120. Côte Rôtie, Condrieu & Château Grillet - Northern Rhône Part 1 | WSET Study Classics

Episode 120: Côte Rôtie, Condrieu & Château Grillet - Northern Rhône Part 1 | WSET Study Classics Host: Joanne Close Episode Length: 8:32 Release Date: July 16th, 2026

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Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle The Northern Rhône and its key appellations appear on the WSET Level 2 syllabus, and understanding the grapes, styles, and wine laws of this region is essential exam preparation. The Level 2 Mock Exam Bundle includes practice questions modeled on the real exam format to help you test your knowledge before you sit.

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Episode Description This episode is part of the WSET Summer Classics series, revisiting foundational topics that feature prominently across the WSET curriculum. This week Joanne turns to the Northern Rhône, starting at the very top of the region with three appellations that are worth knowing well: Côte Rôtie, Condrieu, and Château Grillet.

The Northern Rhône is long, narrow, and steep, with vineyards carved into granite slopes above the Rhône River. It is the northernmost point where Syrah can ripen properly, and it is the ancestral home of Viognier. Joanne covers the geography and climate of the region, the characteristics of both grapes, and the specific rules and history of each appellation, including one of only two monopoles in all of France.

This is part one of a two-part series on the Northern Rhône. Corresponding Level 2 quiz questions and a Level 3 essay question are available in the newsletter, and episode 81 covers the broader Rhône wine laws for additional context.

What You'll Learn in This Episode The Northern Rhône at a Glance Location: approximately 20 miles south of Lyon, running about 45 miles north to south Steep terraced vineyards on the banks of the Rhône River, originally carved out by the Romans Climate: moderate continental, making this the northernmost area where Syrah can ripen reliably Vines in the Northern Rhône predate those of the Southern Rhône Key Grape Varieties Syrah:

The only permitted red grape in the Northern Rhône Requires south and southeast facing slopes to ripen in this moderate continental climate Aided by reflected heat and light from the Rhône River Style: deeply colored, medium to high tannins, black fruit, pepper, and sometimes floral notes Viognier:

The signature white grape of the Northern Rhône Full bodied, perfumed wines with aromas of blossom, apricot, and stone fruit Naturally low in acidity and high in alcohol, requiring careful timing at harvest Côte Rôtie The name means the roasted slope, a reference to the intense sunshine and heat the slopes receive Established as an appellation in 1940, now approximately 330 hectares under vine Long history of viticulture dating to Roman times, but severely declined after phylloxera The region was in danger of going extinct as growers turned to easier crops such as apricots Guigal is credited with reviving the region's reputation and putting it back on the map Red wines only, made from Syrah Up to 20% Viognier is permitted in the blend, though in practice producers typically use around 5% or less Viognier is co-fermented with the Syrah rather than blended after fermentation Viognier acts as a color stabilizer for Syrah and contributes aromatic complexity Condrieu Dedicated entirely to Viognier, producing white wines only Believed to be the birthplace of the Viognier grape Historically made in a sweeter style in the 17th and 18th centuries; today approximately 95% of production is dry Like Côte Rôtie, the region nearly disappeared in the 1960s and 1970s, falling to just 10 hectares planted Now has approximately 209 hectares under vine following a revival in interest Château Grillet One of only two monopoles in France, meaning the entire appellation is owned by a single producer Only 3.5 hectares in size Owne