b'RHNE VALLEY, FRANCEHISTORYThe Rhne Valley is situated in Southern France and is one of the most ancient wine growing regions in the world. Cultivation began in the Northern Rhne in the first century AD. Amphorae, which were used to transport wine, were developed around this time, providing the archaeological evidence that (coupled with historical research) supports the statement that the Rhne vineyards are indeed some of the oldest. The Romans sailed up the Rhne River, founded the town of Vienne and planted vines, which soon after became extremely well known throughout Europe. However, the wine industrys development came to a screeching halt with the fall of the Roman Empire and made no progress until the Middle Ages when the church revived wine production. In 1650 regulations were instated to guarantee quality and origin. The Rhne Valley feared a great deal for the quality of their wine and consequently played a key part in the establishment of the French wine industry appellations.GEOGRAPHY, CLIMATE & SOILSThe Rhne Valley, which roughly spans between Lyon and Avignon, can be divided between north and south with the town of Valence acting as the divider. The Rhne River is a central aspect, as although it begins in Switzerland, it widens at the Rhne Valley providing a significant influence. There is an extensive variance in terroir and varietals due to the vast size of the region. The Northern Rhne is abundant in steep slopes on granite hillsides that resulted from the river. Red wines dominate and the climate is characterized by difficult winters and warm summers, receiving influence by the mistral wind which brings in colder air. The Southern Rhne is flat, rocky and sandy with a Mediterranean climate that provides a great deal of heat in the summer months. More everyday wine is produced in this area with several exceptions. Overall, the main soil types consist of four different kinds of rock: granite, sandy silica, limestone and clay.VARIETALSSyrah is the only red grape permitted in the AOC wines from the Northern Rhne. It is debated but many scientists believe this varietal originated in or very close to the Rhne Valley. Syrah must be used exclusively where as other red wines in the area can be blended with white varietals such as Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne. While this is permitted, the blending of red wines with white grapes is only practiced in AOC Cte-Rtie. Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne are also widely used for white wines. In the Southern Rhne Grenache, Syrah, Mourvdre and Cinsault are permitted for reds and Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne and Picpoul for white wines.APPELLATIONS There are 28 appellations in the Rhne Valley with only 8 residing in the Northern Rhne. The majority of the wine made in the Rhne Valley is produced in the Southern Rhne (95%), as it is much larger than the north. The largest appellation is the Ctes du Rhne which actually spans both north and south but is more prevalent in the south.STATISTICSThe Rhne Valley is the second largest appellation in France. More than 33 million cases of wine are made in the Rhne in each vintage. Ten percent of the total vineyard surface area represents organic AOC wines.4'