5 Affordable French White Wines from Rhone Region

The Rhône valley is an extraordinary place known for its French Wine production. It holds the second-largest AOC classification in France, just behind Bordeaux. Aside from being rich in history and culture, visitors can experience breathtaking views along the flowing waterway as well as inspiring sights of elegant mansions. Add to this breathtaking scenery; rows upon rows of vineyards filled with flowers such as Lavender and Olive trees mixed among them - there are no words to describe how beautiful this valley is, and its white wines for sure.

You may have a hard time choosing when you want to order white wine online. Because, with more than thirty different AOC regions, twenty-seven unique grape varieties, and five thousand different producers, the Rhône Valley has become a diverse region producing some of the most interesting French Wines around.

Wines from the Southern Rhone and the Northern Rhone differ greatly in taste and character. That’s why you may see them in a wine store California apart from each other. In the North, Syrah is the only red grape used for quality wines such as Côte Rôtie and Hermitage; each winemaker strives to produce wines that reflect their unique terroir. It has a continental climate much different than that of its southern counterparts - it can be very cold during winter and spring thanks to winds carrying up from Spain across Europe.

The Southern Rhône is significantly warmer than the rest of France. Syrah is one of 15 red wine grapes that can be grown in this location, according to research. Surprisingly, it is frequently mixed with Grenache and Mourvèdre to make wines like as Châteauneuf-du-Pape or Côtes du Rhônes.

Twelve distinct grape varietals are cultivated in the Rhone Valley for white wines. Only three white wine grapes are in the Northern Rhône: Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne. And in South-Western Rhône (the Southern Rhône), more than 10 distinct grape types are cultivated in diverse vineyards around the region, including some lesser-known varieties like Picpoul Blanc, Vermentino, and Clairette Blanche.

Chateau de Saint Cosme Condrieu

Château de Saint Cosme is one of the most popular estates in Gigondas and produces the appellation's one of best white wines. The property has been owned by Louis Barruols' family since 1570. Henri, owner of Château de Saint Cosme was among the first in the region to farm organically beginning in the 1970s and became certified for biodynamic farming techniques just a few years ago

Viognier found the most wonderful taste of terroir in this establishment. It offers an intense aroma consisting of peach, lemon, apricot, and toasted notes, with hints of mint and perfume. On the palate, it is fruit forward in a perfect balance with the body and even acidity. And while these may seem too simplistic to understand at first, what makes this wine so extraordinary is its complexity.

Famille Perrin Cotes du Rhone Reserve Blanc

A taste of the South comes alive in every sip when indulging in an exquisitely crafted French Wine from Famille Perrin. The family-owned company has a rich history rooted in passionate winemaking that spans over five generations - they're also committed to sustainable viticulture while staying true to an organic vision. Founded on light, fertile soils at Jonquières and Cairanne, these vines produce grapes including Marsanne, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Viognier which are then blended to create this exquisite white wine with notes of honeysuckle, white flowers, citrus aromas, and good acidity.

E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone Blanc

The Guigal family began working the land in 1946 with care for wine. The steep terrain of the Rhône Valley is very old and full of history - where you'll find vines flourishing at every turn. It is an excellent white wine that captures a sense of both passion and perseverance. It is a blend of Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc, and Grenache blanc grapes which provide an aroma of ripe fruits such as peach as well as a hint of apricot, with a subtle hint of flowers near the finish - creating an excellent balance.

Domaine Betton Crozes-Hermitage Blanc Circé

Domaine Christelle Betton was run by a third-generation vintner from the region of Crozes-Hermitage in Rhone Valley. Christelle Betton cared for her land organically but was not certified; she preferred to allow nature itself to dictate what would happen next on her property. This French Wine came from vines that had been planted 30 years ago--giving it lots of time to develop complex flavors. Half of this white wine is aged in oak barrels while the other half matures in stainless steel tanks--producing wines resulting in an aromatic yet silky full bodied It has an aroma reminiscent of flowers, citrus, and stone fruits and is medium-bodied with a refreshing lightness that's pleasingly rounded and persistent on the palate.

Domaine Maby Lirac La Fermade

A larger region between Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Tavel, Lirac white wines are reminiscent of some of the finest Côtes du Rhône villages wines. It is known for producing low yields with intense fruit quality and good acidity.

The Maby family and Domaine have been producing quality French Wines for centuries in Lirac and Tavel, but they've taken it a step further by using sustainable agriculture principles to promote biodiversity while also reducing emissions. Made from Rhône staples Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, this full-bodied red has lots of berry aromas mixed with notes of spice as well as great balance.

If you want to learn more about the wine regions in France or French Wine, and thus have more information when you want to buy wine online or when you go to a wine store in California, do not miss this blog about All you need to know about white Burgundy wine: A primer