The Southern Rhône, in contrast to the Northern Rhône, has a more Mediterranean climate with milder winters and hot summers. Drought can be a problem in the area, but limited irrigation is permitted to try and combat this problem. The differing terroirs, together with the rugged landscape which partly protects the valleys from the Mistral, produce microclimates which give rise to a wide diversity of wines. An interesting feature to the cultivation of vines in the Southern Rhône is the use of large pebbles, or galets, around the bases of the vines which absorb the heat of the sun during the day. At night due to the cloudless skies there is often a significant drop in temperature, but the heat from the pebbles helps keep the vines warm. Depending on the specific AOC rules, grapes blended into Southern Rhône red wines may include Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and Cinsault. Red wines made on the left bank of the valley tend to be full bodied and rich in tannins while young; whilst the right bank reds are slightly lighter and fruitier. White wines from the Southern Rhône are also typically blends of several wine grapes, including Ugni Blanc, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, Picpoul, and Clairette, though Viognier is increasingly being used and is appearing as a single varietal white wine.
At Hic! Wine Merchants, we invite you to bask in the warmth and rich variety of this sun-drenched territory through our four beautifully balanced collections. For your everyday enjoyment, our Côtes du Rhône range delivers a juicy, warming, and endlessly accessible introduction to the region's classic, fruit-driven red blends. If you are looking to step up into characterful, full-bodied alternatives that offer spectacular independent value, explore The Southern Crus, which highlights the rugged power of Gigondas and Vacqueyras alongside the historic, gastronomic rosés of Tavel and the structured reds of Lirac. For special occasions and ultimate prestige, Châteauneuf-du-Pape stands alone as the valley's most famous luxury icon, offering complex, multi-varietal blends of legendary depth and age-worthy structure. Finally, lovers of rich, low-acidity styles can head straight to our dedicated Southern Rhône Whites destination, celebrating luxurious, sun-baked white blends and aromatic single-varietal expressions that pair beautifully with fine food.
