The Rhône Valley wineries in France are synonymous with exceptional quality red wine, white wine and rosé. I was thrilled to interview two prominent figures in the Rhône Valley wine industry, FLORENCE QUIOT and JULIE COUTTON, at Vinexpo Asia recently. I learnt all about the region, its winemakers, and their vision for the Singapore market.
About Florence and Julie
Florence Quiot, Head of Vignobles Quiot, is a winemaker and vineyard owner with over 13 generations of family history in winemaking in the Southern Rhône. Her vineyards are sustainably certified and has a strong focus on export markets. Julie Coutton is the Export PR Manager for Inter Rhône, specialising in Asian markets and the UK. She has a background in wine writing, holds a Diploma from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, and is a Master of Wine student. Their combined expertise makes them the perfect people to tell me all about these distinctive wineries in France.
Rhône Valley is home to some of the most internationally renowned wineries in France. Tell us about the fascinating history of the area and its vineyards.
Florence: With over 2000 years of history, the Rhône Valley is a land of contrasts, rich with a mosaic of diverse terrain, grape varieties and winemakers. Running through the heart of the region is the Rhône, the second longest river in the country. It has shaped the vineyards and valley and is the lifeline linking territories and people. These iconic vineyards in France stretch from Vienne in the North, all the way down to Avignon in the South.
How many wineries are there in the appellation?
Julie: We represent over two thousand companies in the Rhône Valley, including 1682 independent and co-operative wineries. There are 31 appellations between Côte du Rhône and the other appellations that form the Rhône Valley vineyards. The Rhône Valley is the second largest appellation vineyard in France and spans a vast 65,000 hectares!
Can you give us a layman’s explanation of the notion of terroir?
Florence: Terroir is a French word meaning ‘sense of place’ used to describe what makes every wine unique. It defines how soil type, topography, climate and temperature of the land influences the composition of the wine.
The main soil types in the region are granite, limestone, clay, pebbles and sand. The land is generally hilly in the north and flatter in the south. Cold winds can blow very hard from the north, and the Mediterranean south also experiences thunderstorms sweeping in from the ocean. Variations in the terroir over the Rhône Valley vineyards in France impacts the wine, as does differing winemaking philosophies.
How do the different soil types affect the aromatic profiles of the wines?
Julie: Generally speaking, stony, chalky, clay soils tend to produce generous well-coloured full-body wines with robust aromas. The drier, stony soils produce refined, fruity wines. Clay brings more depth of fruit and colour, and sandy soils provide finesse. Chalky soils add more minerality and acidity, and a bit more tension into the wines.
Florence: It’s up to the winemakers to perfect the art of blending between the varieties of grapes and soils. Their experience and knowhow accumulated over the years really makes a difference to the final product.
What types of wine are produced in the Rhône Valley?
Julie: The region has 34 different grape varieties and produces wines in the three colours: red wine, white wine and rosé. Known for mostly still wines, we also produce some standout sparkling white wines and fortified wines in all colours.
What’s the breakdown of red, white and rosé varieties?
Julie: What many people don’t know is that this region of wineries in France produces predominantly red wine. In fact, 76 percent of total production falls into this category. White wine and rosé each make up 12% of the remainder. However, white wine and rosés are becoming much more popular, so production and sales are increasing year on year.
How are the wines produced different in the north and the south of the region?
Julie: There is a big difference! The north is dominated by Syrah (also known Shiraz), Viognier and Marsanne-Roussanne (white). With its granite soil and steep slopes, the north is suited to Syrah and more single varietal wines. The south, meanwhile, with its classic rolled pebbles that store the heat, is more grenache-based and is the birthplace of the GSM blend.
What percentage of wine produced is export?
Julie: Thirty-six percent of total production is export. Belgium is currently the main export country, and the Rhône Valley exports to 186 countries worldwide. There’s an ambition to grow that number to 50 percent by 2035, with a focus on five main countries, the US, Canada, China, Singapore and also South Korea.
