Rhône

This regional appellation stretches along both banks of the Rhône river in France, over a distance of 200 kilometres from Vienne right in the north to Avignon in the extreme south. The classification has been in effect since 1937. It includes some of the areas in the north and large parts of the southern sections of the wine-growing region. For this reason the AC is sometimes also used as a synonym for the entire Rhône valley. The vineyard area totals 42.000, involving 10.000 wine growers in 163 communes in the six départements of Ardèche, Drôme, Gard, Loire, Rhône and Vaucluse. The grape varieties as well as their percentage shares are the same for red, white and rosé wines. The following varieties are permitted: Borboulenc, Cinsaut, Clairette, Grenache, Marsanne, Mourvèdre, Picardan, Picpoul, Roussanne, Syrah, Terret Noir and Viognier, a maximum of 30% Carignan, as well as a total maximum of 30% Calitor, Camarèse, Counoise, Gamay, Mauzac, Muscardin, Pascal Blanc, Pinot Blanc and Vaccarèse. This wide range of varieties results in considerable differences in taste as well as in the quality of the wines. The vast majority of the wines are destined for early consumption. The wines of the appellation Côtes du Rhône-Villages are subject to much more stringent regulations, and represent a noticeable step up in quality.