The first vineyards were established here by the Romans who were on their way to Gaulle. Viniculture may even reach back to the Phoenicians. Name like the Syrah grape, a vine, that has its origin in Persia under the name Shiraz , the Châteauneuf-du-Pape - named after the popes of Avignon or Hermitage, named after an hermit from the time of the crusades, definitely hint at a long history. Only in recent decades have the strong wines from this region gained in importance.
The Rhône is, next to the Loire the most important wine river in France. One distinguishes between northern and southern Rhône. The fiery red wine with its dense dark color concentration and spice is especially known. There is mild climate in the South., in the North one is dependent on the warm soil to help ripen the Syrah grape. The white Vionier, Rousanne and Marsanne, Grenache and Cinsault are grown as well.
The quality of the red wines is extremely variable. From the large mass of average wines, some excellent wines, like the Côte Rôtie, Hermitage and Châteneuf-du-Pape stand out.
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