1jour1vin

Côtes du Rhône

Wine rated 3.7/5Wine rated 3.7/5Wine rated 3.7/5Wine rated 3.7/5Wine rated 3.7/5
3.7/5See 9910 opinions
Côtes du Rhône
Situated on either side of the Rhône between Vienne, Valence and Avignon, the Côtes-du-Rhôneappellation draws its personality from an astonishing diversity of soils, climates and grape varieties. Dating back to 1937, the Côtes-du-Rhône appellation area was extended in 2004 to cover 171 communes. There are essentially 5 types of soil in the Côtes-du-Rhône. Pebbly soils with clay soils, stony "clay-limestone" soils and stony outwash soils (on the slopes of the hills) provide the vines with a regular water supply and the ability to release, during the night, the heat stored during the day by the stones. They are particularly well-suited to the production of long-keeping wines. Loessic and sandy soils offer a more contrasted water supply. They are better suited to the production of white and rosé wines, as well as lighter red wines.

Climatic conditions, but also the nature of the soil, have conditioned the planting of grape varieties. Each grape variety brings its own qualities and, when combined with the others, achieves balance and harmony. Inred Côtes-du-Rhône wines, Grenache, the basic grape variety, brings fruitiness, warmth and roundness. Syrah and Mourvèdre give the wine spicy aromas and a deep color and structure that's well-suited to aging. Cinsault brings finesse and allows us to produce fruity rosés and vins primeurs. White wines combine aroma and freshness, thanks to a blend 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 typicity of Côtes-du-Rhône wines. For red and rosé wines, Grenache must represent at least 40% of the grape varieties (with the exception of Syrah-based wines produced in the northern part of the appellation). Similarly, for white wines, Grenache blanc, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc and Viognier must account for 80% of the grape varieties.

A number of great houses offer excellent Côtes-du-Rhône wines that showcase the diversity of grape varieties and terroirs: M. Chapoutier, Domaine Tardieu Laurent, Maison Delas Frères and the indispensable E. Guigal.

THEAOC Côtes-du-Rhône Villages was officially established in 1967. Today, it covers 95 communes in the 4 southern departments of Ardèche, Drôme, Gard and Vaucluse. It covers 3380 hectares of vines in production, mainly in red.
The soils are the same as for the AOC Côtes-du-Rhône, but the criteria taken into account - climate and soil - are applied more rigorously, given the Appellation's production rules. Yields are notably lower, averaging 34 hl/ha.

Recognized for their uniqueness, 18 geographical names can 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 Côtes du Rhône Villages with a geographical name.

The Rhône region is a mecca for French gastronomy and oenology. Known the world over, Côtes-du-Rhône wines rival Bordeaux and Burgundy, with some very fine appellations that are the pride of the region's grape varieties. Best known for its red wines, Côtes-du-Rhône is also available in white and rosé. Some appellations, such as Costières de Nîmes, are gaining in popularity and notoriety. A diverse region, with a wide range of flavors and tannins, Rhône wines offer something for every taste and budget. 

Côtes-du-Rhône, a choice terroir

The Rhône wine-growing region stretches over 200 km and is the second largest territorial appellation after Bordeaux. Côtes-du-Rhône is also one of the oldest appellations d'origine contrôlée in France. The appellation covers 6 départements, from Rhône to Vaucluse, via Gard and Ardèche. There are 163 communes, from Vienne to Avignon, affiliated to this dynamic wine-growing region. Soils composed of pebbles and sandy clay, particularly on the left bank of the river, are highly favorable to vine development. These territories also benefit from astonishing microclimates that offer impressive diversity to Rhône grape varieties. In the north of the region, local appellation wines such as Côtes Rôties delight delicate taste buds. In the south of the region, between Gard and Vaucluse, the sun is more intense and the wines fruitier. Red wine is in the majority, but we mustn't forget the small Gems in white or rosé. 

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

One of the great pleasures of Côtes-du-Rhône wine is the right match between a bottle and the food served at the table. You can achieve perfection and intense sensations with the right combination. As a wine with character, it's a great partner for a marbled, racy piece of beef. A Limousin beef rib, a tournedos or a Charolais entrecôte will be sublimated by a good Côtes-du-Rhône, for example a prestigious appellation like Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It can be a dazzling moment of delicate flavor. A racy, powerful Côtes-du-Rhône will go extremely well with grilled lamb. It is less likely to be served with a bourguignon, a daube provençale or a blanquette. It will also shine with characterful cheeses such as Pélardon or Picodon, cheeses from the region, as well as Bleu de Gex, Neufchâtel or Coulommiers. It will also enhance charcuterie, sausages or rillettes, and a simple Niçoise salad, for which it will serve as a flavor enhancer. On the fish side, Côtes-du-Rhône also works well, especially in a recipe with beurre blanc or cream. 

