Perfect Pairings, Serving Tips, and a Glimpse of the Exceptional 2024 Vintage

As the festive season draws near, there’s plenty to celebrate with Côtes du Rhône wines. Renowned for their warmth, versatility, and elegance, these wines are perfect for sharing with family and friends. While we savour the current range of vintages, there’s already exciting news from the vineyards: the 2024 harvest promises to be one of remarkable quality, a true reflection of the region’s expertise and resilience.

The rich diversity of grape varieties and aromatic styles found in Côtes du Rhône wines ensures there’s a perfect bottle for every occasion, particularly during the festive season. Savour the deep and fruity flavours of a Grenache-based red alongside roasted red meats such as duck or lamb, wild game, or stuffed portobello mushrooms with blue cheese. Meanwhile, the elegance of a white Côtes du Rhône complements the delicate flavours of baked white fish, fresh seafood, or a wild mushroom risotto.

To fully appreciate the exceptional qualities of Côtes du Rhône wines, serving them at the right temperature is essential—especially during the festive season when cosy, toasty rooms can easily warm your glass too much. The temperature at which these wines are enjoyed can make all the difference. A red wine served slightly chilled, around 15–16°C, brings out its aromas and preserves its elegant balance. Serve it too warm, and the fruit fades while the alcohol dominates; too cold, and the tannins harden, masking the wine’s subtle notes.

Similarly, white wines shine at 10–13°C, offering a refreshing contrast to rich Christmas fare. A simple ‘20-20 rule’ proposed for the Côtes du Rhône AOC wines makes it easy: take white wines out of the fridge 20 minutes before serving, and pop reds into the fridge for 20 minutes before pouring. These small steps ensure your Côtes du Rhône wines are enjoyed at their absolute best, perfectly complementing every festive dish on your table.

To end the year with some good news, the 2024 vintage, due to hit shelves next year, is looking very promising for lovers of the Côtes du Rhône. The 2024 vintage of the Côtes du Rhône stands as a testament to the hard work of the winemakers. After a spring of heavy rain and occasional hail, the vines thrived under a summer marked by warm days, cool nights, and the protective influence of the Mistral winds. Despite weather conditions which required enormous work and innovation in the vineyard, the 2024 vintage captures the true DNA of Côtes du Rhône, promising a rewarding experience for future consumers.

According to Damien GILLES, President of the Syndicat Général des Côtes du Rhône, the wines this year embody the essence of the region with “well-controlled alcoholic levels, fine and fruity juices offering great drinkability”. From expressive reds and lively, floral whites to versatile rosés that range from light and convivial to rich and complex, the vintage reflects the full potential of Côtes du Rhône wines.

Peter Morrell Editor comments ‘I’ve recently tasted the Côtes du Rhône Domaine de l’Espigouette Vieilles Vignes 2022 from the Bernard Latour vineyard. It is an excellent example of the quality of wines produced in the region. This red wine is a blend of Carignan, which dominates, Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault. The bouquet is a fruity mix of blackberry and strawberry aromas with peppery spices, and a hint of leather. In the mouth it is full bodied with flavours of blackcurrant and cherry, and background earthy notes of mushrooms and smoke. The tannins are well-balanced, making for a smooth mouthfeel. The finish has a good persistent fruity character. Pair this wine with steaks and roast lamb.’

The perfect festive companion, Côtes du Rhône wines offer rich flavours to complement the season. With the exciting 2024 vintage on the horizon and tips for serving at their best, these wines bring tradition and warmth to every celebration. Cheers!

About Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC

Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC are two significant appellations within the Rhône Valley wine region of France, renowned for their diverse and high-quality wines.

Côtes du Rhône AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) is one of the largest and most renowned appellations in France, covering vast vineyard areas along the Rhône River. It encompasses both the Northern and Southern Rhône regions, allowing for a wide range of grape varieties and wine styles.

Produced in 172 communes on rich and varied terroirs, regional Côtes du Rhône is notable for its diversity, its character and a blend that guarantees a quality wine.

Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC represents a step up in quality and specificity within the Côtes du Rhône appellation. This designation is reserved for wines that meet stricter production standards and come from specific communes or villages within the Rhône Valley. The regulations limit yields and dictate stricter guidelines for grape growing and winemaking practices, ensuring higher quality standards. Within the Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC, there are also specific villages entitled to append their name to the label, denoting even higher quality standards. There are 22 such villages, each recognized for their unique terroir and historical winemaking traditions.

About Inter Rhône

Inter Rhône is a dynamic, deeply committed professional association representing all members of the Côtes du Rhône and Rhône Valley AOC wine industry. Founded in 1955, it coordinates the marketing and communications, business and technical activities of the following AOCs: Côtes du Rhône (Regional, Villages and Crus), Clairette de Bellegarde, Clairette de Die, Châtillon en Diois, Costières de Nîmes, Côtes du Vivarais, Côteaux de Die, Crémant de Die, Duché d’Uzès, Grignan les Adhémar, Luberon, Ventoux, Muscat de Beaumes de Venise and Rasteau sweet fortified wines, Eaux de Vie de Vin des Côtes du Rhône (or Fine des Côtes du Rhône) and Eaux de Vie de Marc des Côtes du Rhône (or Marc des Côtes du Rhône). Its activity is based on three key principles: fair representation for all professional groupings; parity between producers and négociants; and unanimity for all major decisions. Inter Rhône is both creative and accountable, standing alongside its members, supporting them and helping them in their quest to win greater recognition for Rhône Valley Vineyards wines in France and abroad.

For more information, visit https://www.cotesdurhone.com/en