Where it is
The Rhône valley stretches from Vienne south to Avignon. It is usually split into the northern Rhône, a narrow valley with steep terraced vineyards, and the wider southern Rhône, with more varied terrain in the Drôme, Vaucluse and Gard.
Land and climate
In the north the climate is continental and the vines grow on granite slopes. The south is Mediterranean, hot and dry, battered by the cold mistral wind. At Châteauneuf-du-Pape, large rounded stones called galets retain daytime heat.
Grapes and wines
Syrah is the red grape of the north, sometimes with a little Viognier; Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Cornas and Saint-Joseph are the red names. White Condrieu is pure Viognier. The south relies on blends led by Grenache, with Syrah and Mourvèdre. Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Châteauneuf-du-Pape are the best-known southern appellations, Tavel is a rosé, and Côtes du Rhône is the regional name.