What French wine is similar to Rioja?

Wines of the Rhone (of France) around the Côtes region, notably Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre grape types, are comparable to Rioja wines as far as flavors and pleasant astringency of their tannins, as well as are aging gracefully. Rioja, with Tempranillo gives enough of the straightforward flavor and aging but taking Rhône Valley wines as the alternative is a perfect way if you don’t want to get the forgettable taste of a more familiar region.