The Rhone Valley in France is known for its bold and assertive wines. They are predominantly full-bodied reds, but there is also a handful of fascinating, rich dry whites. Major villages in the Rhone Valley have their own appellations, and the only regional appellation is the vast Cotes du Rhone. However, while there is no official classification of vineyards, neither is there a shortage of top-quality single-vineyard wines.

The Rhone is divided into two distinct areas. The steep slopes and granite-laden soils of the north are dominated by powerful, slow-maturing reds made from syrah. The finest and most long-lived wines are from Hermitage, with Cote-Rotie a close second. Wines from Cornas tend to be more rustic, while St.-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage are slightly lighter.

The north’s three white grapes make similarly full-bodied wines. The best known, viognier, is made as Condrieu and Chateau-Grillet, while marsanne and roussane make white Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, St.-Joseph, and the sparkling St.-Peray.

The south has 13 grape varieties. Grenache, mourvedre, and carignan are the most important reds, but syrah has been gaining ground in Cotes du Rhone. Syrah is also important in the leading appellation of the southern Rhone, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, as well as lower priced alternatives such as Gigondas, Vacqueyras, and Lirac.

Most whites of this region tend to be dry, sturdy understudies to the reds, although white Chateauneuf-du-Pape is more aromatic and interesting, but like its red counterpart, expensive.

Most Cotes du Rhone comes from the south, although there are a few from the north and these tend to be firmer and more structured. Wine from Cotes du Rhone-Villages (from any of the 17 better-sited villages in the south) is richer and fruitier. These add their name to the word "Villages" as in Cotes du Rhone-Villages Sablet.

Recently, we had a tasting at the Seekonk store that highlighted some wines from the M. Chapoutier vineyards in the Rhone Valley. One of my personal favorites was the M. Chapoutier Cotes du Rhone Belleruche. Made from syrah and grenache, this garnet red wine offers delicious cherry and pepper aromas, with fresh, ripe berry fruit flavors.

Also an excellent choice is the M. Chapoutier Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Bernadine 2003. This full red features complex aromas of currant, plum, coffee, cherry and spice. Its peppery flavors are tinged with nuances of sage, rosemary and red fruit, giving it a pleasing complexity.

Another good example of the region is M. Chapoutier’s Crozes Hermitage Rouge Les Meysonniers 2002. Of an intense, deep purple color, this is a wine where black pepper, raspberry and black currant aromas dominate with flavors of stewed fruits and hints of vanilla. It is truly delicious.

To experience a white wine from the Rhone Valley, sample the M. Chapoutier Hermitage Blanc Chante Alouette 2001. Of a brilliant gold color with green highlights, this tasty wine is full-bodied with a tasty buttered almond finish. It gives off complex aromas of quince, walnut, honey, ginger and acacia flowers that make for a totally enjoyable experience.