Champagne, Burgundy and Bordeaux might be more highly regarded and more famous in the wonderful world of wine, but I think the most interesting wine-producing region of France is the Rhone.

  The Rhone has the most diversity of permitted grape varietals. Syrah and grenache are the two most planted red grapes and clairette, viognier, marsanne and rousillion are white grapes widely grown in the 125-mile wine region.

  The French are masters of blending the juice from grape varietals to make a finished wine. The wine makers of the Rhone often blend red wines and white wines to create their finished offering. The classic area for this wine making technique is Chateauneuf.

  When Pope Clement V made his residence in Avignon (at the southern tip of Rhone), he noted the grape vines of the community and decided to add to the wine culture of the area. One of the first named Rhone appellations was Vin-du-Pape. This appellation later took on the name as we know it today — Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

  Chateauneuf-du-Pape is in the southern Rhone, and there are 13 grape varietals allowed to grow in the appellation. There are more white varietals than red grown here, and many of the offerings of the area are blendings of both red and white wines.

  Chateauneuf-du-Pape may be the most famous of the southern Rhone appellations, but it is not the only great wine region of the area. The wines labeled with the word "Gigondas" are created just north of Chateauneuf-du-Pape around the town of Gigondas.

  The main grape of the region is the grenache. Cincault, syrah and mourvedre are also grown there and find their way into the final blendings. The wines of Gigondas tend to be hard and robust when young. After a few years of cellaring, the wines soften and allow the developed fruit to take front stage. Look for wines from this region and its neighbor, Vaqueyras, to put into your cellar. The prices on these are climbing, and in a few years you will be glad you bought them so cheaply.

  One of the oldest wine regions in the world is also found here. It is known today as the Cotes du Rhone. The Cotes du Rhone is a rather large area, which includes many smaller grape-producing towns that are not considered appellations by themselves. If you are looking for bargains in French wine, the offerings from this region should be considered.

  One wine I highly recommend is the 2005 M. Chapoutier Belleruche Cotes du Rhone ($15-20). Created from 80 percent grenache and 20 percent syrah, this offering has initial musty aromas that turns into tobacco, licorice and fruit traits after the wine is allowed to settle for short time. Look for bright strawberry and green herb in the flavors of this fine example of a Cotes du Rhone offering.

  The Chapoutier family has created wines in the Rhone Valley since the very early 1800s. The winery has had many ups and downs. Today, the company is going though a period of renewed commitment to quality. You will find depth and balance in their offerings today.

  Michel Chapoutier recognizes the opportunity to create great wine is not limited to just one area. He creates wines from many areas of the Rhone. His portfolio boasts offerings from Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas in the southern Rhone along with offerings from Hermitage, St. Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, Cornas, Cote Rotie and Condrieu from the northern Rhone. Tavel, Beaumes de Venise and other Rhone areas are also represent in the portfolio of this well respected winery.

  To experience a nice offering from the northern Rhone, try the 2003 M. Chapoutier Les Meysonniers Crozes-Hermitage ($30-35). Made from syrah, this wine is rich in color, aroma and flavor. The deep purple of the wine shows this wine has some time to go before it is fully mature. Look for floral notes and the slight bitterness of current in the aromas. Red cherry and strawberry dominate the flavors with green herb, vanilla and wood impression peeking through.

  The wines of the Rhone have been the bargain French-quality wines. With today's rising prices, you might want to look for older vintages on the shelves of your local wine shop. This will have two advantages. First the prices of newer vintages will be higher. More importantly, an older vintages has had time to mature.

  Rhone wines are great food wines. They are versatile and pair well with a variety of meats and cheeses. If you don't have any Rhone wines in your cellar, go out and get some today.