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Côtes du Rhône

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Located on both sides of the Rhône between Vienne, Valence, and Avignon,theCôtes-du-Rhôneappellation derives its personality from an astonishing diversity of soils, climates, and grape varieties. Dating back to 1937, the Côtes-du-Rhône appellation area was expanded in 2004 and now covers 171 communes. There are essentially five types of soil in the Côtes-du-Rhône. Pebble soils with clayey earth, stony "clay-limestone" soils and stony soils (on the slopes of the hills) provide the vines with a regular supply of water and, during the night, release the heat stored during the day by the stones. They are particularly suitable for producing wines with good aging potential. Loess and sandy soils offer a more varied water supply. They are better suited to producing white and rosé wines, as well as lighter red wines.

The climatic conditions, as well as the nature of the soils, have determined the choice of grape varieties. Each grape variety brings its own qualities and, when blended with others, helps to achieve balance and harmony. In Côtes-du-Rhône red wines, Grenache, the base grape variety, brings fruitiness, warmth, and roundness. Syrah and Mourvèdre give the wine spicy aromas, a deep color, and a structure suitable for aging. Cinsault brings finesse and is used to make rosés and fruity primeur wines. The white wines combine aromas and freshness thanks to the blending of different grape varieties such as Bourboulenc, Grenache blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, Clairette, and/or Viognier. At the suggestion of the winegrowers, a new appellation decree was adopted in 1996 with the aim of reinforcing the typical characteristics of Côtes-du-Rhône wines. For red and rosé wines, Grenache must represent at least 40% of the grape varieties (except for wines produced in the northern part based on Syrah). Similarly, for white wines, 80% of the grape varieties are represented by Grenache blanc, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, and Viognier.

Several prestigious wineries offer excellent Côtes-du-Rhône wines that showcase the diversity of the grape varieties and terroirs: M. Chapoutier, Domaine Tardieu Laurent, Maison Delas Frères, and the unmissable E. Guigal.

TheAOC Côtes-du-Rhône Villages was officially established in 1967. Today, it covers 95 municipalities spread across the four southern departments of the wine region: Ardèche, Drôme, Gard, and Vaucluse. It covers 3,380 hectares of vineyards in production, mainly red.

The soils are the same as those found in the Côtes-du-Rhône AOC, but the criteria taken into account, climate and soil, are applied more rigorously in accordance with the appellation's production rules. Yields are notably lower, with an average of 34 hl/ha.

Recognized for their distinctiveness, 18 geographical names may appear on the label: Rochegude, Rousset-les-Vignes, Saint-Maurice, Saint-Pantaléon-les-Vignes, Cairanne, Gadagne, Massif d'Uchaux, Plan-de-Dieu, Puyméras, Roaix, Sablet, Séguret, Valréas, Visan, Chusclan, Laudun, Saint-Gervais, and Signargues. These are theCôtes du Rhône Villageswith geographical names.

The Rhône region is a mecca for French gastronomy and wine. Known throughout the world, Côtes-du-Rhône wines rival Bordeaux and Burgundy, with some superb appellations that are the pride of the region's grape varieties. Well known for its red wine, Côtes-du-Rhône also produces white and rosé wines. Some appellations are on the rise and gaining recognition, such as Costières de Nîmes, for example. A diverse region with a wide variety of flavors and tannins, Rhône wines are numerous and there is something for every taste and budget.

Côtes-du-Rhône, a terroir of choice

The Rhône wine region stretches over 200 km and is the second largest appellation after Bordeaux. Côtes-du-Rhône is also one of the oldest appellations d'origine contrôlée (AOC) in France. The appellation covers six departments, from Rhône to Vaucluse, including Gard and Ardèche. There are 163 communes, from Vienne to Avignon, affiliated with this dynamic wine region. The soils, composed of pebbles and sandy clay, particularly on the left bank of the river, are very favorable for vine growth. These territories also benefit from surprising microclimates that offer impressive diversity to the Rhône grape varieties. In the north of the region, communal appellation wines such as Côtes Rôties delight delicate palates. In the south of the region, between Gard and Vaucluse, the sun is more intense and the wines more fruity. Red wine is by far the most common, but don't forget the little Gems white or rosé.

How to pair your Côtes-du-Rhône with your meal?

One of the great pleasures of Côtes-du-Rhône wine is pairing the right bottle with the dishes served at the table. Perfection and intense sensations can be achieved by making the right combination. As it is a wine with character, it will be a very good partner for a well-seasoned piece of beef. A Limousin rib of beef, a tournedos or a Charolais entrecôte steak will be enhanced by a good Côtes-du-Rhône, for example a prestigious appellation such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It can be a dazzling moment of delicate flavor. The Côtes-du-Rhône, racy and powerful, will go extremely well with grilled lamb. It may be less likely to be served with a bourguignon, a Provençal stew, or a blanquette. It can shine with characterful cheeses such as Pélardon or Picodon, cheeses from the region, or even Bleu de Gex, Neufchâtel, or Coulommiers. It will also enhance charcuterie, sausages, or rillettes, and a simple Niçoise salad, where it will serve as a flavor enhancer. When it comes to fish, Côtes-du-Rhône also works well, especially with a beurre blanc or cream sauce.

The characteristics of Côtes-du-Rhône

Côtes-du-Rhône is not strictly speaking a wine for aging. Red wine should be consumed within 2 to 4 years of production. For white wines, this is within 1 to 3 years, and for rosé wines, they should be consumed immediately!

In the case of red Côtes-du-Rhône wines, which are the most common, the color is ruby red, fairly light but deeper if the dominant grape variety is Syrah. Rosé wines have a fairly colorful, predominantly purple hue, which is very characteristic. White wines are amber in color, with a fairly clear yellow hue. On the nose, red Côtes-du-Rhône wines are predominantly fruity, evoking small red fruits such as cherries and blueberries. Some are more intense, with more animal or spicy notes, or even hints of ripe fruit. This is the case with the finest wines. The rosé wines are fragrant, evoking candy or light, tangy floral scents. Côtes-du-Rhône white wineis more reminiscent of delicate, light floral aromas.

On the palate, when the wine comes from very light soils, it is airy and smooth. It will take on more structured tannins when it comes from southern soils nourished by alluvial deposits. Côtes-du-Rhône wines remain supple and invigorating, combining their lightness with a strong character, a subtle balance, and a rich flavor. The rosés assert themselves with a red fruit flavor that lingers on the palate. The Côtes-du-Rhône white wines are very well-balanced and retain their aromas for a long, flavorful, and refined experience on the palate.

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