Location: In the Rhône valley, south of Lyon to the Mediterranean Sea Main Cities: Lyon, Avignon, Montélimar, Orange, Vienne
Vineyards cover 70,000 hectares with over 8,000 to 10,000 winemakers.
Annual wine production of 450 million bottles (77% red wine - 8 % rosé - 5 % dry white wine).
The Rhône Valley lies in southeast France ; the Rhône River runs southwards through the Valley, winding its way through vineyards on both banks. The great gastronomic city, Lyon , is directly north of the Valley, and the historic city of Avignon is at its southern end. The region has two distinct parts: the Northern Rhône , with its continental climate and serious red wines such as Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie; and the Southern Rhône , with a warmer Mediterranean climate, renowned reds such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas, and the popular rosé, Tavel. But the vast majority of wines in the Southern Rhône Valley are red Côtes du Rhône wines.
Two major appellations apply to Côtes du Rhône wines: Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages. Côtes du Rhône Villages wines make up about 20 percent of all Côtes du Rhônes and are generally slightly finer and more expensive than Côtes du Rhônes. The individual producer, however, is always more important in determining quality than the appellation.
Most red Côtes du Rhône wines are usually blends of several grape varieties. Grenache is the Southern Rhône 's main red grape. In fact, Côtes du Rhône Villages wines all must have a minimum of 50 percent Grenache, with at least 20 percent Syrah and/or Mourvèdre, while AC Côtes du Rhône wines must contain at least 40 percent Grenache--the exception being those few Côtes du Rhône wines made in the Northern Rhône, which can be up to 100 percent Syrah, the main variety of the Northern Rhône.
Carignan and Cinsault are two other grape varieties allowed in Côtes du Rhône wines, but no more than 30 percent of any varieties other than Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre--considered the three most noble Rhône varieties--are allowed in AC Côtes du Rhônes and no more than 20 percent of any varieties other than the big three are allowed in Côtes du Rhône Villages wines.
What do Côtes du Rhônes have in common? They're all dry, relatively full-bodied (especially those with lots of Syrah in the blend), and are generally smooth and round rather than harsh. They have either fruity, herbal or earthy aromas and flavors, sometimes all three; plum and/or raspberry are the primary fruity aromas. And they're all great values! Côtes du Rhônes are very food-friendly. They pair especially well with stews, roasts, chicken, bean dishes such as cassoulet, and hearty vegetable dishes. The lighter-bodied, less expensive Côtes du Rhônes are perfect with spaghetti, burgers, chili, and pizza.
North part of Rhone Valley, around Vienne city, on the right bank of the river
Places
Saint-Cyr-sur-Rhône, Ampuis and Tupin-Semons
Soil
Granite, Clay or sand
Size
200 ha (500 acres)
Production
1.1 million bottles (Only red wine)
Grapes
Syrah 80%. Viognier 20%
Type of Wine
Full-body red wine
Age
8 to 15 years
Vintages
2005, 2004, 2003, 1999, 1998, 1995, 1991
Aromas
Raspberry, Spice, Vanilla
Food
Roasted lamb, Roasted duck, Venison
Cheese
St Marcellin
Côte Rôtie is one of the oldest vineyards in France. It was set up by the Romans. The Côte Rôtie with its hills bathed in sun, produces a warm, robust, full-bodied, richly colored red wine. Harsh and dark when they are young those wines become softer and develop with age an excellent bouquet. Two grape-varieties dominate the production, Viognier and Syrah.
Wines of Côte Rôtie are often considered as the best from Côtes du Rhône. Some Côte Rôtie wine makers and lovers split the best of the wines into brown Côte Rôtie and blonde Côte Rôtie. Browns are stronger and mature longer, blondes are more delicate.
CONDRIEU
Name
Appellation Condrieu Controlée
Location
Right bank of Rhone river, 10km south of Vienne
Places
Condrieu, Ampuis, Chavanay and 3 other villages
Soil
Granite
Size
110 ha (270 acres)
Production
500,000 bottles
Grapes
Viognier
Type of Wine
Full-body white wine
Age
2 to 4 years
Vintages
2005, 2004, 2003
Aromas
Apricot, Pear, Almond, Violets
Food
Grilled fish, Bass, Grilled haddock
Cheese
Pont l'Evèque, Beaufort, Abondance
Condrieu is regarded as an exceptional but hard-to-find wine. Condrieu is one of the best white wine in Côtes du Rhône. The vineyards cover only 105 hectares. The single grape variety used in Condrieu is viognier. Condrieu is a full-body white wine, rich in alcohol, but with a strong flavor and round in the mouth. Condrieu exhales apricot, pear and almond aromas.
