7 Fun Facts on Rhone Valley

Fun facts:
1.) Cote in French means ‘Slope’

2.) DNA test has confirmed that Syrah is a cross between Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche. Both grapes being native to France.
It was originally thought that Syrah came from a city in Iran called Shiraz.

Shiraz, Iran

3.) Cotes Du Rhone wines stand about 65% of total production in Rhone valley

4.) In 1956, temperature dipped to -15DegC for 3 weeks, which was further compounded by strong wind (Mistral) 96km/h. Killing most olive and fruit trees, except vines. Most farmers changed to grape growers to survive. Today, the wine industry is Rhone Valley #1's business activity. It is the region's main source of employment

5.) The catholic church shifted their base of operation to Southern Rhone Valley, Avignon in the 14th century. The wines of that area were known as ‘Chateauneuf Du Pape’ or ‘The New castle of the pope’

Palace of the Popes, Avignon

6.) "La Cote Du Rhone" was named after an administrative district in the Vicariate of Uzes. The district was within the Southern Rhone department and lies on the right bank of the Rhone river

In 1737, King Louis XV issued an edict that all Cote Du Rhone wine barrels have to be marked 'CDR' to prevent forgery.
You know you made it, when someone tries to copy your stuff.

7.) Mistral wind can blow up till 60mph. Enough to uproot trees in some cases.
The 3 little pigs don't stand a chance.
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Gerard Zhang,
CSW, WSET