Wines from the northern Rhone Valley region are some of the best in France, yet they often fly under the radar. Stone fruit, flowers and hay are typical on the white wines (typically made from viognier grapes). The reds are almost always made from syrah grapes and range from Burgundian ethereal beauties to full-bodied crushers.
The northern Rhone region runs from the town of Vienne, France south along the Rhone River to Valance. Look for appellations like Cote Rotie, Condrieu, St. Joseph, Crozes Hermitage, Hermitage, Cornas and St. Peray. Here, my three picks from the northern Rhone perfect for cool winter nights.
1. 2007 Domaine Lionnet Cornas Terres Brulees This is an organic domaine that farms a small 2.2 hectares. Bold and structured with a lot of complexity, this wine is amazing with beef dishes (think beef Wellington) or grilled lamb.
$50, available to go at Reeds American Table
2. 2009 Jean-Louis Chave Crozes-Hermitage Silene Here is a fruit-forward, easy-drinking wine from a great 2009 vintage. Balanced and medium-bodied, this wine typifies what Crozes Hermitage is all about: red fruit, mineral and a hint of flowers. This is a wine to pair with hamburgers or grilled fish.
$30, available at Starrs
3. 2014 Domaine George Vernay Viognier Le Pied de Samson Viognier is a singular grape with clear alpine, floral notes. This excellent wine from the hills of Condrieu is from an altitude too high to be allowed in the appellation. Flowers, hay, a beautiful texture and balance with just a hint of white pepper make this an amazing wine for lobster in butter sauce.
$30, available at The Wine and Cheese Place
Ben Wood has more than 10 years experience in the wine industry. He currently works as shop manager of Cork & Rind.
This article appears in February 2016.