RELATIONSHIPS
Match the two varieties with the land and winemaking style.
Typical roles
Syrah
Core red of the Northern Rhône. Used in blends in the southern part as well.
Grenache
Southern reds, rosés, and Roussillon’s sweet wines.
This is a summary of the relationships explained in the main text. For details on grape composition and production conditions, please refer to the main text and official sources. Sources and reference materials
FIELD NOTE 01
Northern Syrah
For reds in the Northern Rhône, Syrah is the main variety. Study them in relation to river slopes and appellations like Côte-Rôtie and Cornas.
Even with the same main variety, whether auxiliary varieties are included differs by appellation. For the north, do not generalize that all have the same composition; research the requirements for each appellation.
FIELD NOTE 02
Southern Grenache
In the Southern Rhône, blends using Grenache as the foundation often include Syrah or Mourvèdre. Expanding into Languedoc and Roussillon, the same varieties are used in different areas and styles.
In sweet wines of Roussillon, mutage is also involved, so sweetness/dryness cannot be judged by grape variety alone.
FIELD NOTE 03
Distinct characteristics when used alone versus results in blends
When drinking a wine containing two varieties, there are limits to assigning each aroma or texture to one or the other. Maturity, blend proportions, fermentation, and aging all play a role in the outcome.
When comparing the north and south, don’t just consider location—leave a comparison table for the actual grape make-up as well.
The blend may also change. In comparing a Syrah-dominant wine with a Grenache-based blend, both the land and the grape variety are included in the comparison.
PAUSE & REFLECT
Check your understanding.
If you compare Northern and Southern Rhône reds, can you see only the differences in terroir?
Read the explanation ＋
The blend may also change. In comparing a Syrah-dominant wine with a Grenache-based blend, both the land and the grape variety are included in the comparison.
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Sources and reference materials
These are the reference materials for the main text. For details of production regulations, consult the current documents. For individual wine specifications, refer to materials for the relevant vintage.
- Inter Rhône | Guide to grape varieties and appellations, 2026 Edition (PDF) ↗
- Roussillon Wine Council | Winemaking and Aging (PDF) ↗