Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Wine Region Guide

Cotes-du-Rhone Villages is a prominent French wine appellation located in the southern Rhone area that produces red, white, and rose wines. The region's wines are frequently rated as superior to generic Cote du Rhone wines. The Cotes du Rhone Village wine appellation is the Rhone's second biggest wine-growing area, with over 95 communities. Wines from the Cotes du Rhone villages are widely accessible throughout France since they are affordable while maintaining the refinement of French wines. Tens of millions of cases of these low-tannin red wines are produced in the region and sold all over the world. Cairanne, Rasteau, Sablet, Seguret, and Valreas are among the notable villages producing great wines in the region.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Cotes-du-Rhone Villages!

Where is the Cotes-du-Rhone Villages wine region?

Cotes-du-Rhone Villages is in the southern Rhone valley, immediately west of Orange, spread across departments of Ardèche, Drôme, Gard, and Vaucluse. The grapes are terraced on the slope of this lovely valley that drops down to the Rhone river's banks. The area's vineyards cover 8381 hectares, making it the second biggest in the Rhone region. Chateauneuf du Pape to the southwest, Cotes du Ventoux to the southeast, and Grignan Les Adhemar to the north surround the settlements of the Cotes du Rhone. Several wine villages place their village name after the Cotes de Rhone villages label, however, some wines are generic and marketed under the Cotes du Rhone label.

History of the Cotes-du-Rhone Villages wine region

Cotes-du-Rhone Villages wines, like those from other French wine areas, date back to ancient Roman times. The Romans acquired viticulture and winemaking, which they carried on via the monasteries. The region's wine business flourished throughout the Middle Ages, but it came to a standstill during the Phylloxera infestation and the French Revolution. The wine area revived at the beginning of the twentieth century, due to the region's tenacious winemakers. Although plans were presented as early as 1953, the region was given AOC designation on November 2, 1967. Although 95 southern Rhone villages produce wines under the Cotes du Rhone villages label, 22 of these villages have attained a level of quality that permits them to feature their village name on the labels of their Côtes du Rhône Villages wines.

The terroir and geography of the Cotes-du-Rhone Villages wine region

Cotes-du-Rhone Villages have a Mediterranean climate as opposed to the continental climate in the Northern Rhone. The region is influenced by the mistral wind which can be challenging in the spring and fall. The rainfall is relatively low compared to other rhone regions. The topology and geology are very much similar to Cotes du Rhone with chalky clay soil. These soils have well-draining characteristics. The vineyards in the region are mostly terraced on the slopes of Rhone valley. The appellation has strict regulations to control the quality of wines.

Popular grape varieties from the Cotes-du-Rhone Villages wine region

The wine area is vast and diverse, making it ideal for growing a diverse range of grapes. Grenache is the most common grape variety produced in the region, although Mourvedre and Syrah are other key varietals that provide structure and quality to the wines. Cotes du Rhone villages produce 287031 hectolitres of wine, 95.6% of which are red, 3.8% white, and 0.6% rose. In the foreign market, the area exports around 37% of total production.

Grenache noir is the most common grape type used to make red wines. Mourvedre and Syrah are utilized as supplemental grapes, while Carignan, Cinsaut, Counoise, Muscardin, Piquepoul noir, and Terret noir are used as accessory grapes to make red wines.

Grenache is the primary variety used in Rose wines, with Carignan, Cinsaut, Counoise, Muscardin, Piquepoul noir, Terret noir, Bourboulenc, Clairette Blanche, Clairette rose, Grenache blanc, Grenache Gris, Marsanne, Piquepoul blanc, Roussanne, Ugni blanc, and Viognier serving as supplementary varieties. As a complement, Mourvedre and Syrah are employed.

Whites are made from Bourboulenc, Clairette Blanche, Grenache blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier, with Piquepoul blanc and Ugni blanc serving as accessory grapes.

Food to pair with Cotes-du-Rhone Villages wine 

Roast pork

The traditional roast pig is one of the most popular foods served worldwide, with countless variations. The ultra-tender pork with a crispy crust is appealing to all eaters. The dish is simple to prepare and takes little time. Pork shoulders are great for crackling roast pork, but any meat will suffice. Garlic, flour, onion, wine, broth, olive oil, salt, pepper, and fennel should be marinated in the pork overnight. The key to correctly roasted pork is to carefully cook it over medium heat, which helps tenderize and flavor the flesh. Typically, the entrée is accompanied by a side dish or gravy. This savory dish pairs well with Cotes-du-Rhone Villages wines.

Comté cheese

Comté is a French cheese produced in the Jura Massif region of Eastern France's Franche-Comte province. Unpasteurized cow mild with at least 45% fat from Montbeliarde Cattle and French Simmental is used to make the cheese. The cheese is described as hard mountain cheese that has been ripened to perfection in the deepest caverns, which contributes to the distinctive flavor, texture, and color. The cheese is matured for at least 4 months, with some aged for up to 24 months. Comte cheese was one of the first to be given AOC designation, and it is also one of the most well-known cheeses in France. The region produces over 40,000 tonnes of this cheese, which is sent all over the world. Pair the Grenache wines from Cotes du Rhone villages with this fabulous cheese. 

Porc aux pruneaux

Porc aux pruneaux is a French classic dish. The food consists of roast pork with prunes that contain wine. There are multiple versions of the dish, so pork chops, tenderloin, or pork shoulder can be used in the preparation. Other specific components include shallots, lemon juice, mustard, thyme, rosemary, allspice, and bay leaves.

This robust dish is usually served with bread, mashed potatoes, or roasted potatoes. It is recommended to taste the dish with Côtes du Rhône white wine.

Most Grenache goes well with smoked meats and sausages marinated in a sweet and spicy marinade.

Pair up with the robust red wines, especially from the Cotes-du-Rhone Villages. 

Places to visit in the Cotes-du-Rhone Villages wine region

Gorges de l'Ardèche

The Canyons de l'Ardèche, sometimes known as the European Grand Canyon, is formed by a succession of gorges in the river. These stunning gorges are located in the Ardeche province and stretch for 30 kilometers from Vallon Pont d'Arc to Saint Martin D'Ardeche. This is a major tourist spot in the Rhone area, attracting over a million tourists each year. The area is also historically significant and an archaeological site. The magnificent Pont d'Arc cave, also known locally as Chauvet cave, is a symbol of the Ardeche. Since 2014, the region has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is considered humanity's first major masterpiece.

Arena of Nîmes

Arena of Nîmes is one of the best preserved Roman amphitheaters built around 100AD during the reign of Augustus. The structure was built using stone from quarries located beside the arena. The arena served as an entertainment area for the masses including gladiatorial combat, animal hunts, and public executions. The arena is the prestige in the town of Nimes which is visited by millions annually. The amphitheatre is 133 meters long, and 101 meters wide, and the outer facade is 68 meters high. The structure underwent a massive 25-year restoration in 2009, however, visitors can visit the interior. Visit this amazing place while you are in Cotes du Rhone villages. 

Frequently asked questions about Cotes-du-Rhone Villages