What is rhone valley

In contrast, New World wine regions evolved as immigrants planted grapes brought from their homelands, primarily those popular in Europe. Sometimes this worked, and sometimes not. As wine in the Americas expanded in popularity and reach over the past 50 years, many New World growers looked to the most prestigious regions in France for inspiration. This is why Cabernet Sauvignon , forever entwined with the great wines of Bordeaux and to a lesser degree, Merlot , became so heavily planted throughout the New World.

This trend worked well in places that were climatically and geologically suited to those of these Old World grapes. Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a great example.

In cooler regions, winemakers also started to experiment with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the red and white grapes associated with the great wines of Burgundy.

It starts in central France, just south of Lyon, stretching almost to the Mediterranean Sea. The region comprises many storied appellations defined areas with legally mandated grapes and wine styles that take their name from communes along the river. Thank You!

This involved heavy labour: double-digging, the planting of the vines and the construction of retaining walls for the terraces… The result was a flourishing wine trade. The collapse of the Roman Empire, however, was a severe blow to the development of the industry, suddenly deprived of outlets for its wines, except for the vineyards close to the Mediterranean ports and the northern Rhone wine-growing area, which supplied the city of Lyon.

In the Middle Ages, it was the influence of the Church which gave fresh impetus to the wine industry. In the 14th century, the papacy moved from Rome to Avignon and the popes, great lovers of the local wines, planted extensive vineyards around the city.

Later, at the end of the 17th century, and for the next years, the port of Roquemaure Gard became a great centre for the shipping of goods by river. Regulations were introduced in to guarantee their provenance and quality. Concerned for the quality of its wines, the Rhone Valley played an active role in the establishment of French wine-industry appellations. In the s, the visionary Baron Le Roy championed this worthy cause.

The terms of reference he presented became the model for all subsequent AOC decrees: limits of the growing area, grape varieties, local practices, methods of cultivation, minimum alcoholic content, harvesting period. Since then, striving for quality with a view to achieving AOC status has been a motivating factor throughout the Rhone wine-growing area. Just imagine! The Rhone is the linking factor, holding together these contrasting landscapes.

We happen to love drinking wine made from grapes that thrive to their fullest potential and express the unique sense of place from where they are growing.

We planted two reds, Grenache and Syrah, along with three whites, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne and the unique Clairette Blanche, all of which are Rhone grapes. The vineyard is thriving and the wines are showing gorgeous aromas and flavors. Vineyard Manager, and grape whisperer Ruben Solorzano is taken back by the maturity and vitality the vineyard is showing. Taste for yourself with our favorite wine at the moment — the beautiful, feminine and luscious Grant Grenache.

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