The Southern Rhone is a huge area stretching down to the coast and includes some of wine`s most famous names as well as being home to the simple yet often delicious category of the Cotes du Rhone. Villages like Gigondas, Rasteau and Chateauneuf-du-Pape vie to produce the finest of hedonistic wines, while Tavel and Lirac are most famous for their roses.
The region is in a state of almost constant drought, is baking hot in summer and cold in winter, as well as having teh benefit of the mistral wind. The last is a cold blast that can be excellent for the health of the vines, but does nothing for the human inhabitants. (CW 23/01/12)