  • COMMUNES-(7)-Limony, Chavanay, La Combe, Malleval, Saint-Michel, Verin, Condrieu, Saint-Pierre-Boeuf
• TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Valley(Rhone)/ Terraces”
  • SLOPES/ Massif Central(Foot Hills), +Altitude( ? mt.), On~Rhone~River~(West)
• SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”
  • Granite, Clay, Sandy Top-Soil Over Mignatite, Limestone, Flint
  • Arzelle(Decomposed Granite, Mica, Shale, Clay)
• CLIMATE- “Continental”, +WINDS~~Le Minstral~
  • *Summers– Hot, Dry   |   *Winters– Cold, Wet
• VITICULTURE- 199 ha. Planted
  • *Condrieu is Considered 1 of 8 Cru-Level Regions/ Wines of Northern Rhone.
  • Estate/ Producers- A & E, Andre Perret, Cave Yves Builleron, Chambeyron, Christophe Pichon, Clape, Clos de la Bonnette, Delas Freres, Durand, Francois Merlin, Francois Villard, Garon, Georges Vernay, La Grande Colline, E. Guigal, Francois Merlin, Jean-Luc Colombo, Lagrezette, Laurent, Lionel Faury, De Monteillet, Mouton, Mucyn, Niero(Remi), Pierre Jean Villa, Perret, Remi Niero, Roland Grangier, Rostaing, Saint Cosme, Stephane Ogier, Tardieu, Thierry Allemand, Vernay(Georges), Vignobles Chirat, Vincent Paris, Xavier Gerard, Yves Cuilleron
  • Vineyards/ Lieux-Dits- Les Aires, Boucher, La Caille, Chaban, Chaillees d l’Enfer, Chanson, Le Combe, Cote Bonnette, Cote Chatillon, Coteau de Chery, Coteau de Vernon, Fourchat, La Geynale, Le Gros, Jouvet, La Legre, La Louvee, Matlingois, Patou, Les Pibous, Poncins, Les Prés, Les Rieux, La Roncharde, Rougeole, Les Ruchets, Sabarotte, Saint-Pierre, Ste-Agathe, Terres Brûlées, Theziet
• VINICULTURE- Wine Other Than Viognier Produced In Condrieu Can Be Labeled Rhodaniennes IGP.
• HISTORY- The Viognier Grape Has Been Cultivated In Condrieu For +2000 Years.
  • 1940- AOC. Officially Established.
• CULTURE- “Condrieu”…+Pronounced…“Con-Drew”
  • ~Etymology~ “Condrieu/ Coin de Ruisseau” Meaning.. “Corner of the Brook”
  • WINE HOLIDAYS~ ~International Viognier Day~ (April 29th., 4th. Friday)
  • GASTRONOMY… River Trout
  • CHEESE… Rigotte de Condrieu(Goat/ Fresh)

CHATEAU-GRILLET AOC.      @Grillet

• BLANC= Viognier
• GEOGRAPHY- France. REGION-Northern Rhone Valley(North), DEPARTMENTS-Rhone
  • In Condrieu AOC.(North), Saint-Joseph AOC.(South), +Latitude(45.45°‘N’)
  • COMMUNES-St.Michel-sur-Rhone, Verin
• TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Valley(Rhone)/ Terraces/ Amphitheater”
  • SLOPES/ Massif Central(Foot Hills), +Altitude(150mt. to 250mt.), On~Rhone~River~(West)
• CLIMATE- “Continental”, +WINDS~~Le Minstral~
• VITICULTURE- 3.8 ha. Planted
  • *Chateau-Grillet is Considered 1 of 8 Cru-Level Regions/ Wines of Northern Rhone.
  • Estate/ Producers- Chateau-Grillet“Monopole”
• VINICULTURE- Wine Must Be 100% Viognier to Be Labeled Chateau-Grillet AOC.
  • Wine Must Be 100% Viognier to Be Labeled Chateau-Grillet AOC.
  • Brandy- Fine du Chateau-Grillet(Distilled From Wine), Marc du Chateau-Grillet(Pomace)
• CULTURE- 1936- AOC. Officially Established.

