Rhône Valley

Great Wines of the Rhône Valley - Purchase of Old Vintages

All wines and vintages from the Rhône Valley 

The Rhône Valley wine region is a historic region of France and the world, producing high-quality Rhône red wines and white Rhône wines, appreciated and recognized worldwide. 

Read more
See more
Filters

Price

€0.00 - €1,520.00

Estate

Parker WA rating

83 - 100

Burghound rating

18 - 96

Revue du Vin de France rating

No choice available on this group

Bettane & Desseauve rating

14 - 20

Prices drop

Download this list
Jaboulet Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Grappe des Papes 1990 - PROMO -15%!
-15%
Last one !
1 in stock
123655
Red
75cl
Damaged
-4cm
Add to cart
Rhône | Crozes Hermitage

Jaboulet Châteauneuf des Papes La Grappe des Papes 1990 - PROMO -15% !

€61.20 inc-VAT per bottle €72.00 inc-VAT -15%
€51.00 ex-VAT
Georges Vernay Saint Joseph 2000 -5% DISCOUNT !
-5%
Last one !
1 in stock
51150
Red
75cl
Slightly Damaged
Add to cart
Rhône | Saint Joseph

Georges Vernay Saint Joseph 2000 -5% DISCOUNT !

€51.30 inc-VAT per bottle €54.00 inc-VAT -5%
€42.75 ex-VAT
Domaine des Tours Merlot Syrah 2006
12 in stock
60711
Red
75cl
Add to cart
Rhône | VDP de Vaucluse

Domaine des Tours Merlot Syrah 2006

€114.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€95.00 ex-VAT
Domaine des Tours Merlot 2006
15 in stock
60714
Red
75cl
Add to cart
Rhône | VDP de Vaucluse

Domaine des Tours Merlot 2006

€114.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€95.00 ex-VAT
Henri Bonneau Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée des Célestins 1983
2 in stock
68449
Red
75cl
Add to cart
Rhône | Châteauneuf du Pape

Henri Bonneau Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée des Célestins 1983

€840.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€700.00 ex-VAT
Henri Bonneau Châteauneuf du Pape Réserve des Célestins 1981 -10% DISCOUNT !
Last one !
1 in stock
69662
Red
75cl
Level : -2,5cm
93/100
Add to cart
Rhône | Châteauneuf du Pape

Henri Bonneau Châteauneuf du Pape Réserve des Célestins 1981 -10% DISCOUNT !

€864.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€720.00 ex-VAT
Pignan 1986 blanc -10% DISCOUNT !
-10%
Last one !
1 in stock
70553
White
75cl
Damaged
Add to cart
Rhône | Châteauneuf du Pape

Pignan 1986 blanc -10% DISCOUNT !

€1,350.00 inc-VAT per bottle €1,500.00 inc-VAT -10%
€1,125.00 ex-VAT
Fonsalette 1988
Last one !
1 in stock
71187
Red
75cl
Damaged
87/100
Add to cart
Rhône | Côtes du Rhône

Fonsalette 1988

€480.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€400.00 ex-VAT
Cave de Tain Hermitage Gambert de Loche 1998 Magnum
Last one !
1 in stock
71926
Red
150cl
Add to cart
Rhône | Hermitage

Cave de Tain Hermitage Gambert de Loche 1998 Magnum

€360.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€300.00 ex-VAT
Martine et Christian Rouchier Saint Joseph Luc 2018
-5% by 3
DISCOUNT
Bio
11 in stock
75035
Red
75cl
Add to cart
Rhône | Saint Joseph

Martine et Christian Rouchier Saint Joseph Luc 2018

€42.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€35.00 ex-VAT
Martine et Christian Rouchier Saint Joseph Luc 2019
-5% by 3
DISCOUNT
Bio
12 in stock
75036
Red
75cl
Add to cart
Rhône | Saint Joseph

Martine et Christian Rouchier Saint Joseph Luc 2019

€42.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€35.00 ex-VAT
Martine et Christian Rouchier Saint Joseph La Chave 2019
-5% by 3
DISCOUNT
Bio
1 in stock
75037
Red
75cl
Add to cart
Rhône | Saint Joseph

Martine et Christian Rouchier Saint Joseph La Chave 2019

€48.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€40.00 ex-VAT
Guigal Condrieu La Doriane 2005
Last one !
1 in stock
75504
White
75cl
Very slightly damaged
87/100
Add to cart
Rhône | Condrieu

