Winemaker Notes
As an AOC, the wines of the Côtes du Rhône-Villages must conform to certain rules outlined by the INAO, or the Institute Nationale d'Appellation Controllee. These include requiring that the main varietal, Grenache, be blended with Cinsault, Syrah or Mourvedre. The minimum degree of alcohol is higher while the maximum grape yield allowed is smaller than the regional Cote du Rhone.
The soils here vary from red clay with rocks, sandstone covered in gravel, to lumpy sand. The wines produced here have can be of various styles: ample and powerful or light and fruity.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
Typically thought of as a baby Chateâuneuf-du-Pape, the term Côtes du Rhône actually doesn’t merely apply to the flatter outskirts of the major southern Rhône appellations, it also includes the fringes of well-respected northern Rhône appellations. White wines can be produced under the appellation name, but very little is actually made.
The region offers some of the best values in France and even some first-rate and age-worthy reds. Red wine varieties include most of the Chateâuneuf-du-Pape varieties like Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Counoise, as well as Carignan. White grapes grown include Grenache blanc, Roussanne and Viognier, among others.