By Kirtana Angara
The area encompassing the Southern Rhône Valley is warm and welcoming. With abundant sunshine, vineyards on gentle slopes and the coast overlooking the Mediterranean Sea a magical ambience abounds. As the Rhône River winds through the south, it shoulders vineyards, and old Roman villages, before joining the Mediterranean Sea. A popular choice for holidays in the countryside, this region has a lot to offer with its diverse wine choices and flavour filled cuisine. Everyday local cuisine often includes garlic infused dishes, savoury sausages, truffles, seafood tossed with olive oil and lavender roasted lamb. Imagine these delights with a local list of wines to choose from ranging from juicy full-bodied reds to lighter delicate whites.
Wine making has existed here since the early Roman times. In the 17th century, Roquemaure, just north of Avignon, was a major shipping port for wines from the famous wine district known as the “Coste du Rhône”. Two centuries later the name evolved into one of the largest appellations today, the “Côtes du Rhône”. Although a predominantly red wine region, a small and delicious range of whites and rosés are also produced. The art of blending is an integral part of wine making in this area and gives the wine a stylist identity. The juicy Grenache is a popular choice for the reds and flourishes in the warmth of this region. It is often blended with small amounts of Syrah and Mourvèdre for spice and structure. The varieties of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne and Roussanne take the lead for whites.