Côtes du Rhône: the broad foundation of the Rhône Valley
Côtes du Rhône is the base appellation of the Rhône. It was recognised in 1937 and covers vineyards along the river from just south of Vienne down to Avignon, which makes it one of the largest appellations in France. In the north, Syrah grows on steep granite slopes, while the great majority of the vineyards lie in the south, where Grenache thrives in the heat, the mistral wind and the stony soils.
A red Côtes du Rhône from the south must contain at least 40 per cent Grenache, and Syrah and Mourvèdre together at least 15 per cent, with Cinsault, Carignan and Counoise as seasoning. White Côtes du Rhône is made from Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Roussanne, Marsanne, Bourboulenc and Viognier, and rosé from the red grapes. Most of it is red wine: juicy and spicy, with dark cherry, blackberry, pepper and the wild herbs of the garrigue.
Côtes du Rhône Villages and the named villages
One step up sits Côtes du Rhône Villages, created in 1967. The grapes must come from selected communes in the Drôme, Vaucluse, Gard and Ardèche, yields are lower, and the red wine needs at least 50 per cent Grenache plus at least 20 per cent Syrah and Mourvèdre. The best villages may add their own name to the label, among them Séguret, Sablet, Plan de Dieu, Saint-Gervais, Valréas and Massif d'Uchaux.
The Villages tier is also the route to cru status. Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Rasteau and Cairanne all started as Villages before gaining their own appellations, and most recently Laudun became a cru from the 2024 vintage. Older bottles labelled "Côtes du Rhône Villages Laudun" therefore still belong here.
Côtes du Rhône wine from Rayas, Beaucastel, Guigal and Clape
Many great Rhône names bottle a Côtes du Rhône, several of them estates from Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Château de Beaucastel makes Coudoulet de Beaucastel from vineyards just east of Châteauneuf with similar soils. The Reynaud family of Château Rayas is behind La Pialade and Château des Tours, whose white Grande Réserve shows how far the appellation can reach. Domaine du Pegau offers Cuvée Maclura, the white Cuvée Lône and the Villages wine Cuvée Setier, alongside Domaine de la Janasse, Domaine de Beaurenard and Domaine de la Mordorée with La Dame Rousse.
From the north come E. Guigal with red and white Côtes du Rhône, Auguste Clape of Cornas with a Syrah-based version and Eric Texier with Syrah from Brézème. Domaine Gramenon in the Drôme is a pioneer of natural wine, and Maxime-François Laurent, who now runs Gramenon, adds La Rubiconde under his own name. Domaine La Cabotte brings Garance from the Massif d'Uchaux, and Rabasse Charavin a Côtes du Rhône Villages.
Food pairing with Côtes du Rhône
Red Côtes du Rhône is one of the most food-friendly wines there is. It works with grilled lamb, sausages, burgers, slow-cooked stews such as daube and cassoulet, pizza and dishes built on olives, tomato and herbs. The Villages wines have a little more weight and can handle game and braised beef. White Côtes du Rhône is soft and aromatic, good with roast chicken, grilled fish, pork tenderloin and mature cheese, while rosé suits Mediterranean food and summer barbecues.
Côtes du Rhône FAQ
What is Côtes du Rhône wine?
Côtes du Rhône is the broad appellation covering vineyards across the whole Rhône Valley. Most of it is red wine from Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, but white and rosé are made too.
What is the difference between Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages?
Villages comes from a smaller number of selected communes with lower yields and stricter rules on Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. The wines are usually a little more concentrated.
Is Côtes du Rhône red wine Grenache or Syrah?
Both. In the south Grenache leads, usually with Syrah and Mourvèdre in the blend. In the north Syrah dominates, and some producers make a pure Syrah under the appellation.
How long can you keep Côtes du Rhône?
Most Côtes du Rhône is made to drink within three to five years. Villages wines and old-vine cuvées can age well for eight to ten years.