Ep 253 - Rhône Valley Wine Region | French Wine Deep Dive for WSET Diploma D3

In this flashcard-style wine education podcast episode, Janina takes a deep dive into the Rhône Valley, exploring the climate, terroir, wine grapes, and AOCs that define both the Northern and Southern Rhône. Designed to support students preparing for the WSET Diploma theory exam, this episode focuses on the key facts, yields, blending rules, and appellation regulations essential for understanding one of France’s most important wine regions. While structured for exam preparation, it’s also ideal for anyone who wants to learn about wine in a focused, detailed way - whether you’re studying formally, strengthening your professional knowledge, exploring wine travel, or simply keen to deepen your understanding of French wine. A rigorous, well-organised exploration of the geography, regulations, and styles that shape the Rhône Valley - created for serious learners and curious wine lovers alike.   💡 Want more flashcard-style episodes? Previously, Janina has also produced episodes to help with Fortified Wine and Sparkling Wine exams. You can find them here: Ep 256 Languedoc- Roussillon Ep 113: Shery, VdNs, Rutherglen Muscat Ep 120: Port & Madeira Ep 129: Sparkling Wine Production Ep 136: Champagne Ep 142: All other sparkling wines   Shownotes 00:01:45 – Climatic differences between Northern and Southern Rhône 00:04:15 – Grape Varieties Overview 00:05:15 – Grenache Noir 00:08:15 – Syrah 00:09:45 – Mourvèdre 00:11:45 – Cinsault 00:13:15 – Viognier 00:14:45 – Marsanne 00:16:00 – Roussanne 00:17:30 – Grenache Blanc 00:18:15 – Clairette 00:19:15 – Bourboulenc 00:20:00 – Northern Rhône – Climate & Overview 00:21:15 – Côte-Rôtie AOC 00:25:00 – Condrieu & Château-Grillet AOC 00:27:20 – Saint-Joseph AOC 00:29:30 – Crozes-Hermitage AOC 00:32:45 – Hermitage AOC 00:36:30 – Cornas AOC 00:38:10 – Saint-Péray AOC 00:39:15 – IGP Collines Rhodaniennes 00:40:10 – Southern Rhône – Climate & Overview 00:41:20 – Southern Rhône – Appellation Hierarchy 00:42:50 – Côtes du Rhône AOC 00:44:20 – Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC 00:46:00 – Gigondas AOC 00:47:25 – Vacqueyras AOC 00:48:15 – Vinsobres AOC 00:50:05 – Rasteau AOC 00:51:25 – Cairanne AOC 00:52:05 – Beaumes-de-Venise AOC 00:52:45 – Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC 00:57:45 – Lirac AOC 00:58:30 – Tavel AOC 01:00:15 – Satellite AOCs Overview 01:00:30 – Costières de Nîmes AOC 01:01:30 – Grignan-les-Adhémar AOC 01:02:00 – Ventoux AOC 01:03:20 – Luberon AOC 01:04:10 – Southern Rhône IGP Wines   📩 Questions or feedback? [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 Website: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST Featured in Decanter Magazine and Radio Times, and ranked among the Top UK Wine Podcasts by Feedspot. RECOGNITION: – Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025) – Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025)