85. Exploring Five Key Southern Rhône Crus: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Lirac, and Tavel

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Episode Overview

In today’s episode, Joanne wraps up the Rhône series with a deep dive into the Southern Rhône appellations, focusing on the Crus and how they differ from the broader Côtes du Rhône wines. This region is warm, Mediterranean, and heavily dominated by Grenache-based blends, though rosé and white wines also play a meaningful role.

Joanne also shares a quick story about last night’s nine-wine Barolo tasting at the shop, the parallels between Barolo and Burgundy, and why the takeaway was simple: we need to taste more Barolo.

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The Structure of the Southern Rhône

The Southern Rhône is known for its warm climate, flatter terrain compared to the North, and a wide mix of soils. Grenache thrives here, supported by Syrah and Mourvèdre, forming the classic GSM blend.

There are three tiers of appellations:

1. Côtes du Rhône AOC
The largest category, accounting for more than half of total Rhône production. Mostly red. Medium-bodied, fruity, simple, and designed for early drinking. Some rosé and white is made as well.

2. Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC
Stricter rules. Higher minimum alcohol, lower yields, and several villages that may append their name to the label if 100 percent of the wine comes from that village. These are fuller, more structured, and spicier than generic Côtes du Rhône.

3. The Crus
The top of the pyramid. Nine Crus in total. Each has its own identity, soil profile, and stylistic markers.

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The Nine Southern Rhône Crus

For Level 2 students, the key Crus to know is Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

For Level 3 students, in addition to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, you should also know:
Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Lirac, and Tavel

The nine Crus are:
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Lirac, Tavel, Beaumes-de-Venise, Rasteau, Cairanne, and Vinsobres.

Beaumes-de-Venise and Rasteau are also important for their fortified wines. Joanne will cover these in depth on the Level 3 podcast launching in early 2026.

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Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The best-known Cru of the Southern Rhône and one of the most recognizable wine regions in the world.
Established in 1936 as the very first AOC in France.
Over 3,200 hectares planted.

Meaning “The Pope’s New Castle,” the region rose to prominence when the papal court moved to Avignon in the 14th century. Thirteen grape varieties are permitted. Most wines are full-bodied, high in alcohol, and rich in spiced red fruit flavors. Red dominates, though some white is made. No rosé.

Quality varies widely due to the size of the appellation and the diversity of soils. The famous galets roulés (large round stones) absorb heat during the day and radiate warmth into the vines at night, encouraging ripeness and boldness.

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Gigondas and Vacqueyras

Both located on the eastern side of the Rhône and both excellent alternatives to Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Gigondas
AOC since 1971.
Elevation up to 500 meters creates a touch more freshness.
Primarily Grenache-led red wines that are full-bodied and spicy.
About 99 percent red production.
The name is thought to come from the Latin word meaning joyful.

Vacqueyras
AOC since 1990.
Flatter and slightly warmer than Gigondas. More exposure to the Mistral winds.
Produces red, white, and rosé.
Structured reds that can rival Châteauneuf-du-Pape in quality but at a far better value.

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Lirac and Tavel

These are the only two Southern Rhône Crus located on the west bank of the river.

Lirac
AOC since 1947.
Produces red, rosé, and white.
Often compared stylistically to Châteauneuf-du-Pape due to similar varieties and warm conditions.

Tavel
One of Joanne’s personal favorites and one of the first six AOCs created in France.
Rosé only.
Deeply colored, long maceration, powerful, complex, capable of developing in bottle.
Made primarily from Grenache and Cinsault, with up to nine other permitted grapes.
A very distinctive style that deserves far more attention than it receives.

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What’s Next

Next week begins a new series on Beaujolais as we head toward the Thanksgiving season in the United States. Joanne will cover Beaujolais, Beaujolais Nouveau, and everything surrounding this iconic region and style.

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Thank you for listening and see you next week.