Wines of the Rhone

The Rhône Valley is a classic wine region, but it is also adapting to a rapidly shifting climate. Matt Walls' Wines of the Rhône provides a comprehensive examination of the region, including its varied geology, climate, winemaking history, and 200 key producers. It encourages readers to venture beyond the famous crus and provides a guide to the last 40 vintages.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 390 pages
Publication date: 06 February 2024
Publisher: ACADEMIE DU VIN LIBRARY LIMITED

The Rhône Valley has gained international acclaim for its wines originating from Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. While it is recognized as a classic wine region, Matt Walls' book "Wines of the Rhône" highlights that change is a constant in this dynamic landscape. This transformation is driven by advancements in winemaking techniques and evolving wine trends, as well as a crucial response to the rapidly shifting climate. Over the past four decades, temperatures have risen significantly, and extreme weather events have become more frequent.

Walls offers a comprehensive portrayal of the vast and intricate Rhône Valley, spanning a distance of 200 kilometers along the river from Vienne in the north to Provence in the south. He begins his journey by delving into the region's geological diversity, exploring the constant presence of varied terrain. This is followed by an in-depth examination of the climate crisis, highlighting the urgent need for adaptation. A brief historical overview of Rhône winemaking, from the early Greek settlers to the modern industry, provides context for the region's appellation system, which is divided into five levels.

Walls encourages readers to venture beyond the well-known crus and delves into the terroirs of each appellation, providing detailed descriptions and assessments of typical wines. Profiles of 200 key producers complete the picture, offering a deeper understanding of the region's winemakers and their contributions. Throughout the text, boxes provide interesting asides on current issues and key appellation facts, while an appendix on ageing wines offers insights into the past 40 vintages.

"Wines of the Rhône" is an ideal introduction for those new to the Rhône Valley, providing a comprehensive and engaging exploration of this renowned region. It also offers fresh perspectives for long-time admirers of the wines, deepening their appreciation for the region's rich heritage and evolving winemaking practices.

Weight: 616g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913141479