ST. JOSEPH AOC.     @Mauves, Tournon

• BLANC= Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier
• ROUGE= Syrah
• GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Northern Rhone Valley(Central), DEPARTMENTS-Rhone
  • BORDERS-(Laps)Condrieu AOC.(North), Cornas AOC.(South), Crozes-Hermitage AOC.(South-East)
  • (25km. Long & 15km. Wide), @Hw.#N82/ A7, +Latitude(45.03°‘N’)
  • COMMUNES-(26)-Original 6, Until 1956: Glun, Lemps, Mauves, St. Jean de Muzols, Tournon, Vion
  • Sub-Zones- Northern Zone,  Southern Zone
• TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley(Rhone)”, +Aspect(East-Prodominatly)
  • SLOPES/ Massif Central(Foot Hills), +Altitude( ? mt.), On~Rhone~River~(West)
• SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Granite, Mica-Schist, Limestone, Clay, Gneiss
• CLIMATE- “Continental”, +WINDS~ ~Le Minstral~
• VITICULTURE- 1,200 ha. Planted,  Culture of Using Goblet Vine Training.
  • *St. Joseph is Considered 1 of 8 Cru-Level Regions/ Wines of Northern Rhone.
• VINICULTURE- Some Examples of Carbonic Maceration.
  • Wine Must Be +90% Syrah to Be Labeled St. Joseph AOC.
  • Viognier Produced In the Lapping Section of Condrieu North of Charnas is Labeled /Condrieu AOC.
• SUB-ZONES Of ST. JOSEPH
  • NORTHERN ZONE–      @
    • Geography- Northern Rhone(North)-
      • VILLAGES– Ardoix, Andnace, Arras-sur-Rhone, Charnas, Chavanay, Felines, Malleval, Ozon, Sarras, Secheras, St. Desirat,, St. Pierre de Boiuf,  Talencieux 
    • Estate/ Producers- Becheras, Gilles Barge, Monier-Perreol, Yves Guilleron
  • SOUTHERN ZONE–
    • Geography- Northern Rhone(South)-
      • VILLAGES– Chateaubourg, Glun, Lemps, Mauves, St. Jean-de-Muzols, Tournon, Vion
    • Estate/ Producers- Chave, Coursodon, Gonon(Pierre), Gripa, Lionel Faury, Trollat
  • Estate/ Producers(Not Found In Demarcated Sub-Zone.)– Aleofane(Natacha Chave), Andre Perret, Bernard Gripa, Chatagnier, Chave(Jean-Louis), Chirat, Christophe Pichon, Coursodon, Delas Freres, E. Guigal, Faury, Ferraton, Gouye(4ha.), Guy Farge, Jaboulet, Jolivet, Julien Cecillon, Lionnet, M Chapoutier, Melody, Mucyn, Ogier(Michel), Pierre Gaillard, Rouchier(Martine & Christian), Saint Cosme, Verzier, Vignes de l’Hospice, Vignobles Chirat
  • Vineyards/ Lieux-Dits- Clos de la Ribaudy, St.-Joseph, Les Vessetes

CROZES-HERMITAGE AOC.     @Tain-L’Hermitage

• BLANC= Marsanne, Rousanne
• ROUGE= Syrah(Indigenous)
• GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Northern Rhone Valley(South-East)
  • DEPARTMENT-Drome, BORDERS-St-Joseph AOC.(West), +Latitude(45.07°‘N’)
  • COMMUNES-(11)-Beaumont-Monteaux, Chanos-Curson, Les Chassis, Erome, Gervans, Larnage, Mercurol, Pont-de-l’Isere, La Roche-de-Glun, Serves-sur-Rhone, Tain-l’Hermitage
  • Northern Rhone Largest Appellation.
• TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Valley(Rhone)”
  • SLOPES/ Massif Central(Foot Hills), +Altitude(116mt. to 367mt.), On~Rhone~River~(East)
• SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Hillsides…Granit  
  • Flat-Land…Calcareous, Alluvial, Limestone, Galets, Gravels, Red Clay
• CLIMATE- “Continental”, +WINDS~ ~Le Minstral~
• VITICULTURE- 1,683ha. Planted, (White 10%/ Red 90%)
  • *Crozes-Hermitage is Considered 1 of 8 Cru-Level Regions/ Wines of Northern Rhone.
  • Estate/ Producers- 4 Vents, A & E Verset, Alain Graillot, Les Alexandrin, Barrel Lynch, Betton, Belle, J. Boutin, Cave de Tain(Co.-Op.), Chapoutier, Colombier, Combier, Courbis, Dard & Ribo, Delas, E. Guigal, Emmanuel Darnaud, Fayolle Fils et Fille, Feres, Ferraton Pere & Fils, Gaylord Machon, Gilles Robin, Graillot, Hauts Chassis, JL. Chave(*1481), Laurent Combier, Laurent Habrard, Jaboulet Aine, Laurent Fayolle, Marc Sorrel, Melody, Michel Poinard, M. Sorrel, Remizieres, Rousset, Tain, Tardieu, De Thalabert(Paul Jaboulet Aine), Vendome, De la Ville Rouge, Vincent Paris, Yann Chave
  • Vineyards/ Lieux-Dits- Le Balcon de l’Hermitage, La Bouse, Les Chassis, Les Chaux, Les Coulaires, Les Creux, Les Garennes, Les Martinelles, Les Plots, Les Pontaix, Les Pouillards, Les Sept Chemins, Les Meysonniers
• VINICULTURE- Wine Must Be +85% Syrah to Label AOC.
• CULTURE- 1937- AOC. Officially Established.

