A region of two halves – Syrah in the north (Cornas, Hermitage, St Joseph) and Grenache dominated Cotes du Rhone and Cotes du Rhone Villages wines from the south. The better villages in the south such as Chateuneuf du Pape are world famous. The Durieu family (based at Chateauneuf) make traditional, elegant reds with a real wow factor. Christophe Coste’s wines have a more upfront fruity style. The nearby village of Beaumes de Venise makes delicious dessert wines from the Muscat grape. Don't overlook lesser known areas such as the Cotes de Ventoux, where good value and well made reds with real finesse are waiting to be discovered.