CHATEAU GRILLET
Name
Appellation Château Grillet Controlée
Location
Right bank of Rhone river, close to Condrieu
Places
2 villages: Vérin and Saint Michel sur Rhône
Soil
Granite and sand
Size
3.5 ha (less than 9 acres)
Production
13,000 bottles
Grapes
Viognier
Type of Wine
Full flavor dry white wine
Age
5 to 15 years and more
Vintages
2005, 2004, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1995, 1990
Aromas
Apricot, Peach
Food
Truffle, Foie gras, Fish
Cheese
Roquefort
Château Grillet is the only appellation in France provided by a single one winery. With 3,5ha/8.6acres, Château Grillet is also one the smallest! Château Grillet is much like Condrieu, a full-body aromatic white wine made with Viognier. Because of the compact terroir, the wine is often outstanding, simply one of the best in France. Château Grillet is supposed to be an unique wine: both dry and sweet at the same time! However the price prevents wine lovers from tasting the experience. Château Grillet typically costs over $100 a bottle.
HERMITAGE
Name
Appellation Hermitage Controlée
Location
Right bank of Rhone river, in Drôme department
Places
Tain-l’Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage and Larnage
Soil
Granite and gravels
Size
140 ha (345 acres)
Production
730,000 bottles (Mostly red wines)
Grapes
Red: Syrah, Marsanne and Roussane 15%; White: Roussane, Marsanne
Type of Wine
Powerful full-body red wine, Full body white wine
Age
Red: 10 to 20 years and more; White: 7 to 15 years
Red: Brie de Meaux; White: Beaufort, Cantal, Comté
The "Coteaux (slope) de l'Hermitage" dominates the small town of Tain l'Hermitage. The first plantations date from the 10th century but it is under Louis the XIV that l'Hermitage obtains its credential letters... Hermitage was the favorite cru of the Tsar court in Russia. The red wines of Hermitage are generous and well balanced, strong aromas and a complete bouquet. Hermitage wines tolerate aging very well and become smooth and mellow when they mature.
CROZES HERMITAGE
Name
Appellation Crozes Hermitage Controlée
Location
Right bank of Rhone river, in Drôme department
Places
11 villages including Tain-l’Hermitage, Mercurol and Larnage
Soil
Granite and gravels
Size
1,300 ha (3,200 acres)
Production
8 million bottles (90% red wine)
Grapes
Red: Syrah, Marsanne and Roussane 15%; White: Roussane, Marsanne
Type of Wine
Fruity red wine
Age
2 to 6 years
Vintages
2005, 2004
Aromas
Black currant, Cinnamon
Food
Game birds, Steak tartare, Meatballs, Grilled red meat
Cheese
Emmental, Gruyère, Lacandou
Crozes Hermitage is the largest of all the northern appellations of Côtes du Rhône. The vineyards lay around Hermitage, where the soil is richer and easier to work with. Crozes Hermitage wines are less robust then Hermitage. Nevertheless, they are very aromatic and fruity. Compared to the price of Hermitage, Crozes Hermitage is still affordable and offers great value for your money and your palate! Crozes Hermitage can be drunk young.
CORNAS
Name
Appellation Cornas Controlée
Location
Right bank of the Rhone river, facing the city of Valence
Places
Cornas
Soil
Granite
Size
95 ha (235 acres)
Production
190,000 bottles
Grapes
Syrah
Type of Wine
Powerful and rich red wine
Age
From 4 years to 10 years and more
Vintages
2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999, 1997
Aromas
Red fruits, Spice, Licorice
Food
Game, Turkey, Duck
Cheese
Brillat Savarin, Chaource, Saint Marcellin
In celtic language, Cornas means "burnt land" which somehow describe easily what Cornas wine is about. The wine is robust, rich and dense. Cornas has an old history. It was one of Charlemagne favorite wine. In Cornas, vines grow in steep granitic slopes facing the sun and planted only with Syrah, meaning that there is only red wine in Cornas. The wine is harsh when young and then get structure and balance after a few years. Cornas wine needs at least 3 years in a cellar to mature. Although it is recommended to wait between 5 to 10 years to enjoy all its aromas. Cornas is the perfect wine to match game dishes.
