Our Côtes du Rhône Red and White Wines

The Côtes du Rhône Appellation and Its Classification System

The Côtes du Rhône AOC spans nearly 30,000 hectares between Lyon and Avignon, running along the banks of the Rhône River. Its terroir is marked by a diversity of soils (clay-limestone, rolled pebbles, sandstone, sand) and an ideal Mediterranean climate for viticulture.

The Côtes du Rhône classification system is based on four levels:

• Côtes du Rhône: The basic AOC, covering the entire region and offering accessible and varied wines.
• Côtes du Rhône Villages: A superior mention concerning more defined and qualitative terroirs, often with lower yields.
• Côtes du Rhône Villages with village name: An even more selective designation, where certain villages can put their name on the label. For example: Côtes du Rhône Villages Valréas, Visan, Séguret, etc.
• Crus des Côtes du Rhône: Prestigious appellations such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, or Rasteau, recognized for their excellence.

Let's set aside the Rhône Crus and focus on the Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages, perfect for an authentic and affordable discovery of this wine region.

Côtes du Rhône Whites: Freshness and Elegance

White wines represent about 7% of Côtes du Rhône production. Made from grape varieties such as Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, and Clairette, they are distinguished by their freshness and floral and fruity aromas.

• Style: Dry and aromatic, with notes of apricot, white flowers, and citrus.
• Food pairings:

Côtes du Rhône Reds: Warmth and Deliciousness

Reds represent nearly 90% of production and are mainly composed of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, accompanied by Carignan and Cinsault.

• Style: Generous and fruity, with aromas of red and black fruits, spicy notes, and a beautiful tannic structure.
• Food pairings:

Côtes du Rhône Rosés: Fruity and Light

Rosés, although less known, offer beautiful fruity and light expressions, mainly from Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah.

• Style: Fruity and refreshing, with aromas of strawberry, raspberry, and citrus.
• Food pairings:

How to Choose a Good Côtes du Rhône?

To choose a good Côtes du Rhône, several criteria should be taken into account:

• The appellation: A Côtes du Rhône Villages will generally offer more depth than a simple Côtes du Rhône.
• The vintage: Good years (e.g., 2015, 2016, 2019) offer richer and more complex wines.
• Label mentions:
• The producer: Some domains produce exceptional cuvées, particularly among the Côtes du Rhône Villages.

Your Questions, Our Answers on Côtes du Rhône Wines

Where is the Côtes du Rhône appellation located? The Côtes du Rhône AOC spans approximately 30,000 hectares along the Rhône River, between Lyon and Avignon, in southeastern France.

What proportion of the vineyard is organic and/or biodynamic? About 12 to 15% of the Côtes du Rhône vineyard is certified organic, and an increasing proportion is adopting biodynamics. More and more domains are engaging in this approach to preserve the environment and improve terroir expression.

What grape varieties are found in Côtes du Rhône? The main grape varieties used are Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre for reds, and Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, and Clairette for whites.

What style of wine is Côtes du Rhône? The wines are generally fruity, spicy, and accessible, with nice roundness and good balance.

How does the Côtes du Rhône classification work? The appellation is divided into four levels: Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages, Côtes du Rhône Villages with mention of the commune, and Côtes du Rhône Crus.

Does the mention "Grand Cru" or "1er Cru" exist in Côtes du Rhône? No, these mentions do not exist in this region, unlike Burgundy Crus or Bordeaux Classified Growths.

How much does a Côtes du Rhône wine cost? Prices vary between 5 and 30 euros on average, with some rarer cuvées exceeding this range.

What are the best vintages in Côtes du Rhône? Among the best recent years, we can mention 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2020.

How long can a Côtes du Rhône be kept? Red Côtes du Rhône can be kept between 3 and 10 years depending on the cuvée and producer, while whites and rosés are often best enjoyed young.

How to serve a Côtes du Rhône? Reds are served between 16 and 18°C, whites between 10 and 12°C, and rosés around 8-10°C.

Côtes du Rhône wines are an invitation to discover authentic, accessible, and varied wines. Whether you prefer white, red, or rosé, there is a Côtes du Rhône for every palate and every occasion. Explore our collection and find your next favorite bottle!

Return to the Rhône wines page.