The ‘Rhône Rangers’ – Fabulous Alternatives to Burgundy and Bordeaux
The Rhône region of France is developing into an alternative wine growing area to the more expensive and well established Burgundy and Bordeaux regions. Located just south of Burgundy, the Rhône region meanders along the Rhône River almost 150miles from Avignon to Lyon. With two distinct areas of terroir, the region is made up of the Northern Rhône with hard rock soils and the Southern Rhône with its gentler Mediterranean soils and climate. Because of these north and south differences the wines produced are quite different as well.
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Northern Rhône?s only red varietal is Syrah, which possesses terroir (earthy) qualities, dark fruit, leathery, smokey, and peppery flavors, and heady tannins. The best of these wines can go head-to-head with any of the world?s best and hold for up to 15 years. White wines of this region usually are Viognier that, when well crafted, offer light, fruity flavors. These Syrahs are at once elegant and sophisticated, yet somewhat brutish ? hence the westernized ?Rhône Rangers?. The Syrah varietal has made quite a migration to South Africa (Shiraz), Australia (Shiraz or Syrah), and California (Syrah).
The region of Southern Rhône produces many red varietals with the most emphasis on Grenache. The most famous appellation in this region is with out doubt Chateauneuf-du-Pape with its fruity reds and earthy whites.
The wines of the Rhône are unique and exciting when well crafted. Try these ?Rhone Rangers? and you?ll soon begin adding them to your cellar and wine stocks. Check out our guide to wine selection and join our mailing list to receive our free wine and food-pairing tips.
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Cuvee du Vatican 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition - Rhone Blends Red Wine |
| Chateauneuf du Pape, France |
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Delas 2001 Hermitage Les Bessards - Syrah/Shiraz Red Wine |
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St. Cosme 2004 Gigondas - Rhone Blends Red Wine |
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Dom. de la Cote de l'Ange 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes - Rhone Blends Red Wine |
| Chateauneuf du Pape, France |
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Ch. Mont Redon 2003 Chateauneuf-du-Pape - Rhone Blends Red Wine |
| Chateauneuf du Pape, France |
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Jaboulet 2003 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge Les Cedres - Rhone Blends Red Wine |
| Chateauneuf du Pape, France |
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Jean-Luc Colombo 2003 Les Forots Cotes du Rhone - Syrah/Shiraz Red Wine |
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Ch. de Beaucastel 2002 Coudoulet Rouge - Rhone Blends Red Wine |
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- Michael Zanatta
Michael is a freelance writer and wine connoisseur whose family vineyards are in the Veneto region of Italy.
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