Wines of the Rhône (Paperback)

This new exploration of the wines of the Rhone Valley is an essential reference guide to one of the great classic wine regions of France. It covers all the appellations of the Rhone from timeless Cote-Rotie and Chateauneuf-du-Pape to insiders' secrets such as the forgotten Brezeme and Seyssuel. One of the largest and most ancient wine regions of France, the Rhone remains remarkably accessible and true to itself despite a growth in size and reputation in recent years. Wines of the Rhone features interviews with some of the most respected winemakers and personalities of the region and includes fascinating insights and anecdotes from experts based further afield. Dividing the region into two parts, Walls depicts the sights, sounds and smells of the towns and countryside that make each unique. He then brings readers up-to-date with top-line facts and figures and explores the climate, terrain, main soil types, grape varieties and peculiarities of viticulture and vinification in each part of the region. Although the focus of the book is on the present Walls takes time to look at the main historical events that have shaped each part of the Rhone Valley and its wines. Part 1 covers Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Rasteau, Cairanne, Beaumes-de-Venise, Vinsobres, Lirac, Tavel, Brezeme and St Julian St. Alban, the Diois and Cotes-du-Rhone Villages and other southern Rhone appellations. Part 2, the northern Rhone, covers Cote-Rotie, Seyssuel, Condrieu, Chateau-Grillet, Saint Joseph, Cornas, Saint-Peray, Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage. Part 3 contains vintage guides for both parts of the region, giving a brief description of the quality and typical wine styles in both red and white from 1978 to the present day and detailing main vintage characteristics and any over- or underperforming appellations as well as providing a guide to food and wine matching. Wines of the Rhone examines the contemporary issues being tackled across the region with clarity and authority, in a readable and entertaining format that makes an invaluable addition to the library of any serious wine lover.