Coteaux du Pont du Gard: Domaine de Poulvarel Le Bouquet White

The Rhône Valley is home to some of the oldest vineyards in the world, with wine production dating back to Greek occupation in the 4th century BC and thriving under the Romans; it was later revived when the papacy moved to Avignon in the fourteenth century, giving Châteauneuf-du-Pape ('the Pope's new castle') its name. The Northern Rhône is home to prestigious names such as Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, and Hermitage - small-production wines of exceptional quality - where Syrah is the sole red grape and whites come from Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne. The larger, warmer Southern Rhône is best known for the bold Châteauneuf-du-Pape and its rival Gigondas, alongside excellent-value names such as Vacqueyras, Rasteau, and Cairanne. Its wines are predominantly red, built chiefly on Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.

Named after the famous Roman aqueduct in the Gard department, on the western edge of the southern Rhône, near Nîmes. This flexible designation gives growers freedom in grape varieties and style, producing red, white, and rosé wines of accessible, easy-drinking quality. The reds and rosés draw chiefly on southern Rhône staples such as Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Carignan, alongside fresh, aromatic whites and popular international varieties. Benefiting from a warm Mediterranean climate and the influence of the mistral wind, these are fruit-forward, characterful wines that reflect their sun-drenched terroir.