Grenache, Rhone Valley
The Grenache grape is widely present in southern France, where it came from neighboring Spain. It is a very common variety in the Mediterranean area and one of the most widespread in the world. In France, it expresses itself particularly well in the lower Rhône area, in particular in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where with small additions of mourvedre, syrah, cinsault and other local grapes, it gives reds of extreme finesse and class, especially if grown on the typical soils by galets roulés. Other interesting Grenache-based wines are those produced in the nearby Gigondas and Vaqueyras appellations. Vinified in purity it expresses rather alcoholic wines, with aromas of red fruit, dense tannins and balanced freshness.
Located in the south-eastern part of France, the Rhone Valley is one of the most significant wine-growing areas, the extension of which follows the course of the Rhone, from Lyon to the delta of the river that flows into the Mediterranean. The territory is very vast and is characterized by a notable variety of soils and mesoclimate. The northern and southern areas of the valley are clearly distinguished, given the absence of vineyards between them for about 40 kilometers. The northern part is smaller but more marked by quality, mainly characterized by the presence of granite hills and an overall continental climate. From it come great white wines made from Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne grapes, but above all great red wines made from Syrah grapes. It includes highly reputed areas such as Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie. The southern part of the valley, on the other hand, is more prolific and less prestigious but contains the famous appellation Châteauneuf-du-pape.