The Rhône comprises two very different wine producing regions, the north and the south, that are inextricably linked together by the river that meanders from Lyon to the Mediterranean.

The north, which only accounts for 5% of the region’s total production stretches from Vienne in the north to Valence in the south, with the vineyards situated on the steep hillsides that overlook the river Rhône. The climate is semi-continental, perfect for producing some of the finest Syrah in the world. In the north, the Syrah is the only red grape variety; it is the single red component in the great names of Hermitage, Cornas, Crozes, and Côte Rotie, although the latter is softened by the addition of a little Viognier.

The Southern Rhône is where the volume is produced. The area is a big one, spanning from Montelimar in the north to Avignon in the south; the climate is more Mediterranean. In amongst the vast quantities of Côtes du Rhône produced in the south is the jewel of Châteauneuf-du- Pape. The region boasts such famous names as Château de Beaucastel and Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe. The soil here is famous for its large stones or “galets”, which store the heat during the day and give back warmth to the vines in the evening. The wines of the south are very different to the north, largely due to the fact that up to twenty varieties are permitted. It is in the south where the Grenache dominates, giving fruit flavours of raspberries and strawberries, with hints of pepper and spice, as opposed to the more black fruit and smoked meat flavours of the wines produced in the northern Rhône.
(please see the bottom of the page for how En Primeur works)

By buying your wine "En Primeur" you are securing your allocation of wine while it is still in barrel. This means that you are buying the wine at the initial release price from the Chateau or Domaine. At the point of purchase you only pay for the actual value of the wine.

When the wine is bottled the following year it is shipped to our bonded warehouse (tax free) in Hull. You can then either leave it in our bond to age or withdraw from bond when you will be charged the excise duty in force at that time and the VAT.

By Buying "En Primeur" you can be sure of the provennance of the wine. When buying fine wine on the open market there is always the danger that it has been around the world, stored in variable conditions which may cause damage to the wine.

Finally, it is important to buy from a traditional, established wine merchant in whom you can place your trust. The House of Townend celebrated it`s Centenary in 2006 - over 100 years in the hands of the same family. We pride ourselves giving personal, considered advice.