South of Côtes du Rhône wine regions
GIGONDAS
Name
Appellation Gigondas Controlée
Location
South part of the Rhone valley in Vaucluse department, east of Orange city
Places
Gigondas
Soil
Red clay
Size
1,240 ha (3,000 acres)
Production
5.5 million bottles
Grapes
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre
Type of Wine
Full-body red wine
Age
3 to 12 years
Vintages
2005, 2004, 2003, 2000, 1998, 1995
Aromas
Licorice, Red fruits, Spices
Food
Game, Beef Stroganoff, Spare ribs
Cheese
St Marcellin, Roquefort, Epoisses
Gigondas vineyards lay at the bottom of the Dentelles de Montmirail, a great scenery for a good value wine. The history of Gigondas wine traces back to the Romans. They take advantage of the mediterranean weather and of the red clay soil. Gigondas wine is robust, well-balanced and aromatic. Gigondas can be seen as an alternative to the expensive Châteauneuf du Pape.
CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE
Name
Appellation Châteauneuf du Pape Controlée
Location
Just a few miles north of Avignon city
Places
Châteauneuf du Pape and Orange, Sorgues, Courthèzon
The Châteauneuf du Pape is the most famous Côtes du Rhône wine. The "Coteaux" (slope) of Châteauneuf du Pape is between Orange and Avignon cities, in one of the most beautiful landscapes of Provence. The Popes used to have their summer residence there in Châteauneuf du Pape (Pope in french). The Châteauneuf du Pape wine is thick, harsh, powerful and richly colored. Red wine only, it is elaborated with 13 authorized and controlled grape-varieties among which Syrah, Grenache and Clairette.
COTES DU VENTOUX
Name
Appellation Côtes du Ventoux Controlée
Location
South side of Mont Ventoux in Vaucluse
Places
About 50 villages (Caromb, Mormoiron, Mazan, Roussillon, etc)
Mont Ventoux is one of the most famous mountains in France (2,000 m, 6300ft) and marks the gate between Rhône and Provence. The weather in Côtes du Ventoux is very hot in the summer but cold in the winter and windy with the "mistral" blowing almost all the time! The poor limestone soil of Côtes du Ventoux gives a fruity red wine, easy to drink and to appreciate. A good value wine.
All Côtes du Rhône wine regions
COTES DU RHONE AOC
Name
Appellation Côtes du Rhône Controlée
Location
Along the Rhône river mostly in the south part of the Rhône region
Light to medium fruity red wine, Dry white, Dry rosé
Age
Red: 2 to 5 years; White: 1 to 3 years; Rosé: drink young
Vintages
2003, 2000
Aromas
Red: Red Fruits, Cherry, Violets
Food
Red: Beef steak, Roasted pork, Grilled white meat, Hamburger
Cheese
Red: Brie, Coulommiers, Gaperon
The Côtes du Rhône appellation is a very large one with about 10,000 vine growers for 250 million bottles and more. Vineyards are mostly in the southern part of the Rhône Valley. Wines of Côtes du Rhône are very diverse although 95% of the production is red. They can be tannic and robust, or fruity and light. Primeur wines - as in Beaujolais - are increasingly popular. They are very fruity and fresh and should be drunk now - from the 3rd week of November.
COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES
Name
Appellation Côtes du Rhône Villages Controlée, Appellation Appellation Côtes du Rhône Villages "name of the village" Controlée (16 villages can include their name: 2/3 of the Côtes du Rhône Villages production)
19 million bottles (small white and rosé production)
Grapes
Grenache(50%), Syrah, Mourvèdre
Type of Wine
Medium body fruity red wines
Age
2 to 6 years
Vintages
2006, 2005, 2003
Aromas
Cranberry, Violets, Cinnamon
Food
Roasted beef, Lamb chops, Rabbit
Cheese
Bleu d'Auvergne, Camembert, Fourme d'Ambert
Inside the Côtes du Rhône generic appellation, the Côtes du Rhône Villages label applies to a limited number of villages based on their history, quality and specificity. The best of them can even add the name of the village after "Côtes du Rhône". The Côtes du Rhône Villages wines are medium body, most of the time spicy, very diverse from one area to another: rich and able to age in Vinsobres, very fruity rosé in Chusclan, red and white sweet liquorous in Rasteau, spicy red in Cairanne, etc.
Location: In the Rhône valley, south of Lyon to the Mediterranean Sea
Two major appellations apply to Côtes du Rhône wines: Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages. Côtes du Rhône Villages wines make up about 20 percent of all Côtes du Rhônes and are generally slightly finer and more expensive than Côtes du Rhônes. The individual producer, however, is always more important in determining quality than the appellation.