Côtes du Rhône

The Côtes du Rhône appellation covers the production of red, white and rosé wines from the Rhône Valley region. After Bordeaux, it is the largest appellation contrôlée region in France, producing around 4 million hectolitres of wine, 95% of which is red. It is divided into 2 distinct regions. The Côte du Rhône du Nord, the most prestigious, includes the Côte Rôtie, St Joseph and Hermitage appellations, and is renowned for the quality and longevity of its wines. Its climate is continental, its soils sloping, mostly granite, and the grape varieties used are Syrah for the reds and Viognier, Roussanne and Marsanne for the whites. The southern Côte du Rhône, the largest, produces Côtes du Rhône AC, Côtes du Rhône Villages AC for the highest quality, and local appellations, the most famous of which is Châteauneuf du Pape. Its climate is Mediterranean, its soils stonier, and the grape varieties used more numerous. Grenache, 65% of the planted vineyard, is the most important, followed by Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault, Mourvèdre and many other local varieties. White wine production is marginal, made from Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Muscat and Viognier.