If you want a nice, full-bodied white wine, but you’re not in the mood for the usual suspects -- why not try a Rhône Valley white? Sure, most people think red when they think Rhône wines, but about five percent of the Rhône’s production is white. These wines can sometimes be difficult to find, but you’ll be rewarded if you make the effort.
- Rhône whites range from value wines in the $10 - $20 range, such as our wine of the week, to prestigious wines that cost several hundred dollars per bottle and are suitable for cellaring.
Bear in mind that about the only thing that the Northern Rhône and the Southern Rhône have in common is their proximity to the river. Their soils, climate and even grape types are different, and that’s reflected in both the style and quality of the wines. For a more detailed explanation, check out the Wine Concepts Rhône Valley primer.
- The northern Rhône grows three white grape types. Viognier is found in the Condrieu and Château Grillet appellations (and is sometimes blended with red Syrah wines in other appellations). Viognier makes intensely aromatic wines with notes of apricot, citrus and white flower. Think of these for roasted white meats and pork. Marsanne and Rousanne, which are typically blended together, make wines with honeysuckle, peach and hazelnut aromas. These are great with seafood and white meats. (The picture above is the Wine Concepts team standing in a vineyard in the northern Rhône’s Hermitage appellation.)
- The southern Rhône grows six white grapes. The wines are typically made from a blend of different grapes, such as Grenache Blanc, Rousanne, Viognier and Clairette.
Côtes du Rhône whites are just the thing if you’re looking for an inexpensive white for an aperitif or to pair with poultry or white fish. Côtes du Rhône is the entry level AOC classification. The grapes can be sourced from anywhere in the Rhône Valley, but are predominantly from the south. These are easy drinking, food friendly, and the least expensive of the Rhône Valley wines. Quality and style can vary considerably, but if you stick with top producers, such as those mentioned below, you’ll find quality and value.
Our wine of the week is a 2019 M. Chapoutier “Belleruche” Côtes du Rhône ($15). This wine, from the Southern Rhône, is a blend of mostly Grenache Blanc, Rousanne and Viognier. It has intense white floral, apricot and lemon aromas. It’s full-bodied, with a tangy acidity, and a nice balance despite its 14.5 percent alcohol level. This wine is a really good value for the price point.
- Some other good Côtes du Rhône producers you might want to consider: Domaine de la Janasse; Famille Perrin; E. Guigal; Jean-Louis Chave; and Jaboulet.
- If you're looking for something a little more upscale, try a white Châteauneuf-du-Pape from one of those producers.
Cheers!