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The grape, which is believed to have originated in or close to the Rhône region, is also widely known as Shiraz, its name in Australia and much of the English-speaking world, and has recently become very popular with consumers around the world. Syrah is the only red grape variety permitted in red AOC wines from this sub-region.
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Northern Rhône is therefore cooler than southern Rhône, which means that the mix of planted grape varieties and wine styles are slightly different. Its climate is influenced by the mistral wind, which brings colder air from the Massif Central. The northern Rhône is characterised by a continental climate with harsh winters but warm summers. The steep hill on which the Hermitage AOC grapes are produced, to the right, stands above the Rhône, on this northward view from the heights of Tournon-sur-Rhône. The prestigious Northern Rhône appellations account for less than 5% of the total Rhône wine production. The entire Rhône region produces around 4 million hl of wine each year, of which over half is classified under the Côte du Rhône and Côte du Rhône-Villages appellations. Those vineyard owners which do not vinify their wines themselves deliver their grapes in bulk either to a winemaking cooperative, for example Cellier des Dauphins, or sell them to one of the 51 négociants (wine producers and merchants) who blend, distribute, and export on an industrial scale. The various AOC wines of the Rhône Valley region are produced by over 6,000 wine growing properties including 1,837 private wineries and 103 cooperatives. Just over 100 years later, wines from the 'left' bank were included in the C.D.R. These were the wines from the area around Tavel, Roquemaure, Lirac and Chusclan on the western ('right') bank of the Rhône. In 1737 the King decreed that all casks destined for resale should be branded C.D.R. In 1650, to guard against forgeries a set of rules was passed in an attempt to guarantee the origin of the wine. The name Côtes du Rhône comes from public administration in the Middle Ages and was the name (Côte without 's') of a district in the Gard département. In 1446 the city of Dijon forbade all wines from Lyon, Tournon and Vienne, arguing that they were " très petits et pauvres vins" – very small and miserable wines. The wines were traded to such a degree that the Duke of Burgundy banned import and export of non-Burgundian wines. Rhône reappeared in the 13th century when the Popes and their considerable purchasing power moved to Avignon, at which time the production of wine expanded greatly. When the Romans left the area interest in the wine of the region disappeared. However, extensive DNA typing and viticultural research has established beyond doubt that Syrah originated in the Rhône region itself. Yet others suggested the grape came from the Sicilian city of Syracuse, whence circa 280 AD the Romans brought it and the Viognier grape. Others that the grape came 50 years later when Greeks fled from the Persian king Cyrus I. Some suggested that the Greeks were responsible for bringing the Syrah grape from the Persian city of Shiraz. The origins of the two most important grape varieties in the northern Rhone ( Syrah and Viognier) have in the past been subject to speculation. Walk in places that inspired renowned artists, see the world-famous vineyards of Burgundy, and explore ancient castles and villages with excellent local guides who bring the past to life on fascinating tours.The first cultivated vines in the region were probably planted around 600 BC. Reasons to Go: To take a cruise on the Rhone is to be immersed in French culture, cuisine and wine, all in comfort and luxury. The Saone River joins the Rhone at Lyon, so most cruise itineraries include both rivers.Īlong the way are unforgettable stops in Avignon, where the grand Palace of the Popes was the seat of Catholicism in the 14th century Arles, the city that inspired Van Gogh and Lyon, often called the food capital of France. As you can see by the Rhone River map, the river makes its way through Provence and the heart of French wine country before flowing into the Mediterranean near Marseilles. A trip down the 500-mile Rhone rewards cruisers with excursions to medieval villages, opportunities to visit world-class wineries and meals of exquisite French cuisine, among many other delights.