France: Southern Rhône

The Rhône wine region in Southern France is located in the Rhône Valley and produces numerous wines under various Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) designations. The wine region is divided into two sub-regions, both with distinct viticultural traditions, the Northern Rhône (referred to in French as Rhône septentrienal) and the Southern Rhône (in French Rhône méridional). The southern Rhône, in contrast to the north, has a more Mediterranean climate with milder winters and hot summers. Drought can be a problem in the area, but limited irrigation is permitted to try and combat this problem. The differing terroirs, together with the rugged landscape which partly protects the valleys from the Mistral, produce microclimates which give rise to a wide diversity of wines. An interesting feature to the cultivation of vines in the southern Rhône is the use of large pebbles around the bases of the vines which absorb the heat of the sun during the day. At night due to the cloudless skies there is often a significant drop in temperature, but the heat from the pebbles helps keep the vines warm. The southern Rhône's most famous red wine is Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a blend containing up to 13 different varieties of wine grapes, both red and white. Other nearby AOC regions including Coteaux du Tricastin AOC, Côtes du Ventoux AOC, Côtes du Vivarais AOC, Lirac AOC, Tavel AOC and Vacqueyras AOC may contain even more varieties in the blend. Depending on the specific AOC rules, grapes blended into southern Rhône red wines may include Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan and Cinsault. Red wines made on the left bank of the valley tend to be full bodied and rich in tannins while young; whilst the right bank reds are slightly lighter and fruitier. White wines from the southern Rhône, such as in Châteauneuf-du-Pape whites, are also typically blends of several wine grapes. These may include Ugni Blanc, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, Picpoul, and Clairette. Since about 1998 Viognier is increasingly being used and is also appearing as a single varietal.

	Domaine Chante Cigale Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2007 - Rhône, France Bin No. CHANTEB07 Price: £20.00 The 2007 Domaine Chante Cigale Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is a white wine made from a blend of Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Picpoul grape varieties, all picked at optimum ripeness and crushed immediately prior to fermentation. The resulting wine is dry, with plenty of crisp white fruit flavours on the palate leading through to an elegant refreshing finish. An ideal social drinking wine, but equally at home served with ..
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	Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf du Pape Tradition 2006 - Rhône, France Bin No. DLJTRAD06 Price: £32.50 The 2006 Châteauneuf du Pape Tradition from Domaine de la Janasse is made from 75% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre and 15% Syrah grapes. Deep red-ruby in colour the Châteauneuf du Pape Tradition displays fruit-driven aromas of cassis, redcurrant, smoke and spice. The palate is soft, lush and ripe, with enticing fruit and good balance. The Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf du Pape Tradition is easy going, generous and balanced ideally suited for ear ..
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