This is the first time that a representative of the Rhône Valley has physically come to Singapore. Why now?
Julie: We’ve identified Singapore as a priority export market as we see great potential for growth here. Finding an importer is crucial for wineries in France for distribution into this market. Eight of our wineries have importers, and another sixteen came to Vinexpo Singapore to make new connections. Exciting times!
Can we expect to see more of your wines in restaurants, bars and wine shops or is the focus on e-commerce?
Julie: Singapore is a largely off-trade wine market, accounting for 66 percent of total wine consumption. This trend is consolidated by flourishing e-commerce. Singapore is a rapidly growing market, with increased wine knowledge driving up demand.
Florence: With its thriving bar and restaurant scene, Singapore is the place to be in Southeast Asia. The lifestyle here is very similar to that in Rhône Valley. Like the French, Singaporeans take pleasure in cooking and enjoying good food and wine with friends and family. For every occasion, everyone can find a style of wine that they love. Whether you want easy drinking wine for every day or more complex wine for formal events, there’s a Rhône Valley wine to suit.
Wine is best enjoyed in good company with delicious food. Can you highlight a few wine and food pairings?
Florence: Our red wines are generous in character and partner well with full flavours in spicy Asian food. These fine, elegant wines are also perfect to serve with fresh salads with a kick of chili and hard cheeses. High level Hermitage wine is excellent with a rich wagyu steak and truffle fries. Finally, for a relaxing glass of wine after work, put a bottle of easy drinking Côtes du Rhône in the fridge.
The white wines from the region show floral aromas and are delectable paired with shellfish, chicken rice and chilli crab! There are three white wine styles in the Rhône Valley – fresh and lively; round, fruity and balanced; and more complex age-worthy styles for cellaring. The crisp palette of a Rhône Valley River white is well matched with a platter of goat’s or blue-veined cheese and crackers.
There are two prevailing styles in the Rhône Valley for rosé – fruity and delicate, and fruity and full-bodied. The extra tannins in fuller-bodied rosé wine pairs well with charcuterie, grilled meat and steamed dumplings. Did someone say dim sum?
Florence, what are the most valuable lessons you learnt from your ancestors? How are you embracing the future?
Famille Quiot started producing wine in 1748, and I’m proud to say I’m a 13th-generation winemaker. My ancestors instilled in me a respect for three things: our history, our soil and hard work!
In order to carry on the legacy, I need to adapt to the modern world. We export 97 percent of our wine. In the past five years, Trump taxes, Brexit, COVID and also the Ukraine war have interrupted exports. With each hurdle we’ve had to adapt and modernise. I try to achieve a balance of respecting my heritage and being present today so we can be successful for years to come.
Is the Rhône Valley Region known for eco-friendly sustainable production? How has this evolved over time?
Florence: You simply can’t be a producer if you don’t take care of your environment. Twenty years ago, the vines were surrounded by only earth. With the onset of climate change over the last ten years the seasons are no longer reliably wet in winter and dry in summer. Last year, we were frozen in May, dry in winter, and had big storms in August. And we’re suffering periods of drought.
We have the French Agricultural HVE (High Environmental Value) certification in recognition of a high level of commitment to protecting and enriching a biodiverse environment with our winemaking operations. Today, we have reintroduced flowers, grasses, herbs and also birdhouses to the fields, and the animals are returning. Every winemaker must find a balance between production and the environment.
Any expert tips for getting most out of our wine in the hot weather?
Julie: Twenty minutes before you intend to drink your wine, take white wine out of the fridge and put red wine in. Follow the rule of twenty and you’ll have perfect temperature wine every time!
Inter Rhône
vins-rhone.com
Now you know where to buy good white wine, rosé and red wine in Singapore from wineries in France, why not check out our guide to best restaurants in Singapore?
Like this article and want to read more? You can also purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
