Côtes du Rhône Wine

Côtes du Rhône is a prominent wine region in southeastern France, famous for its versatile, food-friendly red blends. These wines primarily feature Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, resulting in flavors of red and black fruit flavors, ranging from pomegranate to fig, along with peppery spice and wild herb naunce.

Côtes du Rhône is an appellation in France's Rhône Valley, with tiers including Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages and specific villages, such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas in the southern Rhône and Hermitage and Côtes-Rôtie in the north. In general, the higher the classification, the more specific the place and the stricter the production rules.

Côtes du Rhône wines are typically made from Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre for reds, with white grapes such as Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, Clairette, and Grenache Blanc. Red blends dominate the region, especially in everyday bottlings, while white wines often combine several Rhône varieties for aroma, texture and balance.

While the exact profile depends on the vineyards' specific micro-climate, the blend of grape varieties and winemaking choices, typical tasting notes for red Côtes du Rhônes include red berry fruit, black cherry, plum, pepper, herbs and gentle spice. The white wines from the Rhône typically peach, apricot, pear and melon, plus floral notes like honeysuckle and jasmine.

Côtes Rhône reds are typically medium-bodied with generous red and black fruit flavors and notes of white pepper, herbs or smoke. Whites from the Rhône are usually lush and aromatic with peachy, apricot flavors and floral nuance. Across all styles, Côtes du Rhône releases are well-balanced, thanks to the region’s tradition of blending.

Red Côtes du Rhône is a "bistro classic" that pairs naturally with roast chicken, grilled sausages, pizza and lamb. Its peppery spice and wild herb notes also make it one of the few reds that work perfectly with ratatouille and herb-seasoned vegetable stews. White wines from the Rhône can be extremely food friendly, pairing well with everything from roasted chicken and fresh seafood to trickier cuisines, like Thai or Indian classics.

Yes. Both red and white wines from the Côtes du Rhône are dry with almost no residual sugar. While some of the reds may be perceived as having sweetness, it’s only of its high alcohol and the ripe, jammy fruit flavors (like strawberry and raspberry), typical of the Grenache grape.