I attended a seminar and tasting sponsored by the Inter-Rhône and American Sommeliers on Tuesday at Camerata in Houston. Local sommelier, Steven McDonald of Pappas Bros Steakhouse led the review and tasting. While far more of the Rhône Valley was covered in the seminar, I am limiting my notes here to information on the areas from the wines that were tasted. Northern Rh ô ne- Part 1 This region has a dry, continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The high speed Mistral winds clear skies and bring more sunshine while preventing disease by drying the vineyards. Due to the climate, the northern Rhône is more susceptible to vintage variation than are their neighbors to the south. The Rhone River originates as melt water from the Rhône glacier and the vineyards sit at elevations of 150-300 meters primarily on the west side. The cru of Saint-Joseph runs south along the western bank of the river. They produce both red wine from Syrah and white wine from Marsanne ...