Côtes-du-Rhône…these words resonate with the simple pleasures of life and the southern sun. This appellation, one of the oldest and best known in the Rhône Valley, produces wines with authentic and generous flavors.
Whether you prefer powerful or smooth red wines, aromatic whites, or refreshing rosés, you will find your happiness here ! Ready to learn more about this legendary AOC? Keep reading !
Summary
History and Origins of the Côtes-du-Rhône AOC
The history of the Côtes-du-Rhône vineyard goes back more than two millennia. The first vines were probably planted in the southern Rhône Valley by Greek settlers in the 4th century BC, before the vine reached the northern part of the region a few centuries later.
Under the Roman Empire, vine cultivation continued to expand and the entire Rhône Valley vineyard became distinguished by the quality of its wines. This was recognized by Pliny the Elder, who praised the wines from the hillsides bordering the Ouvèze, a tributary of the Rhône.
In the 14th century, after the papacy settled in Avignon, the reputation of the local crus grew even further. The popes, wine lovers, contributed to the expansion of the vineyards and the recognition of the quality of the wines produced. This growth was particularly marked in the Avignon and Châteauneuf-du-Pape regions, laying solid foundations for the wines of the entire area.
At the end of the 17th century, the administrative district of Uzès, in the Gard, was called “ Coste du Rhône ”. It was only from the mid-19th century that the "Coste du Rhône" became "Côtes du Rhône". During this period, the vineyard also expanded to the left bank of the river.
In 1937, the Côtes-du-Rhône were officially recognized as a Controlled Designation of Origin (AOC), bringing together a great diversity of terroirs and covering a vast region from north to south. This recognition definitively consolidated the reputation of the wines and set quality standards for producers.
Today, the Côtes-du-Rhône AOC covers about 30 000 hectares (about 40% of the entire Rhône Valley vineyard !) and extends over six departments and 172 municipalities.
Note that in 1966, the Côtes-du-Rhône Villages AOC was created. This appellation is more restricted and includes specific villages with higher quality terroirs. Wines with this appellation are generally considered to be of higher quality because their requirements are stricter.
The establishment of the papacy in Avignon strengthened the reputation of the region's wines .
Climates and Soils of the Côtes-du-Rhône AOC
With its impressive size, the Côtes-du-Rhône AOC logically stands out for an incredible diversity of terroirs and climates. From north to south, the vineyards cover a vast area where both the climate and the land vary considerably.
In the north, the climate is mainly continental: winters are cold, summers are hot, with a slight Mediterranean influence. The temperature differences between seasons bring a beautiful tension to the wines compared to those from the south.
In the south, the climate is distinctly Mediterranean, marked by long, hot summers and mild winters. The Mistral, a dry and powerful wind, plays an essential role in this part of the region by ventilating the vines, thus preventing the development of certain diseases. It also brings a welcome freshness during the summer period.
The terroirs are as varied as the regional climate. In the northern part, the soils are mainly clay, stony, and granitic. The emblematic red grape variety here, Syrah, finds an ideal environment, producing elegant and deep red wines.
Further south, the geological composition changes with the appearance of clay-limestone soils. These lands, especially in the stony areas, allow the production of generous and rich wines with powerful aromas. In this part of the region, you can also find sandier soils, which give rise to more delicate wines, characterized by silky tannins.
Map of the Rhône Valley Vineyard
The Wines of the Côtes-du-Rhône AOC
With about twenty authorized grape varieties (all colors combined), the Côtes-du-Rhône AOC is a true festival of flavors ! Here is a summary of the different types of wine you may encounter in the appellation.
The Red Wines of Côtes-du-Rhône
Red wines account for 85% of the production of the AOC. They are mainly made from three main grape varieties : Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. The first is more established in the north, while the other two adapt better in the southern part, which contains most of the appellation's land.
Grenache noir is the most common variety in the AOC. It gives the wines a lovely roundness, fruity aromas, and can quickly increase the alcohol content. These characteristics are very well complemented by Syrah (elegant, velvety, floral) and Mourvèdre (powerful, tannic, animal).
