NORTHERN RHÔNE

The Northern Rhône has a continental climate with harsh winters but warm summers. Its climate is influenced by the mistral wind, which brings colder air from the Massif Central. Consequently, the Northern Rhône is somewhat cooler than the Southern Rhône, which means that the mix of planted grape varieties and wine styles are slightly different.

The wines of the Northern Rhône are dominated by the ink-black Syrah grape and it is the only red grape variety permitted in red AOC wines from the northern Rhône. For wines bearing the Cornas AOC designation, Syrah must be used exclusively, whereas other red wines from the northern Rhône sub-region may be blended with white wine grapes, these generally are either Viognier, or Marsanne and Roussanne, depending on the appellation. However, while this is allowed by the AOC rules, blending with white grapes is only widely practiced in the production of Côte-Rôtie. The Viognier grape by itself is used for white wines from Condrieu and Château-Grillet. Marsanne and Roussanne are in turn used for the whites from Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, and Saint-Péray. Northern Rhône reds are often identified by their signature aromas of green olive and smoky bacon.

At Hic! Wine Merchants, we invite you to explore the diverse brilliance of this narrow, steep valley through our four specialized collections. For those seeking fresh, juicy, and accessible everyday Northern Syrah, our primary engine room can be uncovered in Crozes-Hermitage. If you are looking to explore elegant, stony reds and crisp, mineral-driven whites that offer exceptional independent value, look no further than our Saint-Joseph range. For special occasions and cellar collectors, The Northern Icons tier showcases the absolute peak of red wine luxury, contrasting the fragrant elegance of Côte-Rôtie, the pure muscular power of Cornas, and the historic majesty of Hermitage. Finally, white wine lovers can head straight to our dedicated Northern Rhône Whites destination, featuring luxurious, aromatic Viognier alongside beautifully textured Marsanne and Roussanne blends that pair effortlessly with fine food.

Delve Deeper

Bare winter grapevines in neat rows under a fresh dusting of snow, leading up a terraced hillside toward the weathered stone ruins of a medieval castle tower under an overcast sky.

CROZES HERMITAGE
Hillside Vineyards of Saint Joseph brightly lit by midday sun

SAINT-JOSEPH
View overlooking La Chapelle on Hermitage

THE NORTHERN ICONS
White Wine Vineyards in the Northern Rhône Valley

NORTHERN RHÔNE WHITES

THE LINE UP

Domaine Yves Cuilleron Syrah Les Vignes à Côté Bottle

Cuilleron Syrah Les Vignes d'à Côté 2024
£18.50
£18.50
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A rich & minerally expression of Syrah from the star domaine of Cuilleron... Read More...
Cuilleron Marsanne Les Vignes d'à Coté Bottle

Cuilleron Marsanne Les Vignes d’à Coté 2024
£19.75
£19.75
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Pure, aromatic & full flavoured Marsanne from the star domaine of Yves Cuilleron... Read More...
M. Chapoutier Petite Ruche Crozes-Hermitage Rouge

M. Chapoutier Crozes Hermitage Petite Ruche Rouge 2022
£21.00
£21.00
/
Pure, rich & smooth Syrah with red and black fruits aplenty... Read More...
Domaine Yves Cuilleron Viognier Les Vignes d'à Cóté White Wine Bottle

Cuilleron Viognier Les Vignes d'à Cóté 2025
£23.50
£23.50
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A juicy & fresh Viognier with a tangy finish, perfect as an aperitif... Read More...
Ferraton Père et Fils Crozes Hermitage Les Pichères

Ferraton Père et Fils Crozes Hermitage Les Pichères 2020
£25.00
£25.00
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The Ferraton Père & Fils Crozes Hermitage Les Pichères is an organic red... Read More...
Ferraton Père et Fils Saint Joseph La Source Rouge

Ferraton Père et Fils Saint Joseph La Source Rouge 2018
£26.00
£26.00
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The Ferraton Père & Fils Saint Joseph La Source Rouge is a pure... Read More...
Cuilleron Saint-Joseph Les Pierres Sèches 2021

Cuilleron Saint-Joseph Les Pierres Sèches 2021
£30.00
£30.00
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A seductive, fresh & delicious Saint Joseph a pleasure to drink now or over time... Read More...
M. Chapoutier Les Granilites Saint-Joseph Red Wine

M. Chapoutier Saint-Joseph Les Granilites Rouge 2019/21
£33.00
£33.00
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A certified organic Syrah the perfectly reflects the classic Saint-Joseph Grand Cru... Read More...
M. Chapoutier Haut Chamblard Saint-Péray White Wine Bottle

M. Chapoutier Haut Chamblard Saint-Péray 2021
£34.00
£34.00
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An organic & biodynamic Marsanne with a luxurious & soft-textured palate... Read More...
Paul Jaboulet Aîné Domaine de Thalabert Crozes Hermitage Red Wine Bottle

Domaine de Thalabert Crozes-Hermitage 2018
£38.00
£38.00
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Deeply layered, full-bodied, gorgeously textured & incredibly satisfying Crozes-Hermitage... Read More...
M.Chapoutier Les Arènes Cornas Red Wine

M. Chapoutier Cornas Les Arènes 2019
£40.00
£40.00
/
An outstanding wine offering textbook notes of black olives, blackberries, raspberries & peppery herbs... Read More...
M. Chapoutier Invitare Condrieu Viognier White Wine

M. Chapoutier Condrieu Invitare 2024
£46.00
£46.00
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An invitation to taste the unique characteristics of the Rhône Valley's Condrieu appellation... Read More...
Domaine Yves Cuilleron Condrieu La Petite Côte Bottle

Cuilleron Condrieu La Petite Côte 2023
£48.00
£48.00
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A stylish, fresh & beautifully spicy expression from one of Condrieu's star domaines... Read More...
Domaine Courbis Cornas Les Eygats Red Wine

Domaine Courbis Les Eygats Cornas 2021
£53.00
£53.00
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An opulent and complex Syrah with intense flavours of black fruits, liquorice and wild herbs... Read More...
M. Chapoutier Côte-Rôtie Les Bécasses Red Wine Bottle

M. Chapoutier Côte-Rôtie Les Bécasses 2019
£65.00
£65.00
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Les Bécasses is a Syrah of incredible power & elegance from the Rhône's 'Roasted Slope'... Read More...
Domaine Georges Vernay Blonde du Seigneur Côte Rôtie Bottle

Domaine Georges Vernay Blonde du Seigneur Côte Rôtie 2021
£76.00
£76.00
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A powerful yet refined wine with great finesse and a long, sustained finish... Read More...
Ferraton Père et Fils Ermitage Le Méal Red Wine Bottle

Ferraton Père et Fils Ermitage Le Méal 2019
£100.00
£100.00
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An outstanding Syrah of complexity & elegance from the revered Le Méal vineyard in Hermitage... Read More...
Domaine Georges Vernay Les Chaillées de l'Enfer Condrieu Single Bottle Image

Domaine Georges Vernay Les Chaillées de l'Enfer Condrieu 2021
£105.00
£105.00
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An exquisite & very elegant Condrieu, displaying all the hallmarks of very fine Viognier... Read More...