White in New Zealand, for example, or pink in Provence. For France's Rhône Valley, red flashes up. But all these impressions don't properly reflect the truth.
Let's consider the Rhône, particularly as there's a lot of promotional activity at the moment for this area, whose production runs from enjoyable wines for drinking in relaxed social situations to very fine bottles yet to hit the sky-high prices of some other trendy places. Spectacular scenery in Baumes de Venise. (Image: © Christophe Grilhé, Inter-Rhône) Three-quarters of the region's wines are red, but as overall output is massive that leaves some 82 million bottles that aren't.
More are rosé than white, but both need to be better appreciated. Among the rosés, there's one that is rather special, deep-coloured Tavel, blending nine grape varieties and the only French appellation to make only pink wine. But more of that in a later, rosé-specific column.
More and more, I'm enjoying the whites. They're found all along the valley, from the steep northern slopes to the broader, flatter areas of the south. Climate and geology vary too.
Those natural factors, plus many independent-minded vignerons, lead to variety enough to suit most drinkers' tastes. A fine example of a white wine from the usually red-producing Cotes-du-Rhone (Image: Courtesy of the producer) In the north, viognier is the only grape allowed in Condrieu, often fabulous (and fabulously expensive). Intriguingly, it's a very close relative of syrah.
