Der er blevet produceret vin i Rhônedalen i over 500 år, og nogle af vinmarkerne er blandt de ældste i Frankrig. Syrah hersker over den sydlige del med en blanding af middelhavsdruer, mens de to stjerner i nord er Hermitage - dyrket på en imponerende granitbakke over byen Tain og bedst gemt væk bagerst i kælderen i et årti - og Côte-Rôtie, en stjerneappellation, der blev berømt af Guigals enkeltmarksvine, men som også er hjemsted for snesevis af fine producenter, der endnu er mindre kendte. De stejle bjergskråninger med udsigt over floden skal terrasseres for at gøre produktionen mulig.

Joseph og Cornas leverer også vine med vægt og værdi, men den bedste kilde til god værdi er Crozes-Hermitage, en satellit-appellation, som er kommet til live i de sidste par år med tilgangen af ungt blod.

Floddalen udvider sig syd for Valence til Côtes du Rhône-land på de blæsende alluviale sletter og de lavere skråninger af bakkerne. Det er et meget imponerende syn under den kolde, klare, blå himmel under Mistral-forhold. De bedste vinlandsbyer i Côtes du Rhône har fået deres egne appellationer - Vinsobres, Vacqueyras - som kvalitetsmæssigt ligger tæt på den mere kendte Gigondas.

Kongen af det sydlige Rhône er Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Her danner galets roulés, afrundede klipper fra det gamle flodleje, rammen om vidunderligt rige rødvine, der dufter af sydens varme og urter, og som forstærkes af den kompleksitet, der kommer af at blande flere druesorter. Tretten er tilladt i alt, men Grenache dominerer normalt sammen med Syrah og Mourvèdre som støtte. En god årgang har brug for otte til 10 års lagring for at opnå det bedste resultat.

Hvis du er til fyldigere, rigere, relativt eksotiske hvidvine, så passer en hvid Hermitage eller Châteauneuf-du-Pape fra Rhône-dalen måske bedre, eller også en vidunderligt parfumeret, berusende Condrieu - Viognier-druens hovedsæde.

Ventoux is a wine region located in the southeastern part of France, in the Rhône Valley. The region is named after the famous Mont Ventoux, a mountain that towers over the vineyards and provides a unique microclimate for the grapes to grow. The Ventoux appellation is known for producing high-quality red, white, and rosé wines that are full of character and complexity.

The history of winemaking in Ventoux dates back to the Roman times, when the region was known for producing wines that were highly prized by the aristocracy. Over the centuries, the region has gone through periods of prosperity and decline, but it has always maintained its reputation for producing excellent wines. Today, Ventoux is one of the most important wine regions in France, and its wines are enjoyed by wine lovers all over the world.

The style of production in Ventoux is characterized by a focus on quality over quantity. The vineyards are carefully tended to throughout the year, with a particular emphasis on sustainable and organic farming practices. The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully sorted to ensure that only the best fruit is used in the winemaking process. The wines are then aged in oak barrels to add complexity and depth of flavor.

The type of wines produced in Ventoux varies depending on the grape variety used. The region is known for its red wines, which are made primarily from Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre grapes. These wines are full-bodied and rich, with flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earth. The white wines of Ventoux are made from a blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Clairette grapes, and are characterized by their crisp acidity and citrus flavors. Finally, the rosé wines of Ventoux are made from a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault grapes, and are known for their delicate floral aromas and refreshing acidity.

Overall, Ventoux is a region that is steeped in history and tradition, and its wines are a testament to the skill and dedication of its winemakers. Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual drinker, a bottle of Ventoux wine is sure to impress.