The Northern Rhône wine region exploded in popularity in the mid 80’s and it was really down to two people, Etienne Guigal and Robert Parker. Etienne took over the vineyard in 1946, but it was his promotional efforts of the region combined with Robert Parker that put his wine on the map. Soon the Rhône Valley became famous as a wine region producing some of the most seductively elegant and aromatic wines in the world, Guigal’s Côte Rôtie being one of them.

E.Guigal is truly a family business with Marcel, Etienne’s son, taking over the business in 1961 with the help of wife Bernadette and today their son Phillipe and wife Eve represent the third generation of this iconic property.

Wine has been produced in the Rhône Valley for over 500 years, with some of its vineyards being amongst the oldest in France. Syrah rules over the south with a mix of Mediterranean grapes, while in the north, the two stars are Hermitage – grown on an imposing granite hillside above the town of Tain and best put away in the back of the cellar for a decade – and Côte-Rôtie, a star appellation made famous by Guigal's single-vineyard wines, yet also home to dozens of fine producers as yet less well known. The sheer hillsides overlooking the river have to be terraced to make production possible.

St Joseph and Cornas also provide wines of weight and worth, but the best source for good value is Crozes-Hermitage, a satellite appellation which has come alive in the last few years with the arrival of young blood.

The river valley widens out south of Valence into Côtes du Rhône country on the windy alluvial plains and the lower slopes of the hills. It is a most imposing sight during the cold, clear, blue skies of Mistral conditions. The best of the wine villages of the Côtes du Rhône have been promoted to their own appellations - Vinsobres, Vacqueyras - close in quality to the better known Gigondas.

The king of the southern Rhône is Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Here the galets roulés, rounded rocks from the ancient river bed, provide the context for gloriously rich red wines that are redolent of the heat and herbs of the south, and enhanced by the complexity which comes from blending several grape varieties. Thirteen are permitted in all, but Grenache usually dominates, along with Syrah and Mourvèdre in support. A fine vintage needs eight to 10 years cellaring for best results.

If your taste runs to fuller, richer, relatively exotic white wines, then perhaps a white Hermitage or Châteauneuf-du-Pape from the Rhône Valley would suit better, or else a marvellously perfumed, heady Condrieu - headquarters of the Viognier grape.

Crozes Hermitage is a wine appellation located in the northern Rhône region of France. The appellation is named after the town of Crozes Hermitage, which is situated on the left bank of the Rhône River. The history of wine production in this region dates back to the Roman era, and the appellation has been recognized since 1937.

The style of production in Crozes Hermitage is heavily influenced by the terroir of the region. The vineyards are situated on the slopes of the Hermitage hill, which is composed of granite and limestone soils. The climate is continental, with hot summers and cold winters, and the mistral wind plays a significant role in shaping the character of the wines.

The primary grape variety grown in Crozes Hermitage is Syrah, which accounts for over 90% of the plantings. The remaining 10% is split between Marsanne and Roussanne, which are used to produce white wines. The Syrah grapes grown in this region are known for their intensity and complexity, with flavors of blackberry, blackcurrant, and spice.

The typical wines produced in Crozes Hermitage are red wines made from Syrah grapes. These wines are known for their deep color, full body, and complex aromas. They are often aged in oak barrels, which adds a layer of complexity to the wine. The white wines produced in this region are made from Marsanne and Roussanne grapes and are known for their floral aromas and flavors of honey and apricot.

In conclusion, Crozes Hermitage is a wine appellation with a rich history and a unique style of production. The region's terroir, climate, and grape varieties all contribute to the character of the wines produced here. The red wines made from Syrah grapes are particularly noteworthy, with their intense flavors and complex aromas. The white wines made from Marsanne and Roussanne grapes are also worth exploring, with their floral aromas and fruity flavors. Overall, Crozes Hermitage is a must-visit destination for wine lovers who appreciate the art of winemaking.