Côtes du Rhône and its wines

The Côtes du Rhône is one of the most important and historic wine appellations of France, along the river Rhône, between Vienne to the north e Avignon to the south. It extends over more than 30.000 hectares of vineyards, crossing two large macro-areas: the Rhône Valley northern (septentrionale) and the Southern Rhône Valley (méridionale).

This vast area produces full-bodied, spicy reds, aromatic whites and fresh rosés, known for their excellent value for money. The Grenache is the dominant grape variety, alongside Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Carignan for the reds, and from Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, Clairette and Grenache Blanc for the whites.

What is the Côtes du Rhône wine district?

The Côtes du Rhône AOC is a regional appellation covering 171 municipalities, and is structured around three quality levels:

1. Côtes du Rhône AOC → The basic, broad appellation, with simple but highly drinkable wines.
2. Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC → Wines from selected municipalities, more complex and typical.
3. Côtes du Rhône Villages + Name of the Commune → Around 20 municipalities may add their name (e.g. Séguret, Cairanne), with structured, long-lived profiles.

The Great Wine Regions of the Côtes du Rhône

1. Northern Rhône (North)

• Main grape varieties: Syrah (red), Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne (whites).
• Style: Elegant, intense and long-lived wines.
• Famous appellations: Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Saint-Joseph (outside the generic AOC but close by).

2. Southern Rhône (South)

• Main grape varieties: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault.
• Style: Warm, spicy, fruity red wines.
• Famous appellations: Cairanne, Plan de Dieu, Séguret (as Côtes du Rhône Villages).

Characteristics of Côtes du Rhône Wines

Colour

• Reds: Intense ruby red, with purple reflections in the young wines.
• Whites: Straw yellow with golden tones.
• Rosés: Pale or cherry pink, fresh and bright.

Aromas

• Fruity: Red fruit, blackberry, cherry in the reds; peach, apricot in the whites.
• Floral: Lavender and violet in the reds; white flowers and jasmine in the whites.
• Spicy and Herbaceous: Black pepper, thyme, rosemary, liquorice, typical of the garrigue.

Palate

• Structured and Soft: In the reds dominated by Grenache.
• Fresh and Savoury: In the whites, perfect with Mediterranean cooking.
• Harmonious and Spicy: Wines with great balance, ideal for everyday drinking or medium-term ageing.

Typical Grape Varieties of the Côtes du Rhône

Black Grape Varieties

• Grenache Noir: Fruity, soft, with an alcoholic structure.
• Syrah: Spicy, deeply coloured, with a tannic structure.
• Mourvèdre: Deep, complex, for longevity.
• Cinsault, Carignan: Lighter, used in blends for freshness and acidity.

White Grape Varieties

• Viognier: Aromatic and floral, sometimes made as a single variety.
• Marsanne and Roussanne: More structured, for ageing.
• Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc: Fruity, fresh, mineral.

Why Choose a Côtes du Rhône Wine?

A wine Côtes du Rhône is synonymous with versatility and Mediterranean typicity, perfect with rustic cooking, grills, spicy dishes, stewed vegetables (ratatouille), cured meats and aged cheeses. From everyday reds to Villages wines with character, the range is wide and always interesting.