Côtes-du-Rhône…these words resonate with the simple pleasures of life and the southern sun. This appellation, one of the oldest and most well-known in the Rhône Valley, produces wines with authentic and generous flavors.
Whether you prefer powerful or smooth red wines, aromatic white wines, or refreshing rosés, you will find your happiness here ! Ready to learn more about this mythical AOC? Continue reading !
Summary
History and origins of the AOC Côtes-du-Rhône
The history of the Côtes-du-Rhône vineyard dates back more than two millennia.The first vines were likely planted in the south of the 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 vineyard of the Rhône Valley became distinguished for the quality of its wines. This was acknowledged by Pliny the Elder, who praised the wines from the slopes bordering the Ouvèze, a tributary of the Rhône. In the 14th century, after the papacy settled in Avignon, the reputation of the local wines grew even further. The popes, who were wine enthusiasts, indeed contributed to the expansion of the vineyards and the recognition of the quality of the wines produced.This boom was particularly marked in the region of Avignon and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, establishing solid foundations for the wines of the entire region.
At the end of the 17th century, the administrative district of Uzès, in the Gard, was called “ Coste du Rhône ”. It was not until the mid-19th century that the "Coste du Rhône" became "Côtes du Rhône". During this period, the vineyard also expanded on the left bank of the river.
In 1937, the Côtes-du-Rhône were officially recognized as a Controlled Designation of Origin (AOC), encompassing a great diversity of terroirs and covering a vast region from north to south.This recognition allowed for the definitive consolidation of the reputation of the wines and set quality standards for producers.
Today, the AOC Côtes-du-Rhône covers approximately 30 000 hectares (or about 40% of the entire Rhône Valley vineyard !) and extends over six departments and 172 communes.
It should be noted that in 1966, the AOC Côtes-du-Rhône Villages 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 better quality because their requirements are more stringent.
The installation of the papacy in Avignon enhanced the reputation of the wines of the region
Climates and soils of the AOC Côtes-du-Rhône
With its impressive area, the AOC Côtes-du-Rhône logically stands out for an incredible diversity of terroirs and climates. From north to south, the vineyards indeed cover a vast area where climatic conditions and soils vary considerably.
In the north, the climate is predominantly continental: winters are cold, summers are hot, with a slight Mediterranean influence. The thermal amplitudes between the seasons bring a beautiful tension to the wines compared to those of the south.
In the south, the climate is decidedly Mediterranean, characterized 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 vineyards, 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 predominantly clay, stony, and granitic. The emblematic red grape variety, which is Syrah here, finds an ideal ground for expression, producing elegant and deep red wines.
Further south, the geological composition changes with the emergence of clay-limestone soils. These lands, especially in the stony areas, allow for the production of generous and rich wines with powerful aromas. In this part of the region, there are also sandier soils, giving rise to more delicate wines characterized by silky tannins.
Map of the Rhône Valley Vineyard
The wines of the AOC Côtes-du-Rhône
With around twenty authorized grape varieties (all colors combined), the AOC Côtes-du-Rhône is a true festival of flavors ! Here is a summary of the different types of wine you can find in the appellation.
The red wines of Côtes-du-Rhône
Red wines represent 85% of the production of the AOC. These are also made from three main grape varieties : Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre.The first is more established in the northern part, while the other two acclimate better in the southern part, which encompasses the majority of the appellation's lands.
The Grenache noir is the most prevalent variety in the AOC. It gives the wines a beautiful roundness, fruity aromas, and can quickly increase in 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 even Brun argentin (or Vaccarèse).
It is complex to summarize the wines from such a large vineyard, but generally speaking, the southern reds from the 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 the southern wines.
The rosé wines of the Côtes-du-Rhône
The rosés represent approximately 7% of the production of the AOC Côtes-du-Rhône.These are made with the same grape varieties as the reds, namely, for the main ones, Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.
These simple and delightful wines charm with their aromas of small red fruits and English candy, enhanced with a floral touch. These are pure pleasure cuvées, mainly intended for aperitifs.
The white wines of Côtes-du-Rhône
Finally, the white wines of Côtes-du-Rhône represent about 8% of the production. The main grape varieties here are Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, and Viognier.
These varieties combine harmoniously and offer the wines bewitching fruity and floral aromas as well as a nice freshness and a lovely texture on the palate.
What to eat with a Côtes-du-Rhône?
As you may have understood, depending on the color of the chosen wine and its area of origin, very different pairings can take place here!
With a Côtes-du-Rhône red
The reds of the appellation, with their spicy and fruity aromas, pair wonderfully with grilled red meats, like a rib of beef. A charcuterie platter will also be an excellent choice.
For an original taste experience, do not hesitate to pair a southern red from the Côtes-du-Rhône with a lamb tagine with prunes: a true delight! You can also try a Sunday roast chicken with a fresher and 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 from the region, with their beautiful texture, pair deliciously with creamy fish dishes, white meats, or even exotic dishes like a shrimp curry. The floral aromas of the Viognier grape 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.
The white Côtes-du-Rhône 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 around 8 to 10 °C.
The best wines of the AOC Côtes-du-Rhône
The Côtes-du-Rhône appellation is full of gems.
Domaine Stéphane Ogier
Established in Ampuis for over seven generations, the Ogier family has excelled in the wine industry. Since 1997, it is Stéphane Ogier who has taken the reins of 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-owned hectares highlight the nobility of the Syrah and Viognier grape varieties, and the estate produces a complete range of wines of remarkable quality, including, of course, delicious Côtes-du-Rhône that you must taste!
The cellar of Domaine Stéphane Ogier
Domaine de Piéblanc
Located in Caromb, at the foot of Mont Ventoux, the Domaine de Piéblanc is a rising star in the Rhône wine landscape. Founded in 2014 by Matthieu Ponson, the estate quickly expanded its area from 7 to 38 hectares, with plots classified in AOC Beaumes-de-Venise, Ventoux, Gigondas, and of course, Côtes-du-Rhône. Since 2020, the estate is also certified organic.
The vineyards, located around 300 meters above sea level, offer cuvées of beautiful elegance that will not leave you indifferent during tasting. We highly recommend them to you!
You are now a connoisseur of the AOC Côtes-du-Rhône ! If you wish to explore these fabulous wines for yourself, we invite you to visit our website