Guigal Condrieu La Doriane 2005

€120.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€100.00 ex-VAT
Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle 2004 Magnum
3 in stock
78235
Red
150cl
88/100
Add to cart
Rhône | Hermitage

Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle 2004 Magnum

€288.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€240.00 ex-VAT
Des Accoles l'Inattendu 2016
4 in stock
79004
White
75cl
Add to cart
Rhône | Vin de France

Des Accoles l'Inattendu 2016

€36.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€30.00 ex-VAT
Henri Bonneau Châteauneuf du Pape Réserve des Célestins 1988
3 in stock
79254
Red
75cl
Add to cart
Rhône | Châteauneuf du Pape

Henri Bonneau Châteauneuf du Pape Réserve des Célestins 1988

€1,020.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€850.00 ex-VAT
Henri Bonneau Châteauneuf du Pape Réserve des Célestins 1988 -5% DISCOUNT !
-5%
Last one !
1 in stock
79255
Red
75cl
Level : -2cm
Add to cart
Rhône | Châteauneuf du Pape

Henri Bonneau Châteauneuf du Pape Réserve des Célestins 1988 -5% DISCOUNT !

€969.00 inc-VAT per bottle €1,020.00 inc-VAT -5%
€807.50 ex-VAT
Henri Bonneau Châteauneuf du Pape Réserve des Célestins 1988 -10% DISCOUNT !
-10%
Last one !
1 in stock
79256
Red
75cl
Damaged
Add to cart
Rhône | Châteauneuf du Pape

Henri Bonneau Châteauneuf du Pape Réserve des Célestins 1988 -10% DISCOUNT !

€918.00 inc-VAT per bottle €1,020.00 inc-VAT -10%
€765.00 ex-VAT
Stéphane Ogier Côte Rôtie La Belle Hélène 2004
Last one !
1 in stock
80468
Red
75cl
94/100
Add to cart
Rhône | Côte Rôtie

Stéphane Ogier Côte Rôtie La Belle Hélène 2004

€318.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€265.00 ex-VAT
Gérin Condrieu La Loye 2021
7 in stock
81553
White
75cl
Add to cart
Rhône | Condrieu

Gérin Condrieu La Loye 2021

€45.60 inc-VAT per bottle
€38.00 ex-VAT
Gérin Saint Joseph 2021
8 in stock
81559
Red
75cl
Add to cart
Rhône | Saint Joseph

Gérin Saint Joseph 2021

€26.40 inc-VAT per bottle
€22.00 ex-VAT
Stéphane Ogier Côte Rôtie La Belle Hélène 2004 OWC
6 in stock
82316
Red
75cl
Original wood case - Sold by 6
94/100
Add to cart
Rhône | Côte Rôtie

Stéphane Ogier Côte Rôtie La Belle Hélène 2004 OWC

€318.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€265.00 ex-VAT
Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle 2007
Last one !
1 in stock
82858
Red
75cl
91/100
Add to cart
Rhône | Hermitage

Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle 2007

€156.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€130.00 ex-VAT
Delas Hermitage Les Bessards 2018 OWC
Les Mieux Notés
12 in stock
84226
Red
75cl
Original wood case - Sold by 6
98/100
Add to cart
Rhône | Hermitage

Delas Hermitage Les Bessards 2018 OWC

€120.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€100.00 ex-VAT
Guigal Hermitage Ex Voto 2019
2 in stock
85632
Red
75cl
Add to cart
Rhône | Hermitage

Guigal Hermitage Ex Voto 2019

€258.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€215.00 ex-VAT
Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle 2007
Les Mieux Notés
2 in stock
87561
Red
75cl
91/100
92/100
17.5/20
18/20
Add to cart
Rhône | Hermitage

Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle 2007

€156.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€130.00 ex-VAT
Alain Voge Saint Joseph Les Côtes 2021
Bio
Biodynamie
5 in stock
88634
Red
75cl
Add to cart
Rhône | Saint Joseph

Alain Voge Saint Joseph Les Côtes 2021

€28.80 inc-VAT per bottle
€24.00 ex-VAT
Jamet Côte Rôtie Côte Brune 2008
Last one !
Les Mieux Notés
1 in stock
89354
Red
75cl
87/100
18.5/20
16.5/20
Add to cart
Rhône | Côte Rôtie