Characteristics of Côtes-du-Rhône

Côtes-du-Rhône, strictly speaking, is not a vin de garde. Red wines should be drunk within 2 to 4 years of production. White wines should be drunk within 1 to 3 years, while rosé wines should be drunk immediately!
In the case of red Côtes-du-Rhône, the most widespread, the color is ruby, fairly light but deeper if the Syrah grape is dominant. Rosé wines are characteristically violet-colored. White wines are amber, with a fairly limpid yellow color. On the nose, red Côtes-du-Rhône wines are predominantly fruity, with hints of red berries such as cherry and blueberry. More intense, some have more animal or spicy notes, or even hints of ripe fruit, as in the case of the greatest crus. Rosé wines are fragrant, evoking candy or light, tangy floral scents. Côtes-du-Rhône white wines are more reminiscent of delicate, light floral aromas.

On the palate, when the wine comes from very light soils, the wine itself is airy and flowing. 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 lightness with a strong character and subtle, highly flavorful balance. Rosés assert themselves with a red-fruit flavor that lingers on the palate. Côtes-du-Rhône white wines are well-balanced and hold their aromas for a long, tasty and refined experience on the palate.

More information on the Côtes du Rhône

Buy the best Côtes du Rhône wines in private sale!

Rated site
20357 reviews
-20€

from €99 on your 1st order

Our latest sales of Côtes du Rhône wines

E. Guigal - Côtes du Rhône blanc 2024

89/100 James Suckling

fruity
aperitif
small price

"A quality reference at an affordable price... Go for it!"

"This medium to full-bodied white Côtes-du-Rhône marries frank aromas of orange blossom and apricot with ample substance and a freshness that maintains the brilliance of the generous finish. Drink now. (James Suckling 2025)

E. Guigal - Côtes du Rhône rouge 2022

Wine rated 4.4/5Wine rated 4.4/5Wine rated 4.4/5Wine rated 4.4/5Wine rated 4.4/5

4.4/5(5 avis)

89-91/100 Jeb Dunnuck

elegant
best seller
quality-price

"The house's signature cuvee, it stands out for its high-end character in all vintages.

"Leading Guigal's 2022s, all tasted in barrel, the 2022 Côtes Du Rhône is charming and straightforward, with notes of sweet red fruits, peppery herbs and violets, in an advanced and already delicious style." (Jeb Dunnuck 2024)

Paul Jaboulet Aîné - Côtes du Rhône Parallèle 45 rouge 2023

Wine rated 4.2/5Wine rated 4.2/5Wine rated 4.2/5Wine rated 4.2/5Wine rated 4.2/5

4.2/5(5 avis)

91/100 James Suckling

round-tipped
gourmet
best seller

"An unmissable vintage".

"The smoke and black pepper notes of the Syrah intertwine with the fleshiness and softer personality of the Grenache in a very compelling way. The whole rests on a solid foundation of supple tannins that have been expertly crafted. Generous red fruits and hints of blackberry and summer flowers give it great appeal." (James Suckling 2025)

Paul Jaboulet Aîné - Côtes du Rhône Parallèle 45 blanc 2024

Wine rated 4.8/5Wine rated 4.8/5Wine rated 4.8/5Wine rated 4.8/5Wine rated 4.8/5

4.8/5(4 avis)

90/100 James Suckling

(Notes vintage 2023)
white fruit
good acidity
aperitif
asparagus

"A must-have for everyone!

This Côtes-du-Rhône takes its name from the 45th parallel north, which runs two kilometers south of the cellars of Maison Paul Jaboulet Aîné. On tasting, the wine reveals great intensity and a fine balance between richness and freshness, with subtle, delicate notes of white flowers and citrus fruit. It's a must-have, an all-rounder that will go down well with everyone, that's for sure!

M. Chapoutier - Côtes-du-Rhône Belleruche blanc 2024

91/100 James Suckling

(Notes vintage 2023)
tangy fruits
safe bet

"A vintage to be savoured

Chapoutier's signature white Côtes-du-Rhône is a wine of great complexity. Elegant on the palate, its freshness is a perfect match for its roundness. Intense, expressive aromas emerge, with aniseed notes on the finish.

M. Chapoutier - Côtes-du-Rhône Belleruche rouge 2024

90/100 James Suckling

-

90/100 Jeb Dunnuck

(Notes vintage 2023)
syrah
best seller
small barrel

"A full-bodied red that's both structured and very fruity!

This Cuvée Belleruche is a red offering extraordinary richness and complexity on the nose, with aromas of red fruit, mainly Morello cherry, and spicy notes (gray pepper, licorice). A beautifully structured Côtes-du-Rhône on the palate, with firm, silky tannins. A complete wine!

