With its eclectic medley of grape varieties—about thirty in total—and an array of soil types ranging from gritty schist and granite to featherweight sand, chunky clay-limestone to plump and polished galets roulés, the Rhône Valley offers a mouthwatering assortment of styles and expressions. With today’s sampler, we aim to highlight this diversity by selecting standout bottles from the north, where vineyards narrowly flank the Rhône along steep, terraced riverbanks, to the south, whose gentle slopes within the wider valley encompass some of the most celebrated terroirs in wine history. 
     Starting at the northernmost point, Jean-Claude Marsanne’s violet-scented, mineral-driven Saint-Joseph represents pure Syrah in all its glory, grown in the historic heart of the appellation along the dramatic hillsides of Mauves. Traveling down valley to the Côtes du Vivarais, David-Alexandre Gallety’s effusive blend of Syrah and Grenache exudes white pepper, sultry fruit, and a chalky tannin from its limestone terroir—a beautifully aromatic red from a producer who defines his appellation.
     Though three quarters of Rhône wines are red, we couldn’t pass up including a white, and not just any white: the Brunier family’s high-toned Vaucluse blanc, which is as bright and chiseled a blanc du sud as you can find. It’s lovely when paired with fragrant dishes like mild curries or buttery scallops.
     While the southern Rhône may be known for its full-bodied reds, like Durban’s value-driven and deliciously brambly Gigondas, we’ve held a place for a lighter one, too: Gaël Petit’s vibrant, velvety Tavel––an old-school, strawberry-scented “rosé” that will bring dimension to any pairing. Consider it the rosé sibling of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which sits just across the river on a similar collection of terroirs.
     The Châteauneuf we included here, the Bruniers’ “Piedlong,” is delicately stony, eternally age-worthy, and hails from a cool terroir that may just hold the secret to the appellation’s future. By now, you may be dreaming of a cozy Sunday supper at home. With Rhône Valley wines, keep it simple and hearty. Think meaty shepherd’s pie, rack of lamb with rosemary potatoes, or a warming pot-au-feu.