The Rhône Valley – The great north south divide

The Derby Suite, Freemasons' Hall, 36 Bridge Street, Manchester

Tuesday, 28th February

6.30pm to 8.30pm

From the almost vertiginous slopes and mono crus of the northern Rhône, to the flatter terrain and broad range of blended wines in the south, there is an enormous range of styles coming out of this diverse and intriguing wine region.

From the most northerly vineyards of Côte Rôtie, to those of St. Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage, syrah is king, viognier his queen. Together they rule in the relatively small, vertigo-inducing appellations of the northern Rhône producing high-quality, sought-after wines from this difficult terrain.

Moving south the climate becomes increasingly Mediterranean; grenache, mourvèdre and carignan take the lead role from syrah, and blends reign supreme. Châteauneuf du Pape is perhaps the south’s most famous appellation, but Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Cairanne to name but three, all produce rich, fruit-laden, full-bodied reds.