Southern winds entering the Rhône valley follow the river up until the Northern Rhône area provide for a dry and cool climate. This environment makes for a healthy climate for syrah, viognier, marsanne, and rousanne grapes that reach perfect ripeness during summer. Red and white wines come with strong character. Here the syrah (shiraz) produces powerful, aromatic, and tannic red wines, while viognier is a reference for growers around the world. Both marsanne and roussane make very aromatic whites with finesse.