Celebrate Bastille Day in Style with Côtes Du Rhône Wines

As France prepares to celebrate Bastille Day on July 14th, it’s the perfect occasion to honour French culture with a toast to the versatile wines of Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages. These wines, known for their remarkable diversity, offer a splash of happiness for every palate and occasion, from fresh and fruity reds to lively whites and delicate rosés. With a variety of styles, grape varieties, appellations, and possible pairings, there’s a Côtes du Rhône wine to enhance any celebration.

Bastille Day is a moment to celebrate the French spirit and its vibrant cultural heritage. As fireworks light up the sky and the nation comes together in celebration, let Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages wines be part of your festivities. Behind every bottle of Côtes du Rhône wine lies a story – of passionate winemakers, sun-soaked vineyards, and centuries of tradition.

One of the standout features of Côtes du Rhône wines is their incredible versatility with food pairings. Whether you’re enjoying a casual aperitif with friends, indulging in classic French cuisine, or exploring international flavours, these wines enhance a wide range of dishes, making them the ideal choice for your July 14th festivities. From a hearty barbecued lamb dish to a delicate seafood platter, Côtes du Rhône wines elevate the dining experience.

To fully enjoy your Côtes du Rhône wines this summer, keep the 20/20 rule in mind for optimal serving temperatures. For reds, a slight chill is ideal—just pop them in the fridge for 20 minutes. Whites and rosés, on the other hand, should be served cool (but not too cold!), so take them out of the fridge 20 minutes before serving. This simple tip will enhance their finesse and refreshing flavours, ensuring you savour every sip to the fullest.

As we raise our glasses to France this July 14th, let’s celebrate the versatility and elegance of Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages wines. Whether you’re hosting a lively soirée or enjoying an intimate gathering, these wines are the perfect companions for your festivities. With excellent value for money, discover the diverse world and spirit of Côtes du Rhône and experience wines that are easy to share, drink and enjoy.

Cheers to a memorable Bastille Day!

Here are a few wine suggestions:

• Domaine La Perdrière, La Pause, AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Sablet, Red, 2023, £16.50 from Hourlier Wines
• Domaine Marcel Richaud, LES GALETS, AOC Côtes du Rhône, Red, 2023, £16.59 from DByrne & Co
• Cellier des Dauphins, LES DAUPHINS, HVE, AOC Côtes du Rhône, Rosé, 2024, £9.25 from Ocado
• Domaine des Lauribert, Fine Fleur, AOC Côtes du Rhône, White, 2023, Imported by The French Wine Project
• Domaine Giraud, Les sables d’Arène, AOC Côtes du Rhône, White, 2023, £28.10 from Roberson Wine
• Domaine Pique Basse, L’Atout du Pique, AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Roaix, White, 2021, £24 from Chesters Wine Merchants
• Gabriel Meffre, Gabriel Meffre “Saint Vincent”, AOC Côtes du Rhône, White, 2024, £11 from Waitrose

To find out more about this diverse wine region head to
https://www.cotesdurhone.com/en

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 21 such villages, each recognised for their unique terroir and historical winemaking traditions.