PREVIOUS TASTING ARCHIVE – MARCH 2025
The Rhône vineyards in France divide into north and south, the Southern Rhône dominated by blends, while the Northern Rhône is almost always dedicated to single varietal wines: Syrah for red wines, and Viognier for white wines.
Fans of the wines of the Rhône Valley tend to be quite fanatical about them, and the influence of the Rhône on the world’s winemakers has been enormous, particularly the influence of Syrah and Viognier. Jokingly referred to as the ‘Rhône Rangers’, winemakers from California to Australia strive to make top quality Syrah and Viognier-based wines; for many it’s the holy grail.
This tasting will pit a Rhône Valley wines against two similar contenders in each case, coming from elsewhere in Europe, or from the New World.
The Wines
Syrah and Viognier are both varieties with chameleon-like qualities; they can be made in full, ripe and hedonistic styles, or they can be more restrained; focused on elegance rather than power. Our Viognier wines certainly come from very different places: from the Rhône Valley of course, plus one from the cool and foggy North Coast of California, and one from high altitude vineyards in Lebanon. Contrasting places with contrasting cultures for sure, as are our three Syrah-based blends: again our benchmark will be the Rhône Valley, plus wines from coastal South Africa and an intriguing Australian example where a touch of Riesling lightens the Shiraz profile.
You will receive a link to buy once you purchase your tasting ticket.
Six wines £79 including UK-wide delivery.
- L’Ermite d’Auzan, Costières de Nîmes
- Cline, North Coast Viognier
- Domaine des Tourelles, Blanc
- Boutinot, Rhone Les Coteaux
- Juan Gil, El Tesoro Shiraz Monastrell
- Dandelion Vineyards, Shiraz Riesling