Why there’s no place like Rhône

THE RHôNE in south-east France has long been a go-to region for great wines, despite being often overshadowed by Bordeaux and Burgundy. It follows the north-south course of the Rhône river for nearly 150 miles from Lyon to the Rhône Delta near the Mediterranean.

Production is relatively small-scale in the cooler north, where syrah grapes for red wines and viognier, marsanne and roussanne grapes for white dominate. By contrast, some 20 varieties are grown in the more prolific, warmer southern section. However, it’s the red grenache grape that is synonymous with the region’s character and tendency towards big wines. Côtes du Rhône – mostly from the south – is the “entry level” classification and a good place to start, especially as they offer outstanding value for money.

Reds tend to be a blend of grenache, syrah and/or mourvèdre, often with small quantities of other grapes.They are medium-bodied, fresh and spicy and go well with meats. Whites are made from several grapes, most typically grenache blanc, and are medium-bodied, crisp and with citrus and peach flavours. Rosés, dominated by grenache, are fresh and fruity.

● HAT’S OFF to Tesco for its new wine recommendation service, running from noon to 7pm daily until April 16. To try it, textWINE to 82228, follow the prompts and you’ll get a personalised recommendation within 30 minutes. Its expert panel is headed by TV presenter and wine expert Helen McGinn, supported by 20 sommeliers and wine waiters from UK restaurants. Texts are charged at standard rate and for every wine recommendation delivered, Tesco will donate £1 to hospitality industry charity Hospitality Action.