Jamet Côte Rôtie Côte Brune 2008

€396.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€330.00 ex-VAT
Levet Côte Rôtie La Péroline 2018
4 in stock
91699
Red
75cl
Add to cart
Rhône | Côte Rôtie

Levet Côte Rôtie La Péroline 2018

€96.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€80.00 ex-VAT
La Mordorée Lirac La Reine des Bois 2009 blanc
3 in stock
92306
White
75cl
Add to cart
Rhône | Lirac

La Mordorée Lirac La Reine des Bois 2009 blanc

€24.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€20.00 ex-VAT
Mourgues du Grès Capitelles 2013 rosé
6 in stock
92352
Rosé
75cl
Add to cart
Rhône | Costières de Nimes

Mourgues du Grès Capitelles 2013 rosé

€10.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€8.33 ex-VAT
Gérin Côte Rôtie La Viallière 2021
7 in stock
92788
Red
75cl
Add to cart
Rhône | Côte Rôtie

Gérin Côte Rôtie La Viallière 2021

€66.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€55.00 ex-VAT
Ferraton Saint Joseph Les Oliviers 2018 blanc
4 in stock
92984
White
75cl
Add to cart
Rhône | Saint Joseph

Ferraton Saint Joseph Les Oliviers 2018 blanc

€30.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€25.00 ex-VAT
Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle 2014 Magnum
3 in stock
93006
Red
150cl
94/100
Add to cart
Rhône | Hermitage

Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle 2014 Magnum

€336.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€280.00 ex-VAT
Jamet Côte Rôtie 2014
0 in stock
93453
Red
75cl
91/100
Out of stock
Rhône | Côte Rôtie

Jamet Côte Rôtie 2014

€156.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€130.00 ex-VAT
Fonsalette 1989 -5% DISCOUNT !
-5%
Last one !
1 in stock
93804
Red
75cl
Slightly Damaged
92/100
88/100
Add to cart
Rhône | Côtes du Rhône

Fonsalette 1989 -5% DISCOUNT !

€456.00 inc-VAT per bottle €480.00 inc-VAT -5%
€380.00 ex-VAT
Robert Jasmin Côte Rôtie 1988
Last one !
1 in stock
93806
Red
75cl
91/100
89/100
Add to cart
Rhône | Côte Rôtie

Robert Jasmin Côte Rôtie 1988

€468.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€390.00 ex-VAT
Jean Louis Chave Hermitage 1997
Last one !
Bio
Les Mieux Notés
1 in stock
93841
Red
75cl
94/100
93/100
19/20
Add to cart
Rhône | Hermitage

Jean Louis Chave Hermitage 1997

€480.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€400.00 ex-VAT
Monier Perréol Saint Joseph 2020
4 in stock
93907
Red
75cl
Add to cart
Rhône | Saint Joseph

Monier Perréol Saint Joseph 2020

€32.40 inc-VAT per bottle
€27.00 ex-VAT
Saint Préfert Châteauneuf du Pape Colombis 2018
Bio
8 in stock
93921
Red
75cl
Add to cart
Rhône | Châteauneuf du Pape

Saint Préfert Châteauneuf du Pape Colombis 2018

€96.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€80.00 ex-VAT
Saint Préfert Châteauneuf du Pape Colombis 2017
Bio
2 in stock
93922
Red
75cl
Add to cart
Rhône | Châteauneuf du Pape

Saint Préfert Châteauneuf du Pape Colombis 2017

€90.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€75.00 ex-VAT
Domaine des Tours 1999
Last one !
1 in stock
93985
Red
75cl
Add to cart
Rhône | VDP de Vaucluse

Domaine des Tours Merlot 1999

€120.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€100.00 ex-VAT
Mas de Libian Côtes du Rhône La Calade 2020
Last one !
1 in stock
95220
Red
75cl
Slightly Damaged
Add to cart
Rhône | Côtes du Rhône

Mas de Libian Côtes du Rhône La Calade 2020

€26.40 inc-VAT per bottle
€22.00 ex-VAT
Domaine de Villeneuve Côtes du Rhône Carnage 2022
8 in stock
95569
Red
75cl
Add to cart
Rhône | Côtes du Rhône

