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FranceCurated by Michele Edington, Certified Sommelier
Avignon is the gateway, with Châteauneuf-du-Pape close enough for a classic half-day excursion. This is sun-soaked Southern Rhône country boasting Grenache-led reds, herb-scented blends, serious rosé, and textured whites that love garlic, lamb, olives, roasted vegetables, and anything with Provençal herbs.
Grapes
red: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Carignan, Counoise
white: Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Roussanne, Marsanne, Bourboulenc, Viognier, Picpoul, Picardan
Wines & pairings
Châteauneuf-du-Pape / Côtes du Rhône red — Grenache-led blend
Starters
- Tapenade with Grilled Bread — Briny olives, capers, and herbs feel right at home beside a Southern Rhône red. Every sip seems to gather another layer of rosemary, thyme, and ripe fruit.
- Saucisson and Country Pâté — Rustic charcuterie has the same relaxed spirit as the wines themselves. Savory herbs, cured meats, and dark berry fruit settle together effortlessly.
- Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms — Tender squash blossoms filled with fresh cheese and herbs echo the countryside flavors that have shaped Southern Rhône wines for generations.
Entrées
- Lamb with Herbes de Provence — Roasted lamb and fragrant herbs seem to have grown up beside these wines. Every bite draws out savory spice, ripe fruit, and the warmth of the Mediterranean hillsides.
- Daube Provençale — Slow-braised beef, olives, herbs, and red wine create the kind of meal Southern Rhône was made to accompany. The pairing feels generous, comforting, and deeply rooted in the region.
- Ratatouille with Grilled Sausage — Sun-ripened vegetables, thyme, garlic, and smoky grilled sausage bring out the wine's earthy herbs and vibrant fruit, creating a pairing that tastes unmistakably Provençal.
Desserts
- Tomme de Provence — Firm mountain cheese and Southern Rhône share the same rustic character. Savory notes, dried herbs, and ripe fruit unfold together at an easy pace.
- Banon — Wrapped in chestnut leaves, Banon carries an herbal aroma that seems to drift naturally into the wine's garrigue character. It's one of Provence's quiet treasures.
- Aged Mimolette — Nutty, caramel-like flavors draw out the wine's spice and dark fruit, creating a relaxed finish that lingers long after the last bite.
Featured along
- Rhone & Saone — Viviers, Avignon
Common questions
- What wine is Southern Rhone known for?
- Southern Rhone, in France, is known for Châteauneuf-du-Pape / Côtes du Rhône red — Grenache-led blend, made from grapes such as Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault.
- What grapes are grown in Southern Rhone?
- Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Carignan, Counoise, Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Roussanne, Marsanne, Bourboulenc, Viognier, Picpoul, Picardan.
- What food pairs with Southern Rhone wines?
- Classic local pairings include Lamb with Herbes de Provence, Tomme de Provence, Tapenade with Grilled Bread, Daube Provençale, Banon.