Southern Rhône

The Southern Rhône is centered around the towns of Orange and Avignon. The various appellations of the Southern Rhône are located on both sides of the River Rhône.

The region is flatter and warmer than the Northern Rhône and has the influence of a Mediterranean climate. One of the hazards in the area is the wind – the mistral, a cold, strong north-westerly wind.

Most of the red wines are blends and Grenache is the most grown variety. Syrah is being increasingly planted and Carignan, Cinsault and Mouvèdre are also widely used.

For white wines, the grape varieties grown include Marsanne, Roussane, Clairette, Grenache Blanc and Ugni Blanc.

Co-operatives are responsible for about 70% of the wines in the Southern Rhône. The negociants of the Northern Rhône also have a history of buying grapes from this area.

The most famous of the appellations are Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas and Tavel. However, most of the Crus are producing wines of high quality.

Pelaquie winery in St Victor La Coste


Old grenache bush vines