Domaine de Villeneuve Côtes du Rhône Carnage 2022

€21.60 inc-VAT per bottle
€18.00 ex-VAT
Thierry Allemand Cornas Chaillot 2020
Last one !
Bio
1 in stock
95854
Red
75cl
Add to cart
Rhône | Cornas

Thierry Allemand Cornas Chaillot 2020

€270.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€225.00 ex-VAT
Tour Saint Michel Châteauneuf du Pape Le Lien 2019
3 in stock
96477
Red
75cl
90/100
Add to cart
Rhône | Châteauneuf du Pape

Tour Saint Michel Châteauneuf du Pape Le Lien 2019

€60.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€50.00 ex-VAT
Domaine des Tours Merlot 2004
5 in stock
96648
Red
75cl
Add to cart
Rhône | VDP de Vaucluse

Domaine des Tours Merlot 2004

€120.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€100.00 ex-VAT
Domaine des Tours Merlot Syrah 2004
2 in stock
96649
Red
75cl
Add to cart
Rhône | VDP de Vaucluse

Domaine des Tours Merlot Syrah 2004

€114.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€95.00 ex-VAT
Franck Balthazar Cornas Casimir Balthazar 2020
Bio
1 in stock
96671
Red
75cl
Add to cart
Rhône | Cornas

Franck Balthazar Cornas Casimir Balthazar 2020

€60.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€50.00 ex-VAT
Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 60 2022
8 in stock
96894
Red
75cl
Add to cart
Rhône | Cornas

Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 60 2022

€38.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€31.67 ex-VAT
Domaine des Tours Merlot 2007
Last one !
1 in stock
98264
Red
75cl
Add to cart
Rhône | VDP de Vaucluse

Domaine des Tours Merlot 2007

€114.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€95.00 ex-VAT
Frequently Asked Questions

The Rhône Valley draws on a palette of clearly distinct grape varieties depending on whether one is in the northern or southern part. In the Northern Rhône, Syrah reigns supreme as the sole variety behind the great appellations such as Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, and Cornas. Further south, Grenache Noir takes over and generally forms the backbone of blends, alongside Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and Carignan. This ampelographic diversity explains why the red wines of the Rhône Valley offer such varied aromatic profiles, ranging from the peppery and floral notes of the North to the warm and fruity expressions of the South.

Often overshadowed by the reds, the white wines of the Rhône Valley nonetheless deserve particular attention. In the Northern Rhône, Viognier produces exceptional whites at Condrieu and Château-Grillet, richly aromatic with characteristic notes of peach, apricot, and white flowers. Marsanne and Roussanne — a more discreet variety but of great finesse — express themselves brilliantly in white Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage. In the Southern Rhône, these same varieties, joined by Grenache Blanc, Clairette, and Bourboulenc, yield opulent and mineral whites that are ideal partners for Provençal and Mediterranean cuisine.

If you wish to discover the wines of the Rhône Valley, several appellations make an excellent entry point. The Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages offer remarkable value for money and allow you to familiarise yourself with the typical blends of the South. To explore the Northern Rhône at a lower cost, Crozes-Hermitage and Saint-Joseph offer more affordable wines than their neighbours Hermitage or Côte-Rôtie, while retaining a fine typicity. On the Southern side, Gigondas and Vacqueyras are often presented as serious alternatives to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with bold characters at more accessible prices.

The Rhône Valley is divided into two major zones separated by about fifty kilometres, with their wines having very little in common. The Northern Rhône, with its terraced vineyards on steep granitic soils, produces elegant, complex wines that are often very well-suited to ageing — Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage and Saint-Joseph are its finest examples. The Southern Rhône, meanwhile, benefits from a distinctly Mediterranean climate, varied soils (rounded pebbles, clay-limestone, sands), and iconic appellations such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas and Vacqueyras. The wines there are generally more generous, rounder and more approachable when young.

The powerful red wines of the Rhône Valley, such as a Hermitage or a Châteauneuf-du-Pape, are best served between 16 and 18°C, allowing them to fully express their aromatic complexity without the alcohol becoming overwhelming. Lighter reds, such as certain Crozes-Hermitage or everyday Côtes du Rhône, can be lightly chilled to around 14–15°C. Whites and rosés are best served between 10 and 12°C. For storage, lay your bottles on their sides in a cool place (12–14°C), away from light and vibrations. The great red cuvées can easily be kept for 10 to 20 years under good conditions.

