The Rhône is easily divided into two regions, the North and the South, which complement one another. The Northern Rhône is home to most of the famous names - Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu and Hermitage are all from the North - and to the Syrah grape (for reds) and Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier (for whites). But it is by far the smaller area, yielding less than 10% of production. In the South, where Grenache takes over from Syrah, Côtes-du-Rhône and the individual villages within it are the dominant appellations, and the wines are more rustic and obtainable. The big name in the South is perhaps the most famous of all: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a complex, long-lived wine which can use up to 13 different grape varieties.
