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Walls: Brézème and Seyssuel – sleeping beauties of the Northern Rhône

Beyond the big-name appellations in the Rhône are a number of smaller, previously dormant areas that are starting to make a name for themselves once more. In the north, Brézème and Seyssuel are shining examples to look out for.

By 1965, the vineyards of Condrieu had largely been abandoned – phylloxera and two world wars had decimated the place and its people. There were just 8ha of vines remaining on these granite slopes.

If it weren’t for the hard work of a few steadfast vignerons, the appellation might have disappeared entirely, reclaimed by the forest. Thankfully, Condrieu survived and has since flourished – but great appellations have been lost before.

We know this because some have recently been rediscovered. In fact, there are two very special terroirs at either end of the northern Rhône that are gradually returning to their former glory.

These aren’t the only appellations making a comeback, but for now, Brézème to the south and Seyssuel to the north are the ones you need to know about. Their renaissance has begun.


Scroll down for tasting notes and scores for Matt Walls’ top Brézème and Seyssuel wines



See tasting notes and scores for Matt’s picks of Brézème and Seyssuel wines:

Wines are in order white then red by score with the first six from Brézème and the second six from Seyssuel


Related content:

Walls: My top 10 Rhône wines of 2021

Rhône 2020 En Primeur: full vintage report and top-scoring wines

Walls’ hidden gems: Clos de la Bonnette, Condrieu

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