Region — France
Northern Rhône
The Northern Rhône is the home of Syrah. On steep granite terraces above the river — Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, Cornas and Saint-Joseph — the grape gives dark, peppery, savoury reds with real ageing potential.
These are wines of place and restraint, a world away from warmer-climate Syrah.
What to look for
- —Expect black fruit, cracked pepper, olive and smoked-meat notes, framed by firm but fine tannin.
- —Saint-Joseph is the most approachable of the appellations; Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie are built for the long haul.
- —A little decanting helps young Northern Rhône Syrah show its perfume.
Vintage notes
- 2019 & 2015
- Ripe, concentrated years with excellent structure.
- 2021
- A fresher, more classical vintage emphasising perfume and lift.
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Frequently asked questions
What grape is Northern Rhône red?
Almost entirely Syrah. Unlike the Southern Rhône, which blends Grenache and other varieties, the northern appellations are pure Syrah (a little white grape is sometimes co-fermented in Côte-Rôtie).
How is it different from the Southern Rhône?
The Northern Rhône is cooler and Syrah-only, giving peppery, structured reds. The Southern Rhône (Châteauneuf-du-Pape and others) is warmer and Grenache-based, giving richer, rounder blends.
When should I drink Saint-Joseph?
Saint-Joseph is enjoyable from a few years after the vintage and typically holds well for around a decade, depending on the producer.