Many other minor grape varieties can also be used, such as Carignan, Piquepoul noir, or Brun argentin (or Vaccarèse).
It is difficult to summarize the wines from such a large vineyard, but as a rule, the southern reds of Côtes-du-Rhône are warm and powerful, while those from the north are more refined.
Aromas of red fruits, black fruits, and spices are regularly detected during tasting. A violet aroma may also appear in the more northern wines, while a “ garrigue ” (dried herbs) aspect may be present in southern wines.
The Rosé Wines of Côtes-du-Rhône
Rosés account for about 7% of the production of the Côtes-du-Rhône AOC. They are made with the same grape varieties as the reds, mainly Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.
These simple and delightful wines charm with their aromas of small red fruits and English candy, enhanced by a floral touch. These are pure pleasure cuvées, mainly intended for aperitif.
The White Wines of Côtes-du-Rhône
Finally, white wines from Côtes-du-Rhône account for about 8% of the production. The main grape varieties are Grenache blanc, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc and Viognier.
These varieties combine harmoniously and offer the wines captivating fruity and floral aromas as well as a lovely freshness and a nice texture on the palate.
What to Eat with a Côtes-du-Rhône?
As you will have understood, depending on the color of the wine you choose and its area of origin, very different pairings can be made here!
With a Côtes-du-Rhône Red
The reds of the appellation, with their spicy and fruity aromas, pair wonderfully with grilled red meats, such as a rib of beef. A charcuterie platter will also be an excellent choice.
For an original tasting experience, do not hesitate to pair a southern Côtes-du-Rhône red with a lamb tagine with prunes: a real treat! You can also try a Sunday roast chicken with a fresher, lighter Côtes-du-Rhône from the northern part !
To reveal all the flavors of these red wines, we recommend serving them between 16 and 18 °C.
Charcuterie platter and Côtes-du-Rhône red: a timeless pairing!
With a Côtes-du-Rhône White
The whites of the region, with their lovely texture, pair deliciously with creamy fish dishes, white meats, or even exotic dishes such as a shrimp curry. The floral aromas of the Viognier grape variety will also work wonders with dishes spiced with mild spices.
If you are looking for a lighter pairing, match your white with a fresh goat cheese or a vegetable quiche.
Côtes-du-Rhône whites are ideally enjoyed between 10 and 12 °C.
With a Côtes-du-Rhône Rosé
Finally, the rosés of the appellation will be your allies to accompany summer dishes such as a Niçoise salad, grilled vegetables, or even seafood. Simple, effective, and always delicious !
For maximum freshness, serve your rosé at around 8 to 10 °C.
The Best Wines of the Côtes-du-Rhône AOC
The Côtes-du-Rhône appellation is full of gems. La Cave Éclairée offers you here two estates to discover absolutely, which embody the best of this magnificent appellation.
Domaine Stéphane Ogier
Based in Ampuis for more than seven generations, the Ogier family has excelled in the wine world. Since 1997, it is Stéphane Ogier who has taken over the family estate, and over the past two decades, he has made the vineyard one of the most renowned properties in the Rhône Valley.
The 18 family hectares highlight the nobility of the Syrah and Viognier grape varieties, and the estate produces a complete range of remarkably high-quality wines, including, of course, delicious Côtes-du-Rhône that you must try!
The Cellar of Domaine Stéphane Ogier
Famille de Boel France
Located in Lemps, in the heart of the Rhône Valley, the Domaine Famille De Boel France is a recent but already essential vineyard. Founded in 2016 by Nelly France and Arnaud de Boel, it covers 11 hectares of vines cultivated biodynamically and spread between the north and south of the region.
The passionate couple produces wines that are both indulgent and complex under several appellations, but their Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages are their absolute flagships. Real gems: deep, juicy, but with substance, body, and beautiful structure! Don’t hesitate to try the wines from this promising estate!
You are now a true connoisseur of the Côtes-du-Rhône AOC ! If you want to explore these fabulous wines for yourself, visit our website La Cave Éclairée. There you will find a selection of the best wines from the region and much more. Cheers !
