It’s no secret that we are all having to cut back and make changes to our monthly budget because of inflation. If you’re like me, wine is a part of the weekly food budget. Although I don’t drink wine with every meal (unless on vacation), I need everyday wines on hand that aren’t “two buck chucks.” Is it even possible to find a good, cost-effective French wine? Yes, it is, and wines from Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC are definitely worth thinking about.
Everyday Wines That Don’t Compromise Your Palate or Budget
Before you say, some of these wines are over $20.00, keep in mind the history of this region, the craftsmanship, and logistics. Logistics can involve labor costs, including when grapes are hand harvested. The rising cost of glass, due to the Ukraine Russia war, and the rising cost of cork are factors, too. Then there are tariffs, taxes, and export costs. So, if you drink wine for appreciation and understanding, or are looking for a suitable pairing, anything under $10 is probably not worth considering.
I recently attended the Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC Masterclass presented by Inter Rhône at Amara at Paraiso in Miami. The class was led by Sommelier, writer, and educator Allegra Angelo.
Here’s a recap of what we learned and tasted:
History
The Rhône Valley is France’s second-largest wine region and one of the most ancient wine-growing areas in the world. Winemaking dates back to the 4th Century B.C. Although wine trade experienced a decline following the collapse of the Roman Empire, the Catholic Church revived the wine industry. Châteauneuf-du-Pape (translated as Pope’s New Castle in English) is a French wine appellation in the Southern Rhône that produces highly sought-after Grenache-based red blends.
Grape Varieties
There are 12 white grape and 15 red varieties grown in the Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC. The most popular blend offered at the Masterclass was Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. We also tried a white wine with Marsanne, Viognier, and Roussanne, and two reds that had Carignan.
Terroir
As mentioned, the Rhône Valley is large so each appellation will have a unique terroir, but when looking into any of the 21 Côtes du Rhône Villages, Inter Rhône provides a map that offers an in-depth look at all the areas. I’ve added below some of the village names following the wine name. It’s important to note that the wines below are not single-vineyard. In some cases, they are from a winemaking cooperative.
As for climate, the northern part is continental with hot summers and cold winters. The south is Mediterranean, which means hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The heat along with the Mistral wind provides optimal growing conditions.
Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC Wines: What We Tasted
2019 Clos Bellane | Valreas
Marsanne 65%, Viognier 30%, Roussanne 5%
$19.99
2020 Chateâu de La Nerthe Les Cassagnes | south of Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Grenache 50%, Syrah 40%
$22.99
2020 Chateâu du Pegau Cuve Setier | south of Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Grenache 60%, Syrah 20%, Mourvèdre 20%
$24.99
2019 La Chasse des Princes
Grenaches 70%, Syrah 15%, Mourvèdre 15%
$29.00
2019 Cellier des Dauphins ‘Reserve Intense’
Grenache 60%, Syrah 30%, Mourvèdre 10%
$9.00
2020 Rhonéa – Notre dame des Vignes | Visan
Syrah, Grenache
$11.00
2020 Rhonéa Terroir Daronton | Roaix
Grenache, Syrah, Carignan
$11.00
2020 Maison Sinnae Elements Sol | Chusclan
Grenache Noir, Carignan, Syrah, Mourvèdre
$13.00
My personal favorites were (1) 2019 Clos Bellane; (7) 2020 Rhonéa Terroir Daronton; and (8) 2020 Maison Sinnae Elements Sol.
Visit and Learn
No wine lover’s life is complete without visiting the areas where your favorite wines originate! Visit the Inter Rhône website to find delicious restaurants, charming hotels, and cellars. Don’t forget to book a vineyard tour that can be done directly through the wineries.
Finally, no wine journey is complete without education. The Avignon School offers workshops and events for both the wine novice and connoisseur for only €35 per person. There are also wind training opportunities for wine industry professionals.
Many thanks to Inter Rhône for the press opportunity. For more information, visit vins-rhone.com.
Enjoy reading some of my past articles about wine:
Waiting for Bordeaux: Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux in Miami
Message in a Bottle: Wine Stories from Italy
100 Years of La Scolca: Looking Forward In Times of Uncertainty
