French wine 101
Rhône Alpes
The Rhône-Alpes is France´s most naturally diverse region. From the summit of Mont-Blanc to the lavender fields in the Drôme provençale, the Rhône-Alpes offers the widest range of landscapes and activities to satisfy every visitor seeking a great holiday experience. The Rhône-Alpes is hometo two national parks ans six more regional natural parks hosting all of your favorite outdoor sports.
But that´s not at all. For those that want to kick back, the region offers 17 dynamic spa resorts and is home to the famous Evian springs -- No wonder it´s known as the wellbeing region...
Taste it and be there
Get lost in variety
There are 38 AOC wine areas in the Rhône-Alpes.
Literally, every direction you head, you´ll find the region´s ancient and distinctive Côtes du Rhône wine area.
To the east, you´ll find mountain vineyards, home to the Savoie wines, as well as the Bugey wines.
If you´re moving north, you´ll encounter Beaujolais wines.
Unlike most other grapes, Beaujolais Nouveau is fermented for just a few weeks, then officially released for sale on the third Thursday of November. Finally, if you´re heading West, you´ll encounter Côtes du Forez wines, light reds that are designed for early drinking much like their northern cousin, and the vineyards of the Côtes Roannaise.
Fruity & spicy
If you´re looking for a wine that goes well with red meat or game, look no further than « la Mondeuse Rouge de Savoie », a spicy red wine with a purple color and a subtle bouquet of autumn flowers. The savoir region also offers white wines, including la Roussette de Savoie, which is excellent as an apertif as well as served with young cheeses. Additionally, Roussette goes well with fish, white meats, and veal.
And you won´t have to look far for good food: the Rhone-Alpes is home to the city of Lyon, a major center for gastronomy. North of the city, you´ll find the Bresse area, home of the Bresse chicken, the only species of poultry in the world to have its own AOC. This goes well with a white Hermitage, a Côtes du Rhone wine.
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