Rhone Valley White Wines

The Rhône Valley offers a wide variety of white wines with a rich and varied aroma. This wine region is divided into two major sub-regions: the northern zone known as Septentrionale and the southern zone known as Méridionale. These white wines from the Rhône Valley have distinct characteristics due to the significant differences in terroir and the wide variety of grape varieties used.

White Wines of the Northern Rhône Valley

The flagship appellations include Condrieu, Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, and Hermitage. Condrieu is exclusively dedicated to white wines made from the Viognier grape variety, offering intense aromas of white flowers, peach, and apricot. Saint-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage produce white wines made from Marsanne and Roussanne, bringing notes of white-fleshed fruits, hazelnut, and honey. Hermitage is famous for its powerful and elegant white wines, also made from Marsanne and Roussanne, with great aging potential.

White Wines of the Southern Rhône Valley

Notable appellations include Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, and Côtes du Rhône. Châteauneuf-du-Pape produces complex white wines from grape varieties such as Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, and Roussanne, offering aromas of dried fruit, flowers, and honey. Gigondas and Vacqueyras offer rarer but equally interesting white wines, often made from Clairette and Grenache Blanc. Côtes du Rhône offers a wide range of accessible white wines, made from Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, and Viognier, with fruity and floral notes.

How to Quickly Describe a Rhône Valley White Wine

The white wines of the Rhône Valley are distinguished by their aromatic richness and balance. They offer a diverse palette, ranging from floral notes to aromas of white fruits, hazelnut, and honey. On the palate, they are generally round and elegant, with a lingering and pleasant finish. This combination of richness and finesse makes them ideal companions for a variety of dishes, from seafood to white meats to local cheeses.