The red wines of the Rhône Valley, with their diversity of styles, pair well with a wide variety of dishes. The Northern Rhône cuvées, based on Syrah, with their spicy black pepper notes and fine tannins, pair wonderfully with duck breast, grilled rib of beef, or a blue-veined cheese such as Roquefort. In the Southern Rhône, the warm Grenache-dominant blends harmonize naturally with slow-cooked Provençal dishes — daube, lamb tian with herbs — or a fine lamb chop with thyme. The more supple wines such as everyday Côtes du Rhône go readily with charcuterie, pizza, or pasta in tomato sauce.

The Rhône Valley vineyard: its history 

The history of the Rhône Valley vineyard dates back to Antiquity, with traces of vine cultivation in the region going back more than 2,000 years, to the Roman era. The Romans indeed developed vine cultivation in the Rhône and introduced new techniques to produce wine in significant quantities. Remnants of wine presses can even be found in the Roman villas of the region, bearing witness to the importance of viticulture in that era. 

In the Middle Ages, viticulture in the Rhône Valley continued to develop through the influence of monks who preserved the techniques of vine cultivation and wine production. The monasteries thus facilitated the spread of winemaking knowledge and contributed to establishing the reputation of Rhône wines. 

In the 14th century, Pope John XXII, originally from the village of Cahors in the South West, built a fortress on a hill overlooking the village, hence the name "Châteauneuf-du-Pape" (the pope's new castle). This castle was intended to serve as a summer residence for the popes in exile in Avignon. The popes subsequently played a significant role in promoting the wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. 

Over the centuries, the Rhône Valley has become a renowned wine-producing region in France, in Europe and then throughout the world. The vineyards were developed and winemaking techniques were improved. The region was also the scene of conflicts and political changes that sometimes had an impact on wine production. The 20th century was in particular a period of stricter regulation and official recognition of the quality of Rhône Valley wines. Many appellations were created to protect and promote the wines of the Rhône region. Today, the Rhône Valley is one of the most important and respected wine regions in France and the world.

The appellations of Rhône Valley wines 

The history of the Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) of Rhône Valley wines is intimately linked to the evolution of viticulture in France and to the recognition of the quality and diversity of the wines produced in this region. The concept of AOCs was legally recognised in 1935 to guarantee the authenticity, quality and identity of wines through precise specifications. 

In the Rhône Valley, it is the wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape that lead the way: in 1936, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation was one of the first wine appellations to be granted AOC status. This recognition helped to highlight the quality and unique character of the wines produced in this region.

The Rhône Valley is a diverse and prestigious wine region, renowned for its high-quality red, white and rosé Rhône wines. The most prestigious appellations of the Northern Rhône wines are Côte Rôtie, Cornas, Hermitage, and Condrieu, followed by the wines of Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, and Saint-Péray. In the Southern Rhône Valley, alongside the greatest Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, one finds the AOCs Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Rasteau, Cairanne, Lirac and Tavel (for rosé wines only). 

Beyond these appellations, one will also find the Côtes du Rhône Villages and then, more broadly, the Côtes du Rhône (the regional appellation). These appellations reflect the diversity of terroirs, grape varieties and wine styles produced in the Rhône Valley. 

The grape varieties of Rhône Valley wines

The Rhône Valley in France is renowned for its diversity of grape varieties and its blended wines, particularly in the southern part of the vineyard, which contributes to the variety of wines produced in the Rhône region. The main grape varieties used in the wines of the Northern Rhône Valley are as follows:

  • Syrah: The emblematic grape variety of Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Saint-Joseph and Cornas. It produces elegant and structured red wines, complex, spiced and floral. Viognier: Primarily used for the wines of Condrieu, it yields highly aromatic, floral and elegant white wines.
  • Marsanne: Often associated with Roussanne, it is used to produce full-bodied and aromatic white wines, particularly in Hermitage and Saint-Joseph.
  • Roussanne: Often associated with Marsanne, it yields rich, complex and well-balanced white wines.

In the Southern Rhône Valley, the main grape varieties used in the wines are as follows:

  • Grenache: An emblematic grape variety of the Southern Rhône Valley, it is used for red and rosé wines, particularly in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas and other appellations.
  • Syrah: Also present in the southern part, it contributes to the structure and complexity of many red wines.
  • Mourvèdre: Often used in blends with other grape varieties, it brings depth and intense flavours to red wines.
  • Cinsault: Primarily used in the region's rosé wines.
  • Carignan: Used as a secondary grape variety in certain red wines and in the Côtes du Rhône appellation.
  • Clairette: A white grape variety used in several appellations to produce fresh and fruity white wines.
  • Bourboulenc: Often used in blends with other white grape varieties to bring freshness and liveliness to the wines.
  • Picpoul: Rarer, it contributes liveliness and acidity to white wines.

