Rhône

Appellation located in the southern section of the Rhône wine-growing region in France. Before being classified as a separate AC in 1990, it was on of the (17 at the time) communes within the AC Côtes du Rhône-Villages that were permitted to append their own name to the designation, instead of „Villages”. The vineyard area totals 1.200 hectares, the vineyards are located on the left bank of the Rhône river, in the two communes of Vacqueyras and Sarrians in the département of Vaucluse. Famous French fans of the red wine included the actress Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923) as well as the writer and Nobel prize winner Fréderic Mistral (1830-1914). The red wine has a long maturation potential, and is made from Grenache Noir (minimum of 50%), Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsaut (together a minimum of 20%), as well as from any combination of Camarèse, Counoise, Gamay, Muscardin, Terret Noir and Vaccarèse (up to 10%). The regulations for the composition of the rosé are similar. The white wine is made from Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Bourboulenc, as well as from any combination of Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier (up to 50%). Well-known producers include Domaine de La Charbonieère, Domaine la Fourmone, Domaine la Garrigue, Jaboulet-Aîné, Domaine de la Monardière, Château de Montmirail, Domaine de Montvac, Château des Roques and Château des Tours.