HERMITAGE AOC.     @Tain-L’Hermitage

• BLANC= Marsanne, Rousanne    |    ROUGE= Syrah 90%, Zinfandel
• GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Northern Rhone Valley(South-East), +Latitude(45.07°‘N’)
  • DEPARTMENTS-Drome,  In/ Surrounded by Crozes Hermitage AOC. On 3 Sides.
  • Sub-Zones– Montagne Sainte-Victoire, Massif de la Sainte Baume
• TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Valley(Rhone)/ Terraces”
  • SLOPES/ Massif Central(Hill of Hermitage), +Altitude(125mt. to 400mt.), On~Rhone~River~(East)
  • On Bend In Rhone, Giving Vine Full South Exposure, and Protection From Mistrals.
• SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Granite, Limestone, Clay, Wind-Loess, Schist
  • Glacial Moraine/ Alluvial Quaternary Delt Deposits, Pliocene Marl
  • Western– Granitic   |   Eastern– Alpine Influenced Glacial Deposits
• CLIMATE- “Continental” Influence, +WINDS~ ~Le Minstral~
• VITICULTURE- 136 ha. Planted,  (24% Blanc/ 76% Rouge)
  • Vine Training– Gobelet, 1 mt. by 1 mt.(10,000 Vines Per Hectare)
• VINICULTURE- +BLENDED/ Lieux Dits or Lieux Dits Specific
  • *Hermitage is Considered 1 of 8 Cru-Level Regions/ Wines of Northern Rhone.
  • Estate/ Producers- Belle(1.5ha.), Bernard Faurie, Cave de Tain(Co.-Op./*1933/300 Growers/1,000ha.), Colombier, Delas(10ha.), Dard & Ribo, Delas Freres, Desmure(Remezieres)(3 ha.), E Guigal, Faurie(2ha.), Ferraton(4ha.), Jaboulet Aine(25ha.), JL. Chave(14ha.,*1481), Laurent Fayolle, M Chapoutier(34ha.), Marc Sorrel(3ha.), Yann Chave
  • Vineyards/ Lieux-Dits-(20)– Beaumes, Les Bessards(19.9ha.), La Chapelle, La Croix, Les Diognieres, L’Ermite, Les Greffieux, L’Ermite, Maison Blanches, Le Meal, Les Murets, Peleat, Les Roucoule, Le Sobot, Torras et les Garennes, Vercandiered, La Varogne, Yann Chave
• CULTURE- “Hermitage”…+Pronounced…“Er-mee-tahj”,  Known as Tegna In Roman Times.
  • ~Etymology~ Named After a Crusade Warrior Who Lived On the Hill. 
  • PIONEERS~ ~Hermit/ Henri G. Sterimberg~ 1300’s, Albigensian Crusade.
    • Stayed On the Top of Hermitage Hill After the Crusades.
  • GOING THERE~ Hike to the Top of Hermitage.
    • Chapel of St. Christopher, Built In 1864 to Replace 12th. Century Church.
• HERMITAGE VIN De PAILLE AOC.     @Hermitage
  • BLANC= Marsanne, Rousanne
  • ROUGE= Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Northern Rhone Valley, In Hermitage AOC.
  • VINICULTURE- Vin de Paille, Late Harvest, (No Noble Rot), Paille(Dried On Straw Mats.)
    • Estate/ Producers- Chapoutier