This list does not include all the grape varieties present in the Rhône Valley, but it highlights some of the most important and characteristic ones. Winemakers in the Rhône Valley have the flexibility to use different grape varieties to create a wide range of wines, each expressing the particularities of its terroir and appellation.

The Rhône Valley from North to South: The Northern Rhône and the Southern Rhône 

As previously mentioned, the Rhône Valley is divided into two distinct sub-regions due to their differing climates: the Northern Rhône Valley (north) with a cooler, more continental climate, and the Southern Rhône Valley (south), with a warmer, more oceanic climate, cooled by the Mistral, the famous wind that sweeps up through the Rhône Valley. Each of these regions therefore produces a distinct variety of wines according to its climate, but also its terroirs, grape varieties and winemaking techniques. 

The wines of the Northern Rhône Valley

The Northern Rhône Valley, also known as the Rhône Nord, is celebrated for its elegant and expressive wines, produced mainly from grape varieties such as Syrah and Viognier. Here are the wine styles of the Northern Rhône Valley by AOC: 

  • Côte Rôtie: elegant and powerful red wines based on Syrah, sometimes with a small quantity of Viognier.
  • Condrieu: Elegant and aromatic white wines based on Viognier, with floral and fruity aromas. Also worth mentioning is Château Grillet, a highly prestigious enclave appellation within Condrieu.
  • Saint-Joseph: quality red and white wines, primarily based on Syrah for the reds and Marsanne and Roussanne for the whites.
  • Hermitage: Prestigious red and white wines, with reds based on Syrah and whites from Marsanne and Roussanne.
  • Crozes-Hermitage: Red and white wines of varying quality, primarily based on Syrah for the reds and Marsanne and Roussanne for the whites.
  • Saint-Péray: Sparkling and still white wines crafted from Marsanne and Roussanne. 

The wines of the Southern Rhône Valley

The Southern Rhône Valley, or Rhône Sud, produces a wide variety of blended wines, including full-bodied reds, aromatic whites and enticing rosés. Here are the main styles of wines produced in the Southern Rhône Valley:

  • Châteauneuf-du-Pape: This appellation is celebrated for its complex and powerful red wines, produced from blends of grape varieties such as Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and others. The wines have aromas of ripe red fruit, spices, herbs and garrigue. White and rosé wines are also produced, but the reds dominate.
  • Gigondas: The red wines of Gigondas are often based on Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. They are robust and full-bodied, with notes of black fruit, spices and Provençal herbs. Rosé and white wines are also produced in smaller quantities.
  • Vacqueyras: The red wines of Vacqueyras are generally based on Grenache, with blends including Syrah and Mourvèdre. They are full-bodied and rich, with aromas of black fruit, spices and liquorice.
  • Cairanne: The wines of Cairanne are blends of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, producing rich and balanced reds with notes of red fruit and spices. White wines are also crafted, often from Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Bourboulenc.
  • Tavel: Tavel is primarily dedicated to rosé wines. These rosés are full-bodied and deeply coloured, with aromas of red fruit and spicy notes.
  • Costières de Nîmes: The red, white and rosé wines of Costières de Nîmes are often based on Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre, producing expressive and pleasant wines.

These wine styles from the Southern Rhône Valley reflect the Mediterranean warmth of the region, with wines rich in flavours, aromas and character. 

The finest wines of the Rhône region

The Rhône Valley produces wines whose reputation needs no introduction. However, it is important to note that wine preferences are subjective and that the "best" wines vary according to individual tastes and vintages. Here are some of the most renowned and appreciated wines, both in the northern and southern regions:

