Most wine drinkers know Côtes du Rhône as a familiar, warming bottle of red, but it is actually a massive winemaking region in the sunny south of France. Basking in a hot Mediterranean climate, the vineyards here produce smooth, fruit-driven wines that are made for immediate drinking pleasure. While red wine dominates the area, the region also produces a small amount of rich, smooth white wine that is a fantastic choice if you want an alternative to sharp, mouth-puckering styles.
Every bottle from the region is a blend of different grapes that thrive in the intense sunshine. The red wines are built around a core of Grenache for juicy plum flavours, Syrah for a bit of structure and black pepper, and Mourvèdre which adds a lovely, rugged hint of wild herbs. The rare white wines are also blends, using local grapes like Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Clairette to create a velvety texture with flavours of soft orchard fruits and honey.
When navigating the region, look out for Côtes du Rhône Villages on the label. Only 20% of the entire territory is permitted to use this title, which signifies the very best vineyard sites in the area. These hillside plots offer a noticeable step up in quality, delivering a richer, more satisfying glass of wine for just a little extra.