Rhône Varieties Thrive in Yolo County

Mar 30

The Rhône Valley is the second-largest wine-growing region in France. Tucked in the southeast corner of the country, the valley is named after the magnificent river that flows directly through it. Vineyards thrive on both sides of the Rhône, and it is home to some of the most famous wines of the world, including Hermitage and Côte du Rhône. Luckily for us here in Yolo County, and thanks to early settlers and pioneers, the rootstocks of these vines have traveled thousands of miles to be planted in our soil so that we too can enjoy the wonders of the Rhône Valley.

Rhône Valley vs. Yolo County

Northern rhone

Climate – Hot summers and cold winters, with rain throughout the year.

Geography – Steep hillsides. Vineyards are terraced to keep soil from eroding and to retain the warmth of the sun.

The birthplace of Syrah!

Southern Rhone

Climate – Warm, long summers, and mild winters. Less rainfall than the north, but the famous Mistral Wind is a major player.

Geography – The valley widens and the region is distinctly more ‘Provençal’ with a Mediterranean influence.

Wines from the south retain nuances of Garrigue, a wild resinous herb that covers the landscape.

Yolo

Climate - There are five Mediterranean climates around the world, and luckily, California is one of them. A Mediterranean climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, a climate that makes excellent growing conditions for grapevines. In Yolo County, as we pass over the Vaca Mountain range from our neighbors in the Napa Valley, we venture a bit farther away from the Pacific Ocean. As a result, our annual temperatures are warmer. However, there are certain grape varietals that will thrive in warmer temperatures, and you guessed it, Rhône varieties love our Yolo County climate!

Geography – Yolo County stretches from the rolling hills of Dunnigan in the north, through the colorful Capay Valley, and down to the bends of the Sacramento River in Clarksburg. We have winery members sprinkled throughout the county, each offering unique landscapes, views, and award-wines for you to experience.

Grape varieties of the Rhone Valley include:

White Grapes:

Roussane, Marsanne, Viognier, Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Picpoul Blanc, Picardan, and Muscat-Blanc.

Red Grapes:

Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Counoise, Muscardin, Vaccarese, Picpoul Noir, Peloursin, and Terret Noir.

“At Great Bear Vineyards, we produce single varietal Roussanne, Syrah, and Petite Sirah.

Our Yolo terroir of Rincon clay loam and sandy loam soils coupled with the nightly Delta breeze really help our grapes thrive. These varietals enjoy the heat, but we carefully manage leaf thinning to avoid sunburn and to help the grapes retain their acid which is perfect for producing wonderful wine.”

— Jenny, Winemaker and Owner, Great Bear Vineyards