Southern Rhône
Summary
This southern department of the The Rhône Valley, has been producing wine since the Greco-Roman era, and experiences a warm Mediterranean climate with dry sunny summers and mild winters. Drought has become an increasing issue, with irrigation permitted but under strict regulation. Sites in the east experience high diurnal ranges from high elevation and shading provided from the Dentelles Montmirail mountain range. Although with flatter sites when compared with the Northern Rhône, the Mistral wind exposure is prevalent. Both Low bush training (Grenache), and trellis training (Syrah) is common. Final blends of principal and permitted varieties are dictated for cru areas.