Good Morning!

Yesterday, I started to share a few things I found out about the Syrah from Northern Rhone. So, today, I want to share what I found out about white whites from Northern Rhone. 91% of all Rhone wines produced are reds so whites are not as big as a focus, but the whites that are made, are amazing. In total, Rhone, France produces 40 million cases per year and that makes Rhone the second largest wine producing area in France, next to Bordeaux.

There are 3 major white wines produced in Northern Rhone:

Viognier (pronounced vee oh n’yay) This is the most known white and it is a delicate wine but the aroma is very distinct, very floral. Viognier is many times blended with Syrah to help harness the boldness of the Syrah with the aromas of the Viognier. You can find Viognier from California and Australia that are really great examples of this beautiful grape. In Northern Rhone this is the white that they will showcase alone.

Roussanne (pronounced roos sahn) A very high quality white wine and you will recognize the light aromas and crisp acidity. This is an co-star blending wine.

Marsanne (pronounced mar sahn) This grape is much easier to grow than Roussanne, this wine gives more body to its wines but it lacks finesse.

I have had several blended Viognier/Roussanne/Marsanne from the US that are very beautiful and crisp.

Tomorrow I will start chatting about the what I am learning about Southern Rhone…where they grow many grape varietals and make some of the most spectacular red wine blends in the world.

Much LOVE and wine,

Tammi