Domaine des Garriguettes - Côtes-du-Rhône Béret Bleu 2024

16,5/20 Jancis Robinson

-

90/100 James Suckling

(Notes vintage 2022)
cinsault
grilled meat
buddy wine

"A good baguette, charcuterie and a bottle of Béret Bleu!"

This is the cuvée "Hommage" to the winemaker's grandfather, who wore the blue beret, made entirely from Cinsault, described as the "Pinot du Sud" by Jean Clément. The wine is an invitation to conviviality, with red fruit at its core, supple tannins and a wild freshness! Serve slightly chilled.

Domaine des Garriguettes - Côtes du Rhône Villages Gadagne Fontisson 2022

91/100 Jeb Dunnuck

syrah
finesse
quality-price

"Charismatic Syrah with a touch of bay leaf, thyme and candied red fruit!"

"Bright red fruits, peppery herbs, violets and floral notes shine through in the Côtes Du Rhône Villages Gadagne Fontisson 2022, a juicy, medium- to full-bodied Syrah that shows the ripe style of the vintage yet is extraordinarily fresh and pure." (Jeb Dunnuck 2025)

Domaine Alain Voge - Côtes-du-Rhône Les Peyrouses 2022

89/100 Vinous

syrah
fruity
accessible

"A fruity, mouth-watering cuvée".

"Côtes du Rhône Les Peyrouses 2022 offers notes of sour cherry, red plum and earth, enhanced by hints of violets and leaves. Medium-bodied and elegant, it is round and elegant and offers an approachable profile." (Vinous 2024)

Stéphane Ogier - Côtes-du-Rhône Le Temps est Venu blanc 2024

91/100 James Suckling

(Notes vintage 2023)
fruity
freshness
aperitif
quality-price

"Great value for money!"

Combining roundness and freshness, Le Temps est venu blanc is an invitation to pleasure for the taste buds. With notes of white fruit, tangerine and white flowers, this Côtes-du-Rhône can be enjoyed on any occasion.

Domaine Garon - Côtes-du-Rhône La Part des Vivants rouge 2023

1*Étoile Hachette

(Notes vintage 2022)
syrah
spicy
aromatic
prepared foods

"Prix Plaisir Garanti

A Côtes-du-Rhône combining the terroirs of the northern and southern Rhône valleys! The nose is reminiscent of Provence, while retaining a certain freshness, with notes of garrigue, thyme and red fruit. The palate is opulent but controlled, offering flavors of bitter cherry and blackberry. The velvety finish is fairly long, with discreet tannins.

Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils - Côtes du Rhône Les Claux blanc 2024

91/100 Jeb Dunnuck

(Notes vintage 2022)
freshness
citrus
immediate pleasure

"A guaranteed sensory experience! Fresh, lively and pure pleasure!"

Fresh nose with aromas of white peach, lemon and orange blossom. Ripe and juicy on the palate, combining freshness and lemony notes. Smooth finish.

Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils - Côtes du Rhône Les Claux rouge 2023

90/100 Jeb Dunnuck

(Notes vintage 2022)
gourmet
long finish
quality-price

"Flattering and gourmet, this is a prestigious Côtes-du-Rhône!"

The famous trilogy of G-S-M grape varieties (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) has been brilliantly realized. Profusion of ripe red fruit on the nose and palate, with admirably fine, silky tannins for a Côtes-du-Rhône. A spicy finish enhances the ensemble.

Domaine Grand Veneur - Côtes-du-Rhône Les Champauvins blanc 2023

Wine rated 3.8/5Wine rated 3.8/5Wine rated 3.8/5Wine rated 3.8/5Wine rated 3.8/5

3.8/5(4 avis)

91/100 James Suckling

viognier
freshness
finesse
oysters

"A white Côtes-du-Rhône to be discovered without delay!

"A delicious, well-built, concentrated white with aromas of white peach, mustard seed, wild flowers and a touch of apple. Medium-bodied, with a comforting character on the palate. Structured and flavorful." (James Suckling 2024)

Domaine Grand Veneur - Côtes-du-Rhône Les Champauvins rouge 2022

1*Étoile Hachette

-

92/100 James Suckling

(Notes vintage 2021)
gourmet
black fruits
red meat
safe bet

"Côtes-du-Rhône not to be missed".

A Côtes-du-Rhône with all the makings of a great wine! After an enticing nose, the palate reveals different layers of aromas (wild berries, smoky notes, pepper, licorice). The tannic structure is very present, yet enveloped by the softness of the Grenache. A few years ago, journalist Robert Parker dubbed it "baby Chateauneuf"...