Southern Rhone Valley Wine

The Southern Rhône Valley stretches from Montélimar down to Avignon, where the Rhône River opens into broader plains and rolling hills. Unlike the Northern Rhône, where a handful of appellations dominate, the south is home to a wide range of AOCs, from famous names like Châteauneuf-du-Pape to smaller villages producing distinctive local wines.

The most famous appellation in the Southern Rhône. Vineyards lie on a plateau covered with large round stones (“galets roulés”), which store heat and help ripen grapes.

Located at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountains. The stony soils and higher elevation produce structured red wines, often compared to Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

A neighboring appellation to Gigondas with a mix of red, white, and rosé production. Known for bold reds with firm tannins and spicy character.

Divided between dry reds and its famous fortified sweet wine, Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise. Vineyards are set against steep limestone hillsides.

Traditionally recognized for fortified wines (vin doux naturel) made from Grenache, Rasteau also produces powerful dry reds with notable depth.

Elevated from Côtes du Rhône Villages to its own AOC in 2016. Produces Grenache-based reds that are fresh and approachable.

An appellation dedicated exclusively to rosé. Tavel wines are dry, robust, and often darker in color than typical rosés.

Situated across the river from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Lirac produces reds, whites, and rosés. The wines are known for their balance and are often considered undervalued compared to their famous neighbor.

The broad regional appellation covering much of the Southern Rhône. Wines here range widely in quality, with the label Côtes du Rhône Villages indicating higher standards and specific village origins.

Unlike the Northern Rhône, which is dominated by a few grapes, the Southern Rhône is famous for its blends. Dozens of grape varieties are permitted under AOC rules, though only a handful form the foundation of most wines.

Black (Red) Grapes

Adds color, structure, and spice to blends. While it is the sole red grape of the Northern Rhône, in the south it plays a supporting role to Grenache, bringing depth and longevity.

A late-ripening variety that contributes tannin, earthy flavors, and aging potential. It is especially important in coastal vineyards and in structured blends like Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Bandol (outside the Rhône).

Valued for freshness and softness, often used in rosé wines (such as Tavel) as well as lighter red blends.

Once widely planted and considered rustic, Carignan is still used in blends to add acidity, spice, and color.

White Grapes

Adds freshness and floral character. Often blended into Châteauneuf-du-Pape blanc.

Aromatic, with pear and floral notes. Adds finesse and aging potential when blended.

More commonly associated with the Northern Rhône, Marsanne also appears in some Southern Rhône whites, contributing body and richness.

A traditional variety that brings acidity and freshness, helping balance richer white blends.

While it dominates in the north, Viognier is also planted in parts of the Southern Rhône, producing aromatic whites and used sparingly in blends.

The Southern Rhône Valley is best known for its blends. While reds dominate production, the region also makes expressive whites and some of France’s most characterful rosés.

Red Wines

Complex blends led by Grenache, often including Syrah, Mourvèdre, and other varieties. The wines are full-bodied, spicy, and age-worthy.

Structured reds with firm tannins and savory notes, often considered “baby Châteauneuf-du-Pape.”

Bold, earthy reds with a slightly rustic edge and strong expression of spice.

Concentrated, powerful reds alongside fortified wines.

Fresher, fruit-forward reds with balance and elegance.

Accessible everyday reds, ranging from simple and juicy to complex, village-designated wines.

White Wines

Blends of Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Roussanne, and other grapes. Rich, aromatic, and structured, often with aging potential.

Balanced, medium-bodied whites with floral and herbal notes.

Lively and approachable, often blending Grenache Blanc, Clairette, and Bourboulenc.

Rosé Wines

The only Rhône appellation dedicated entirely to rosé. These are dry, robust, and darker in color than most French rosés, making them excellent food wines.

Fresh, fruit-driven styles, often lighter and more accessible than Tavel.

The Southern Rhône Valley organizes its wines into a three-tier quality system that balances accessibility with prestige. At the foundation are broad Côtes du Rhône AOC wines, offering approachable blends for everyday drinking. Above this sit the Côtes du Rhône Villages, made under stricter rules and often expressing the character of individual villages. At the top are the communal crus, 17 appellations that showcase the region’s finest terroirs, from the iconic Châteauneuf-du-Pape to celebrated names like Gigondas, Vacqueyras, and Tavel.

The entry-level designation, covering wines produced across the Rhône Valley, though most come from the south. These blends (red, white, and rosé) are typically easy-drinking, fruit-forward, and meant for early enjoyment.

A step up in quality, with stricter rules for yields and ripeness. This category includes 95 communes, producing wines with greater depth and structure than basic Côtes du Rhône.

Within the 95 communes, 21 villages are authorized to include their name on the label (e.g., Côtes du Rhône Villages Sablet, Cairanne). These wines highlight distinctive terroirs and are often close in quality to the crus.

At the summit of the hierarchy are the 17 crus of the Southern Rhône, each recognized as an appellation in its own right. These include:

• Châteauneuf-du-Pape – The most famous, blending up to 13 grape varieties, known for power and complexity.
• Gigondas & Vacqueyras – Structured reds with aging potential, often compared to Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
• Tavel – Unique for producing only rosé, known for depth and food-friendliness.
• Lirac & Rasteau – High-quality reds, with Rasteau also producing sweet fortified wines.
• Beaumes-de-Venise & Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise – Celebrated for sweet wines.

Plus others such as Cairanne (recently elevated from Villages), Vinsobres, and Laudun (to be added in 2023).