Rhone Valley La Belle Hélène

As one of the largest vineyards in France, the Rhone Valley, located in the south-east of France, can also boast some of the oldest vineyards in the country.
The Côtes du Rhône wine is the fruit of history and a vast vineyard! Although initiated by the Greeks, the viticulture of the Côte du Rhône was developed by the Romans. In order to create a large vineyard in Gaul near Italy, they will start important works. The history of the Rhone wine will also be marked by barbarian invasions. Wine lovers, they will increase the cultivation of vines on the Côte du Rhône to support their personal consumption. However, wars led to the destruction of the vines. The clergymen, and more precisely the popes' love for this wine, will then revive the vineyard and contribute to its fame (notably Pope Clement).
The wines of the Rhône represent about thirty appellations and are mainly red. Some famous great growths are hidden, however, among the great local appellations: Côte Rôtie and Crozes-hermitage (for the north), Châteauneuf du Pape and Beaumes-de-Venise (for the south), for example.
Among the grape varieties most commonly used in the composition of Rhone wines, syrah, black grenache and mourvèdre for red wines, marsanne and viognier for white wines are the main ones. However, many other grape varieties are used to make these wines: Vaccarèse, Muscardin, Muscat Noir, Terret Noir, Carrignan Noir, Carrignan Noir, Marselan, Clairette Rose, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Picpoul, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino, and so on.
The wine of the Rhone is a wine of character, very typical, rich in aromas and fruit.