This 6-wine tasting explores the full spectrum of the Rhône Valley, from the powerful and elegant wines of the Northern Rhône to the rich and complex blends of the Southern Rhône. You'll discover how geography, climate, and grape varieties create distinctly different wine styles within this legendary French wine region.  Selections include:

2023 Domaine Christophe Pichon, Condrieu

• Region: Condrieu, Northern Rhône Valley, France
• Grape Variety: 100% Viognier
• Style: Full-bodied white wine
• Tasting Notes: The king of Northern Rhône whites, with opulent aromas of apricot, peach, and honeysuckle. Rich and textured with a mineral backbone that defines great Condrieu.
• Why First: Start with this prestigious white to appreciate its complexity before moving to reds.

2021 Domaine de la Roche Paradis ‘Les Vessettes’ Saint-Joseph Blanc

• Region: Saint-Joseph, Rhône Valley, France
  
• Grape Varieties: Marsanne, Roussanne blend
  
• Style: Medium-bodied white blend
• Tasting Notes: A rare Saint-Joseph blanc with floral lift, pear, and stone-fruit flavors supported by subtle almond and a mineral spine. Textured yet graceful, offering an entirely different expression of Rhône whites compared to Condrieu.
• Why Second: Compare this elegant village white to Condrieu’s opulence, showing how neighboring appellations interpret Rhône’s white grapes.

2021 Dom de la Roche Paradis 'La Madone' Saint-Joseph

• Region: Saint-Joseph, Northern Rhône Valley, France
• Grape Variety: 100% Syrah
• Style: Medium-bodied red wine
• Tasting Notes: Elegant Northern Rhône Syrah with notes of blackberry, violet, and black pepper. Demonstrates the restrained, mineral-driven character of Northern Rhône reds.
• Why Third: Begin the red wine progression with the lighter, more elegant Northern Rhône style.

2022 Grand Montmirail, Gigondas "Les Deux Juliette"

• Region: Gigondas, Southern Rhône Valley, France
• Grape Varieties: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre blend
• Style: Full-bodied red blend
• Tasting Notes: Classic Southern Rhône red blend with flavors of dark cherry, garrigue herbs, and spice. Shows the warmth and generosity typical of Southern Rhône wines.
• Why Fourth: Progress to the richer, more powerful Southern Rhône style while staying at moderate intensity.

2021 Château de La Grande Gardiole, Châteauneuf-Du-Pape "Les Vieilles Vignes"

• Region: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhône Valley, France
• Grape Varieties: Traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape blend (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and others)
• Style: Full-bodied, complex red blend
• Tasting Notes: The crown jewel of Southern Rhône wines with complex aromas of red fruit, leather, and Mediterranean herbs. Full-bodied with a long, spicy finish.
• Why Last: End with the most prestigious and complex wine, showcasing the pinnacle of Southern Rhône winemaking.

Educational Journey:

• Compare pure Viognier vs. white blends
• Experience Syrah in different Northern Rhône terroirs (Saint-Joseph vs. Cornas)
• Understand how Southern Rhône blends create complexity
• Finish with one of the region's most prestigious appellations

What You'll Learn:

• The fundamental differences between Northern and Southern Rhône
• How terroir affects the same grape variety (Syrah in different appellations)
• The art of blending vs. single varietals
• The hierarchy of Rhône appellations from regional to prestigious crus
• How climate and soil influence wine style within the same region

This expanded tasting provides an expanded education in one of France's most important wine regions!