CORNAS AOC.      @Cornas

• ROUGE= Syrah
• GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Northern Rhone Valley(South), DEPARTMENTS-Ardeche
  • North-West of Valence-City(7km.), +Latitude(44.96°‘N’)
  • BORDERS-St. Joseph AOC.(North), St.-Peray AOC.(South)
• TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Terraces/ Valley(Rhone)”
  • SLOPES/ Massif Central, +Altitude(130mt. to 400mt.)
  • On~Rhone~River~(West)(11 Tributaries…Chaban)
• SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Gore(Granite)
  • Limestone Faults(Rocher de Crussol & Rocher de Rochepertuis)
  • North(Granite, Limestone), Center(Granite, Clay), South(Granite, Sand)
• CLIMATE- “Continental”, +WINDS~ ~Le Minstral~
• VITICULTURE- 140 ha. Planted, Chalillees– Wall(Build by Romans)
  • • *Cornas is Considered 1 of 8 Cru-Level Regions/ Wines of Northen Rhone.
  • Estate/ Producers- Alain Verset, Alain Voge, Aurelien Chatagnier, M. Chapoutier, Clape, Courbis, Delas, Dumien Serrette(1.5ha.), Durand, Ferraton Pere & Fils, Francois Villard, Guillaume Gilles, Guy Farge, Jaboulet, Jacques Lemenicier, Jean-Luc Colombo, Lionnet(4ha.), Matthieu Barret, Michelas St. Jemms, Mucyn, Pagluaboulet, Peirre Gaillard, Philippe Pacelet, Robert Michel, Tardieu-Laurnet, Thierry Allemand, Tunnel, Vincent Paris
  • Lieux-Dits/ Vineyards- Le Bois, Chaillot, Chapuzes, Le Coulet, Les Eygats, La Geynale, Patou, Reynard, La Sabarotte, Sauman
• VINICULTURE- Wine Must Be 100% Syrah to Be Labeled Cornas AOC..
  • Generally– Wine Should Be +10 Years Old to Be In Start of Drinking Window.
• CULTURE- ~Etymology~ “Cornas” Meaning.. “Burnt Land”

ST. PERAY AOC.      @St. Peray

• BLANC= Marsanne, Roussanne
• ROUGE= Syrah
• GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Northern Rhone Valley(South), DEPARTMENTS-Ardeche
  • West of Valence-City(      km.), BORDERS-Cornas AOC.(North), +Latitude (44.94°‘N’)
• TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley(Rhone)”
  • SLOPES/ Massif Central(Foot Hills), +Altitude( ? mt.)
  • On~Mialan~River/ Tributary~Rhone~River~(West)
• SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Granite, Limestone, Clay, Sand, Stone
• CLIMATE- “Continental”,  +WINDS~ ~Le Minstral~
• VITICULTURE- 89 ha. Planted
  • *St. Peray is Considered 1 of 8 Cru-Level Regions/ Wines of Northern Rhone.
  • Estate/ Producers- Alain Voge, Bernard Gripa, Cave de Tain(Co.-Op.), Chaboud, Clape, Colombo, Famille Pierre Gaillard, Guy Farge, Jean-Luc Colombo, M Chapoutier, Remy Nodin, Stephane Robert, Thomas Farge, Tunnel
  • Lieux-Dits/ Vineyards- Hongrie, Payrolles
• MOUSSEUX De ST.-PERAY AOC.     @St. Peray
  • BLANC= Marsanne, Roussanne, Rousette
  • ROUGE= ?
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Northern Rhone Valley(South/ West Bank), In St. Peray AOC.
  • VINICULTURE- SPARKLING…Method/ Traditional
    • Estate/ Producers- Domaine du Biguet, Maison M Chapoutier

COTES-Du-RHONE AOC.     @Northern Rhone

• BLANC= Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Rousanne, Piquepoul Blanc, Ugni Blanc, Viognier    
• ROUGE= **Refer to “Northern Rhone is”  For Grape Information
• GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Northern & Southern Rhone Valleys Mostly Southern Rhone Valley
  • “Non-Contiguous(3)” Satellites Cote-Du-Rhone Areas of Northern Rhone
  • COTE Du-RHONE– 1-
    • Geography- North of Hermitage(10km./ East of Rhone River
  • COTE Du-RHONE– 2-
    • Geography-  South of Valence City(10km./ East of Rhone River)
  • COTE Du-RHONE– 3-
    • Geography- South of St.-Peray AOC. (10km./ West of Rhone River)

Between “North” & “South” Rhone Valleys

BREZEME AOC. (Un-Official)     @Livron-sur-Drome

• BLANC= Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier
• ROUGE= Syrah
• GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Northern Rhone Valley(South), DEPARTMENTS-Rhone
  • COMMUNES–   North of  City(5 km.)
• TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Terraced”, +Altitude(256mt.)
  • On~Drome~River~(Tributary)~Rhone~River~(East)
• SOILS- “Metamorphic”, Alluvial Deposits, Clay, Limestone
• CLIMATE- “Continental”, +WINDS~ ~Le Minstral~
• VITICULTURE-  ha. Planted
  • Estate/ Producers- De Breseyme, Charles Helfenbein, Lombard, Martin Texier, Des Quatre Cerises, De 
• VINICULTURE- Wine Produced Here Labeled Under Cote du Rhone-Brezeme.

