This month, we’re taking you on a journey through the Northern Rhône—one of France’s most captivating wine regions, through the eyes of JC, who grew up just across the hills from these legendary vineyards. From steep granite slopes to sun-kissed terraces, he shares his personal stories, favorite producers, and the wines that have shaped his life. Join us as we explore the Northern Rhône through JC’s perspective.

SAINT PERAY La Belle Endormie The Sleeping Beauty Upon entering the Northern Rhone, you can’t miss Chateau de Crussol (or whatever remains of the 12th century château), at the very top of the hill on the left-hand side, sitting in the heart of the Southernmost appellation of the northern Rhone – St Peray.

A 100% white wine sub-region, where Marsanne and Roussanne grapes are planted on limestone and broken up granite soil. Marsanne is all about the generosity and the aromatic power while Roussanne is a bit more noble/refined and fresh.

While each varietal offers its aromas, the diversity of the blends or the choice of a single varietal create an infinity of subtleties for rich and varied drinking experiences. I love matching them with food too!

CORNAS L'Enclave The Enclave Cornas might be one the smallest Appellations of the Northern Rhone but there is nothing small about its wines! The vineyards cling onto the steep hillside in a half-circle forming a natural amphitheatre.

Well protected from the elements, with a South/South-East exposure, and soil with high granite and limestone content leaves for a unique style of Syrah! Think deep, dark fruit, tar, liquorice, intense and with a powerful grainy texture – This is Cornas at its best.

I will always remember (and taste!) a wonderful bottle of Auguste Clape Cornas 1976 that I had in the mid 80’s – What a wine it was!!

CROZES-HERMITAGE L'Adolescent The Teenager Crozes-Hermitage is located on the left bank of the Rhone River surrounding the famous hill of Hermitage (with the little chapel) and its vineyards. The larger part is on a plateau and terraces just above the river surrounded by fruit orchards. The terroir consists of thick layers of stones mixed with red clay. Consequently, the wines are fruity, supple, round and have a super easy approach.

A couple of days ago, we opened a bottle of Gilles Robin Crozes-Hermitage ‘Cuvee Papillon’ 2023 with our friend David at Decant (Christchurch). And we both agreed that it was probably one of the best ‘Papillon’ we ever tried from this family Domaine (You might remember the lovely Leonie – Gilles’ oldest daughter who worked at Maison Vauron in 2024)! A must try wine!

HERMITAGE Le Chevalier The Knight Northern Rhone’s biggest name? I’d say so! The birthplace of Syrah? Most definitely! Just over 130 hectares of vines planted just above the small town of Tain-l’Hermitage on the right bank of the river Rhone. But did you know that Hermitage vineyards were - until the Rhone changed its course - on the left-hand bank? So, not surprisingly the vines are still planted on the granite soil of the Massif Central mountains. Over centuries it has become the single most perfect site in the world for the Syrah grape (Its birthplace!)! The wines are very aromatic, powerful, complex, rich in tannins and have a significant ageing potential.

SAINT-JOSEPH Le Soldat The Soldier This is an Appellation very close to my heart! I was born just on the other side of the hills and St Joseph white and red wines were always present on the table of our family’s Sunday lunches. The vineyards cover a series of different hill sites with slightly varying soil types, but the vines from the best producers offer more drinkability, more vibrancy and more liveliness than its neighbours. You must start with Jean-Baptiste Souillard ’s wines! They have the purest, most transparent and poised version of Syrah in St Joseph!

CONDRIEU La Reine The Queen You only find white wine here and Condrieu is the big diamond ring on the Northern Rhone’s finger! Viognier grape (its spiritual homeland!) planted on crazy steep hills and narrow terraces, all over-looking the Rhone River. I was born only a stone’s throw from these hills. Guess what? The terroir is also made up of granite and you must be very mad to work on the land here!! EVERYTHING must be done by hand to please the Queen! The wines are pure, supple, a bit oily on the initial texture with exotic fruit tones and plenty freshness on the finish. Admirable in their youth, Condrieu wines can also age exceptionally well.

CÔTE-RÔTIE Le Pont The Bridge Driving south from the town of Vienne - 30 km below Lyon - you can’t miss on the right bank of the Rhône River, the dramatic slopes of the Côte-Rôtie appellation, some as steep as 55 degrees. The vines are trained using double cane supports, called échalas, a feature so distinctive of the landscape. Granite soil and Syrah grape are the word here! The wines have an elegant profile, and we like to describe them as ‘The Bridge’—something between the Rhône and Burgundy.

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