Côte du Rhône Rouge “Les Argiles” (2022) - Domaine Raymond Usseglio

This red wine from the Côte du Rhône wine region in France is known for its full, spicy taste, with hints of red fruit and earthy notes. The 2022 vintage is particularly appreciated for its intensity and depth of flavour. It is interesting to know that Domaine Raymond Usseglio, the producer of this wine, is a family-run estate practising organic viticulture.

The appellation: Côtes du Rhône AOC

The Côtes du Rhône AOC is one of the most historic and widespread appellations in the whole of France, officially established in 1937, and represents the identity of the southern Rhône. It is a regional appellation that stretches along the river Rhône, from Vienne to the south of Avignon, and takes in more than 170 municipalities, with a production covering reds, whites and rosés. Côtes du Rhône wines are famous for their Mediterranean style, fruity and spicy, with great versatility and excellent value for money.

What to eat with Côte du Rhône Rouge “Les Argiles”

Who makes it: Domaine Raymond Usseglio

Founded in 1964 by Raymond Usseglio, the estate has its roots in 1931, when his father Francis moved from Piedmont to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Today the third generation, represented by Stéphane Usseglio, runs the estate with passion and dedication. The production philosophy rests on: Certified biodynamic farming (ECOCERT and Demeter) Spontaneous fermentations with indigenous yeasts Use of amphorae and large casks for ageing Bringing out the identity of the terroir

The vine of Côte du Rhône Rouge “Les Argiles”

Syrah

Syrah is one of the most iconic and widely admired black grape varieties in the world, known for intense, structured reds with plenty of character. Native to the Rhône Valley in France, Syrah has spread to vineyards everywhere thanks to its remarkable versatility and its ability to adapt to different terroirs. Wines made from Syrah stand out for their fruity, spicy aromas and their great longevity.

Grenache

Grenache (also known as Garnacha in Spain) is one of the most widely planted black grape varieties in the world, probably native to north-eastern Spain and widespread in southern France, where it plays a key role in the blends of the southern Rhône, as in Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC. It is a versatile grape, capable of producing fruity, warm red wines, fragrant and fresh rosés, and also naturally sweet wines (VDN). A late-ripening variety, Grenache loves warm, sunny climates and is at its best on poor, stony soils. Grenache wines are recognisable for their notes of ripe red fruit, sweet spices and a pleasant roundness on the palate, with soft tannins and often high alcohol.

Mourvèdre

Mourvèdre is a black grape variety probably native to eastern Spain (where it is known as Monastrell), today also widespread in southern France and in several New World countries. It is a variety that prefers hot, sunny climates and can give structured, tannic and complex wines, often used in prestigious blends such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape or the famous GSM blend (Grenache – Syrah – Mourvèdre).

Côte du Rhône Rouge “Les Argiles”: the Châteauneuf-du-Pape area

Climate: Mediterranean

Altitude: Low Altitude (0-200 m above sea level)

Soil: Clay

Geographical setting: Valley

Profile of Côte du Rhône Rouge “Les Argiles”

Primary aromas: Cherry, Raspberry, Blackberry, Spices

Secondary aromas: Pepper, Spice

Tertiary aromas: Leather, Liquorice

Tasting notes: This deep red charms the palate with a bouquet of red fruit, pleasantly mixed with spicy notes and light hints of leather and earth. On the palate the wine is harmonious and full, with excellent structure and well-balanced tannins. The fruit component is clearly present, enriched by touches of dark chocolate and vanilla. In the mouth it stands out for its roundness, length and persistence. Perfect paired with red meat or aged cheeses. A wine that expresses at its best the terroir it comes from.