Wines of France / Norther Rhône / Coteaux de Lyonnais

Coteaux de Lyonnais

This more recent appellation created only in 1984 is the northernmost, and thus coolest, in the Northern Rhone. Situated in the hillsides (coteaux) west of the city of Lyon, the vineyards’ proximity to Beaujolais heavily influences the permitted grapes (Gamay for the reds, Chardonnay and Aligoté for the whites) and winemaking style (mostly carbonic maceration as in Beaujolais). The appellation’s co-operative is responsible for about half the production of Coteaux du Lyonnais, and the remaining small producers mainly sell their wines to thirsty locals. Our producer Guilhaume Clusel, son of Brigitte Roch and Gilbert Clusel of Clusel-Roch, makes small amounts of deliciously fresh wines from organically-grown Gamay.

photo © F. Agharabi 2024