COTEAUX De DIE AOC.      @Die

• BLANC= Clairette, Aligote, Muscat Blanc Petits Grains
• GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Rhone Valley, DEPARTMENT-Ardeche, +Latitude(44.75°‘N’)
  • BETWEEN-North & South Rhone Valleys, BORDERS-Chatillon-en-Dios(South-East)
• TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly”, SLOPES/ Vercors, +Altitude(400mt.)
• SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Alluvial, Glacial, Chalk, Clay
• CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influence,  +WINDS~ ~Le Minstral~
• VITICULTURE-  ?  ha. Planted
  • Estate/ Producers- Domaine des Tours, Jacques Faure, Jerome Vincent, Peylong
• CREMANT Du DIE AOC.     @Die
  • BLANC= Clairette 45% Aligoté, Muscat Blanc Petits Grains
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Rhone Valley, In Coteaux de Die AOC.
  • VITICULTURE- 
    • Estate/ Producers- Achard-Vincent, Cave Carod, Die Jaillance, Poulet & Fils, Suzienne
  • VINICULTURE- SPARKLING…Method/ Traditional, +Aged/+12mo./On Lees/+15 Grams-RS.
    • Wine Must Be +55% Clairette to Be Labeled AOC.
  • CULTURE- 1993- AOC. Officially Established.
• CLAIRETTE De DIE AOC.      @Die
  • BLANC= Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains, Clairette
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Rhone Valley, In Coteaux de Die AOC.
  • VITICULTURE- SPARKLING…Method Traditional/ Methode Ancestrale(Petillant Naturel)
    • Estate/ Producers- Archard-Vincent, Cave Carod, Cave de Die Jaillance, Guigouret, M. Chapoutier, Monge Granon, Poulet & Fils
  • VINICULTURE-
    • Wine Must Be +75% Muscat Blanc/ -25% Clairette to Be Labeled AOC.
  • CULTURE- 1942- AOC. Officially Established.

CHATILLON-En-DIOIS AOC.     @Chatillon

• BLANC= Aligoté, Chardonnay, Clairette, Muscat a Petit Grains Blanc
  
• ROUGE= Gamey, Pinot Noir, Syrah
• GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Rhone Valley, DEPARTMENT-Drome, +Latitude(44.80°‘N’)
  • BETWEEN-Northern Area Between North & South Rhone Valleys, COMMUNES-(13)-
  • BORDERS-Coteaux de Die(North-West)
• TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley(Drome)”, On~Drome~River~
  • SLOPES/ ?, +Altitude(700mt.)
• CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influence, +WINDS~ ~Le Minstral~
• VITICULTURE- 60ha. Planted
  • *Diois is Considered 1 of 8 Cru-Level Regions/ Wines of Northern Rhone.
• VINICULTURE- Wine Must Be +75% Gamay to Be Labeled Chatillon-En-Diois AOC..
  • Estate/ Producers-
• CULTURE- 1975- AOC. Officially Established.
  • Known as Cotes du Bez In the 1800’s.

Indication Géographique Protégée of Northern Rhone

ARDECHE IGP.

• BLANC= ROUGE= Any Grapes  Grown In Department of Ardeche.
• GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Northern Rhone Valley, DEPARTMENT-Ardeche
  • (Laps)Southern Rhone Valley
  • COTEAUX De l’ARDECHE– (Southern Ardeche/ Southern Rhone)
• TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Terreced”
  • SLOPES/ Massif Central/ Cevennes Mountains, +Altitude( ? mt.), On~Ardeche~River~
  • BETWEEN-Massif Central to River Plains
• VITICULTURE- Wines Produced In “ARDECHE” Non-Conforming to a AOC. Standards.

COLLINES RHODANIENNES IGP.

• BLANC= ROUGE= Any Grapes  Grown In Northern Rhone.
• GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Northern Rhone Valley, DEPARTMENT-Isere
  • BETWEEN-Lyon & Montelimar
• VITICULTURE-
  • Estate/ Producers- Christophe Pichon, Jean-Francois Jacouton, Martin Clerc, Piere Jean Villa, Yves Cuilleron
• VINICULTURE- Wines Produced In “Northern Rhone” Non-Conforming to a AOC. Standards.

**Refer to “BIBLIOGRAPHY/ Sources” For Details On Scholarly Works Referenced.