Glossary: CA´tes du

RhA´ne [kot deuh ROHN] The generic appellation given to red, white and rose wines grown in an area covering 83,000 acres in France's RhA´ne Valley. The majority of rhA´ne wines are red. Some of these are a deep ruby-black color, with full-bodied, concentrated flavors that benefit from at least 5 years' aging, while others are lighter and fruitier. The white RhA´nes are fruity and dry and can be quite heady; the roses can also be rather dry. RhA´ne wines are not made from one grape variety, but from a blend of from 2 to 13. The principal red grape is Grenache, but Carignan, Counoise, Mourvedre, Terret Noir and Syrah are also used. The white grapes used are Bourboulenc, Clairette, Marsanne, Muscardine, Picardan, Roussanne and Piquepoul (or Picpoule).

From THE NEW FOOD LOVERS COMPANION, Fourth edition by Sharon Tyler Herbst and Ron Herbst. Copyright © 2007, 2001, 1995, 1990 by Barron's Educational Series, Inc.