Forget the big Grenache blends of the south. The Northern Rhône is a narrow ribbon of steep granite where a single grape — Syrah — makes some of France’s most profound reds.
The Northern Rhône, in southeastern France, is a small but legendary stretch of vineyards clinging to steep slopes above the Rhône river. It is a completely different world from the warm, Grenache-based Southern Rhône: here it is all about the purity of one red grape and a handful of remarkable whites.
One red grape, grown on cliffs
In the Northern Rhône, the only permitted red grape is Syrah — peppery, savory, and built to age — grown on dizzyingly steep granite terraces that must be worked by hand. The whites come from Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne. There is no blending in Grenache here; this is Syrah in its most focused, original form.
The appellations to know
The great names are compact and close together: Côte-Rôtie (perfumed Syrah, sometimes co-fermented with a little Viognier), Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage, the powerful Cornas (100% Syrah), and Saint-Joseph. For whites, Condrieu is the world’s benchmark for Viognier. You can see several of these hillsides in a single day.
One grape, one river, and some of the steepest, most storied vineyards in France.
Self-guided tips
Towns like Ampuis, Tain-l’Hermitage, and Tournon make good bases, and the appellations line the river so driving between them is quick. Many growers are small and family-run, so book tastings ahead. Wear good shoes if you want to walk up into the terraces — the views over the river are worth it.
| Where | Southeastern France, along the upper Rhône river |
|---|---|
| Red grape | Syrah — the only red permitted, in its purest form |
| White grapes | Viognier (Condrieu), Marsanne, Roussanne |
| Key names | Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Cornas, Saint-Joseph, Condrieu |
Want the whole valley’s story, north and south? Read the history of the Rhône Valley, or trace it on the Wine History Timeline.
Frequently asked questions
What wine is the Northern Rhône known for?
Syrah — it is the only red grape permitted, making peppery, savory, age-worthy wines in appellations like Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, and Cornas. Its whites come from Viognier (famously in Condrieu), Marsanne, and Roussanne.
How is the Northern Rhône different from the Southern Rhône?
The north is single-grape Syrah on steep granite; the south is warmer and built on Grenache-based blends like Châteauneuf-du-Pape. They’re two very different styles within one valley.
Related reading: the history of the Rhône Valley · self-guided Burgundy · self-guided vs guided tours
Read before you go
Books we recommend for France and the Rhône.
The World Atlas of WineHugh Johnson & Jancis Robinson
Wine Folly: Magnum Edition — The Master GuideMadeline Puckette & Justin Hammack
A Concise Guide to Wine and Blind TastingNeel BurtonAs an Amazon Associate, Wine History Tours earns from qualifying purchases. This supports our research at no extra cost to you.
