The Northern Rhône is home to several prestigious appellations, each with its own unique characteristics and style. Here are some of the most notable ones

Distinct Appellations

Côte-Rôtie

Known for its steep, terraced vineyards, Côte-Rôtie produces some of the most elegant and aromatic Syrah wines. The wines are often co-fermented with a small percentage of Viognier, adding floral notes to the robust Syrah.

Hermitage

Hermitage is famed for its powerful and long-lived Syrah wines. The granite soils and south-facing slopes provide ideal conditions for producing deep, complex wines that can age gracefully for decades.

Crozes-Hermitage

This is the largest appellation in the Northern Rhône, offering a more approachable and often more affordable alternative to Hermitage. The wines, primarily made from Syrah, are known for their fruit-forward character and versatility.

Cornas

Cornas is synonymous with robust and tannic Syrah wines. The warm microclimate and granite soils contribute to the intensity and concentration found in these wines, which often require several years of aging to reach their peak.

Saint-Joseph

Covering a long stretch along the Rhône River, Saint-Joseph produces both red and white wines. The reds, made from Syrah, are typically lighter and more accessible, while the whites, made from Marsanne and Roussanne, are noted for their elegance and minerality.

Condrieu

Condrieu is exclusively dedicated to Viognier, producing some of the most aromatic and opulent white wines in the world. These wines are characterized by their lush texture, vibrant acidity, and exotic fruit and floral aromas.