CÔTES-DU-RHÔNE

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CÔTES DU RHÔNE, SYNONYMOUS WITH DIVERSITY

The vines of the very vast AOC Côtes du Rhône (more than 40,000 hectares) extends over seven departments on both banks of the river, between Vienne and Avignon.

Climatic conditions and the nature of the soils have influenced the growth of the grape varieties: Marsanne gives the whites their characteristics of dry and nervous wines, while perfume and warmth are provided by Roussanne, although it is a little too quick to oxidize... In addition to the previous varieties, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Grenache, Viognier, Ugni, Piquepoul... are among the many and varied combinations that enable the balance and harmony of the wine to be reached.

A new decree of the appellation was recently adopted in 1996 following a proposal from the winegrowers to claim and strengthen the typical characteristics of the wines of the Cotes du Rhone.

For red wines, Grenache must represent at least 40% of the grape varieties (with the exception of wines produced in the northern part based on Syrah).

For white wines, 80% of the grape varieties must be Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc and Viognier.

The Cotes-du-Rhone Villages appellation was officially established in 1967 and now covers 95 communities in the Rhone region. Although the same soils are used as for the AOC Cotes-du-Rhone, nevertheless, there are different criteria: wines subject to production (yield), vinification (alcohol titration) or terroir delimitation constraints can be labeled "villages". For the most part, the AOC Cotes-du-Rhône Village are red wines. These are tannic wines that have very good aging potential.

THE FLAGSHIP APPELLATION OF RHONE WINES

This vast vineyard, which is undergoing a complete renewal, has two faces: North and South. It's a real delight. The point in common with all these Cotes-du-Rhone is undoubtedly their balance, which makes them into heady wines without excess. Flavoured and fruity wines.

The Côtes du Rhône rouge primeur is a pleasant little wine that is successful every year-end. The Côtes du Rhône all have a very strong identity. Their quality of expression makes them stand out. The age of their fame and the abundance of their charms make them legendary wines.

Surrender to this unmissable and delicious appellation...

WHAT ARE THE WINE FOOD PAIRINGS WITH CÔTES DU RHÔNE?

For the white Côtes du Rhône, enjoy them with cold meats, fish, shellfish or a cooked pork dish, asparagus or goat cheese...

For guaranteed pleasure, serve at around 8-10°.

Concerning the red Côtes du Rhône, they will go well with grilled or sauced red meat, a Burgundy fondue, a pot au feu ("pot on the fire" is a French beef stew), lamb, white meat or couscous...

Serving temperature at 15°.

Time for tasting!

Find our selection of the best Côtes du Rhône!

Shall we taste?

Red wines: Given the diversity of soils, climates and grape varieties, we can find light and fruity cuvées, with a nervous attack, as well as more tannic and structured wines for laying down from warmer and sunnier vineyards.

Rose wines: Very much influenced by Cinsault, a black grape variety with white juice, they are fruity and can be drunk young.

White wines: Rarer, the white Côtes du Rhone are fresh and aromatic thanks to the blends. Like the rosés, they should be drunk within three years.

Food and wine pairing:

Red wines: Red meats grilled or in sauce, fondue bourguignonne, pot-au-feu, stews, offal, lamb. White meats such as veal, poultry. The southern Rhone coasts will marry more spicy dishes such as paella, couscous, chili con carne, tagine.

Rosé wines: Comme pour les vins rouges primeurs, les Côtes du Rhône rosés, ce sont des vins parfaits pour les apéritifs dînatoires et les entrées chaudes comme les quiches et pizza.

White wines: Home cooking, white meat or fish, cooked shellfish. Asparagus. Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese and sweet and sour cuisine. Goat's cheese.

other appellations from the rhône valley !