A Spotlight on Côtes du Rhône White Wines. Peter Morrell reports and tastes two that are ideal to drink with festive food

The Côtes du Rhône is typically renowned for its fruity and elegant red wines, however a testament to the versatility of its soils, the region produces exceptional wines in all three colours: red, white, and rosé. While red wines comprise 86% of the Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages production, an exciting revelation is taking the wine world by storm: Côtes du Rhône white wines.

Emerging as a dynamic and innovative segment of the market, these white wines are set to capture the hearts and palates of wine enthusiasts globally. With a wide range of grape varieties available (over 20!), the region makes a variety of styles. The white wines, crafted from a wide range of grape varieties such as Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier and Clairette (to name but a few…), offer originality, authenticity, and a remarkable food-friendly profile that sets them apart in the wine landscape.

Between 2022 and 2023, the production of white Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages rose by 2%, with production now reaching over one hundred thousand hectolitres (8% of the total production within these two AOCs), providing an ever-growing selection for consumers to choose from.

The broad spectrum of flavours and aromas derived from a diverse selection of grape varieties offers a delightfully versatile range of wines, perfect for all occasions—from aperitif hour to complementing your favourite dinner dishes. For the whites, we focus on three prominent flavour profiles, beginning with ‘fresh and lively.’ This category emphasises freshness, with aromas of citrus and white fruits, and is made from grapes such as White Grenache, Bourboulenc, and Ugni Blanc. These wines are ideal as an aperitif or paired with a goat’s cheese salad. Next, we have the ‘fruity & round’ profile, offering delicious aromas of stone fruits and tropical fruits. These wines are perfect for pairing with roasted seabass or a chicken Caesar salad. Finally, the ‘rich & complex’ profile features wines where the grapes can ripen longer, enhancing their ageing potential and pairing versatility. Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages white wines are best served between 10 and 13°C to highlight the freshness without diminishing their aromatic expression. To achieve this, take the wines out of the fridge 20 minutes before serving.

The warm Mediterranean climate of the Rhône ensures that the grape varieties ripen well, while the unique terroir imparts an air of freshness to the wines. A key factor is the Mistral wind, which cools the vines for up to 150 days a year, mitigating the summer heat and reducing the risk of fungus. The clay and sandy soils contribute to the finesse of the appellation’s wines, with richer soils allowing the roots to delve deeper for water. These elements of the terroir combine to create the finesse and aromatic complexity characteristic of Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages wines.

As the world discovers these hidden gems, the Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages white wines stand ready to become a staple on every wine lover’s shelf. These exceptional wines should be celebrated, ensuring that these delicious whites receive the recognition they so richly deserve.

Peter Morrell, Editor, comments ‘I’ve recently tried two of these hidden gems, and they were both delicious. The first was Parallèle 45 Côtes Du Rhône Blanc Bio 2023 from the well-known producer Paul Jaboulet Aîné. This wine is a blend of Viognier, Grenache, Roussanne, Clairette, and Marsanne grapes, and pours a delicate light-yellow colour. Pear, peach, citrus and floral aromas in the bouquet lead to a complex array of aromatic tastes in the mouth. The fruit remains and is joined by apricot, melon, and honey. The mouthfeel is medium to bold, there is a lively acidity, and a dry flinty minerality which makes it ideal to drink with food. The finish is bright with lingering fruity flavours. Pair with seafood, quiche, and charcuterie.

‘The second wine was the Chevalier d’Anthelme Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2023 from Cellier des Chartreux. This is a blend of Viognier, Roussane, and Grenache Blanc grapes. In the glass the wine is light straw with flashes of green, the nose is bright and fresh with aromas of ripe apple, citrus and peach. On the palate there are tastes of melon, apricot, lemon, pineapple, and touches of honey. The mouthfeel is light and dry, with good acidity, and a touch of minerality. The finish is complex with good fruity flavours. Drink this as an aperitif or match it with white meat including your festive turkey.’

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