82. The Wines of the Northern Rhône: Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu & Château-Grillet

Wine Educate Podcast: Episode 82

Title: The Wines of the Northern Rhône: Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu & Château-Grillet

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Episode Overview

In Episode 82, Joanne explores the northernmost part of the Northern Rhône, home to some of France's most prestigious Syrah and Viognier wines. This is the first of a two-part look at the region, focusing on three key appellations: Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, and Château-Grillet.

Building on last week's episode about the Mistral wind and Rhône overview, Joanne dives deeper into the geography, climate, and grape varieties that make this steep, narrow valley so remarkable. With vineyards carved into slopes as steep as 60%, the Northern Rhône is a place where ancient Roman terraces meet modern winemaking excellence.

What You'll Learn

• Why the Northern Rhône is the northernmost region where Syrah can successfully ripen

• How the steep slopes and river reflections shape the wines' intensity and style

• The fascinating story of how this region was nearly lost to history and later revived

• What makes Côte-Rôtie ("the roasted slope") one of France's most elegant Syrah-producing areas

• How Viognier is co-fermented with Syrah to stabilize color and enhance aromatics

• Why Condrieu is considered the birthplace of Viognier—and how it returned from near extinction

• The rarity of Château-Grillet, one of only two monopole appellations in France

Episode Highlights

• Côte-Rôtie produces deeply colored, full-bodied Syrah wines with floral lift and spice. Co-fermentation with Viognier (up to 20%, though rarely that high) adds perfume and elegance.

• Condrieu focuses exclusively on Viognier, producing rich, full-bodied wines with aromas of blossom, apricot, and stone fruit.

• Château-Grillet, a 3.5-hectare monopole owned by Château Latour, sits in an amphitheater of granite that shelters its vines from the cold north winds.

Key Takeaway

The Northern Rhône may be small—just 5% of Rhône production—but it produces some of the most distinctive and age-worthy wines in the world. Its combination of steep slopes, ancient terraces, and mastery of Syrah and Viognier makes it one of the most compelling study regions for WSET students.

How to Contact Us

Questions about WSET classes or trips?
Email Joanne at joanne@wineeducate.com
Visit www.wineeducate.com for class listings, resources, and upcoming trips.