  • Côte Rôtie: Renowned producers such as Guigal, Chapoutier and Jamet offer elegant and powerful Côte-Rôtie wines.
  • Cornas: renowned winemakers such as Auguste Clape, Thierry Allemand, Vincent Paris, or Alain Voge
  • Condrieu: The wines of Condrieu produced by estates such as Georges Vernay, Yves Gangloff or François Villard are benchmarks for white wines based on Viognier.
  • Hermitage: The wines of Hermitage, whether red or white, produced by estates such as Chapoutier, Jaboulet and Jean Louis Chave, are among the most prestigious in the region.
  • Châteauneuf-du-Pape: The red wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape produced by estates such as Château Rayas, Château de Beaucastel, Domaine du Pegau, Clos des Papes and Vieux Télégraphe are among the most celebrated and sought-after in the world.
  • Côtes du Rhône Villages: Certain estates, such as Domaine de la Janasse and Domaine de la Mordorée, stand out for their superior quality wines across different Côtes du Rhône Villages appellations.
  • Lirac: Winemakers such as Domaine Maby and Domaine de la Mordorée are renowned for their wines from the Lirac appellation.

Finally, one cannot fail to mention among the greatest winemakers of the Rhône, producers such as: Alain Graillot, Aurélien Chataignier, Emmanuel Reynaud (and his famous Château des Tours, Domaine des Tours, Fonsalette and Pignan alongside the great Rayas), Delas, Laurent Combier, Gérin, Clos du Caillou…

In terms of great Rhône vintages, you will also find the 5 truly exceptional years of the Rhône Valley: 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015 and 2016.

There are many specialist publications that taste and review the greatest wines of the Rhône Valley for you, such as La Revue des Vins de France, Bettane et Desseauve, Robert Parker, or Burghound for Burgundy and Champagne wines. Find the highest-rated wines on our dedicated page. 

Food and wine pairings with Rhône Valley wines

Here are some food and wine pairing suggestions from the Rhône Valley, from starter to dessert.

Starters and Rhône wines: Warm goat's cheese salad with a white Condrieu. The floral and fruity aromas of the Viognier will pair beautifully with the creaminess of the goat's cheese and the herbaceous notes of the salad. Foie gras terrine: Opt for a white Hermitage. Its richness and complexity will pair harmoniously with the velvety texture and intense flavours of the foie gras. Charcuterie: A light and fruity red Côtes du Rhône can be an excellent choice to accompany a selection of charcuterie, enhancing the flavours of the meats and spices.

Main courses and Rhône wines: Rack of roast lamb: The red wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape or Gigondas are natural choices to accompany roast lamb. The black fruit and spice aromas of these wines will complement the flavour of the meat. Coq au vin: A red Côte-Rôtie can be an excellent choice for this sauce-based dish. The spice and red fruit notes of the wine will blend with the rich flavours of the chicken and sauce. Grilled fish: For a grilled fish, a white Saint-Joseph can be a good choice. Its freshness and citrus aromas will pair well with the light texture of the fish.

Desserts and Rhône wines: Apricot tart: Try a Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise, a natural sweet wine (VDN), with this fruity tart to create a harmonious pairing. Chocolate fondant: A red Rasteau can be a good choice to accompany a chocolate dessert, thanks to its aromas of ripe fruit and spices.

Order the Grands Crus and aged Rhône wines online

The Rhône Valley is a complex region owing to the multitude of appellations, grape varieties and producers; and while it is not always straightforward to navigate when choosing a wine or knowing when to drink a wine at its peak, this complexity is also what makes this beautiful region so great. 

At Vins & Millésimes, we offer you the opportunity to purchase your finest Rhône wines from a wide selection, including wines in magnums and other formats, wines direct from estates or sourced from verified private cellars, wines in wooden cases, wines from old vintages, organic and/or biodynamic wines, wines ready to drink, or anniversary vintages as a wine gift… all 100% in stock at the best price, and dispatched within 48/72 hours. 

For over 15 years, Vins et Millésimes has been recognised by the specialist press for its carefully curated wine selection, its expert team and the satisfaction of its customers through verified customer reviews. Our wines come from trusted private cellars or direct allocations from estates. Discover the 5 good reasons to trust us for purchasing your wines. 

Finally, if you have fine wines to sell, Vins & Millésimes is committed to making you a firm offer at the best market conditions. To find out more about the terms for purchasing your cellar, please visit our dedicated page or contact us directly. 

WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT US

5 good reasons to buy wines on V&M

...

EXPRESS DELIVERY

In a secure polystyrene packaging

...

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING

Find out more about VAT-EX sale for outside EU deliveries

...

COLLECTION NEAR PARIS & VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS

Free collection in our warehouse near central Paris (92)

...