France's Rhône Valley runs 125 miles along the beautiful river which shares its name. The region is as rich and diverse as its wines, with 22 AOC wine growing regions. One can find Syrah dominated reds from the renowned Côte Rotie and Grenache blends from the Mediterranean Côtes du Rhône. While it may take the average wine lover some research to truly understand the wines of these sub-regions, with this article we hope to jump start your experience of Rhône Valley reds.

An exposition of the Rhône Valley should begin with a look at its long history. It is believed that the first grape vines were planted by the Greeks over 2,000 years ago. In the 14th century, Avignon, in the Southern Rhône Valley, became the center of Christendom with the opulent papal palace of the Pope's court, the famous St Bénézet Bridge and the countless churches and chapels that are all architectural gems. Each summer, the Pope and his court would move to the nearby summer retreat at Châteauneuf du Pape.

In the 19th century, the bold flavors of Northern Rhône reds were used to supplement the more famous Bordeaux and Burgundy reds. It was not until the mid-1900s, following the Great Depression, that Rhône growers were really able to realize the potential of their vineyards. Today, as we know, Rhône wines have approached and, in some cases, surpassed other more famous French reds.

With a brief knowledge of the region's history, we can begin to look at its climate and viticulture. Spring and summer in Northern Rhône would feel very familiar to someone visiting from the Northern United States. With lighter springs and hot summers, the weather in Northern Rhône is continental. The Northern reds are deep Syrahs with black berry flavors, floral aromas and pronounced spice, as Syrah is the only permitted varietal. In certain AOCs, producers are allowed to blend Syrah with up to 20% Viognier. This "Rhône-style" Syrah/Viognier blend also has found popularity in Australian and California wines. For great French Syrah, think of the Northern appellations of Côte Rôtie, Hermitage, Cornas and the smaller St. Joseph. (Remember our previous article on French wine labels. Geography is a key component to understanding French wines. So if you see Côte Rôtie on the label you will know it is Syrah.)

Southern Rhône has a more Mediterranean climate occasionally interrupted by a cool northerly wind dubbed "Mistral." In general, many of the greatest reds from Southern Rhône are Grenache-based blends exuding raspberry and often herb flavors. While the Northern appellations strictly craft Syrah, the Southern ones use a much wider array of grapes. Undoubtedly the lead appellation of the Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf du Pape, is named for the papal palace that was once situated in the center of the town. Châteauneuf du Pape reds are permitted to contain up to thirteen grapes. You also can find Grenache-dominated reds from Gigondas and wines often at a value price from Vacqueyras and Lirac. Many wines from the Rhône Valley are also produced and labelled under the generic AOC Côtes du Rhône, while others are called Côtes du Rhône Villages, smaller areas within the broader Côtes du Rhône. Again, these are predominantly Grenache- based blends.

Our hope is that this article will begin to give you some understanding of the Rhône area. Wines from this region can be elegant, full-bodied Syrah or more medium bodied, but strong flavored Grenache blends. We hope to see you in the shop picking up a new Rhône red to try. As we always say, the best way to learn about a wine is to try it!

Below are some of our top Rhône picks, keeping in line with this week's article, as well as other gems we discovered this week during various tastings that we attended. (Next week we will highlight a plethora of wines from various tastings we attended, hoping to find you the best quality wines.)

Domaine du Vieux Telegraph Châteauneuf du Pape - $54.99. Domaine du Vieux Telegraph derives its name from an old telegraph station, which was once sited on the hill where this Châteauneuf domaine stands. The vines average an impressive 40 years of age, and the oldest vines are Grenache, which account for 70% of the vineyard area. Varietals Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault are also present. Quality can be found at Vieux Telegraph, and this is one red Châteauneuf we will continue to buy so you can enjoy!

Domaine Monpertuis Châteauneuf du Pape 2001 - $40.00. Domaine Monpertuis produces phenomenal Châteauneuf du Papes, and the 2001 is one of our favorites. The medium-dark garnet color in addition to excellent cherry and raspberry fruit, is presented in a sweet, elegant medium-bodied style. It is a sexy, lush offering to have for now, or for the cellar, as it will drink well over the next 10-12 years.

Andre Brunel L'Enclos Côtes du Rhône- $10.49. We tasted this wine for the first time at a tasting this week and knew that we wanted to share it with you. Rich in red fruit flavors, this dry, medium-bodied Côtes du Rhône is soft and perfect on its own or with cheese and crackers. We will feature this 80% Grenache, 20% Syrah blend at Friday's wine tasting.

Domaine Monpertuis Côtes du Rhône - $16.99. Again, from the Monpertuis house, this 100% Grenache is elegant, expressive and balanced. Deeply colored, thick on the palate, with a potpourri of spices, flowers, and red fruits in the nose, this wine represents a great value (overproduces for the price). Its exceptional concentration and balance offer rich rewards.

Chateau Picoron Côtes de Castillion 2000 - $15.99. Not from Rhone, this is a 2000 Bordeaux that we think is definitely worth trying. It exudes aromas and flavors of crushed blackberry and currant that follow through to a medium-bodied palate with a soft, silky mouthfeel and a light, fruity finish.

Bennett Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 - $25.49. A small production Cabernet, this week we enjoyed the rich, silky flavors of currant, cassis and cherry chocolate that are accompanied by toasty spice. The flavors coat the mouth and linger nicely. This is ready now and would stand up to lamb or you could cellar and drink through 2009.

Friday, Sept. 22 (5 pm - 8 pm)

Saturday, Sept. 23 (5 pm - 8 pm)

Halloween Parade and Party - Saturday, October 28, 2006. EG's annual Halloween Parade and Party will take place on Saturday, October 28 from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm. Dress in your favorite costume and walk with the group down Main Street. Activities will also be planned at the Swift Gym that day. Canned good donations will be accepted as this is a "Helping Halloween" event. Stay tuned for tricks and treats at The Savory Grape.

Don't forget to plan early for your fall, holiday and corporate events. We are already booked for several fall weekend parties. If you would like us to create a Gift Basket for you or ship that wine club membership to friends or family out of state, please call, email or stop by the shop.