Côtes du Rhône

Côtes du Rhône is a versatile wine appellation from the Rhône Valley in southeastern France, known for producing red, white, and rosé wines. The reds are most famous, often characterized by their fruit-forward profiles, medium to full body, and complex blends dominated by Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, commonly referred to as “GSM” blends.

Appearance:

• Color: Red wines are typically deep ruby to garnet, while whites range from pale straw to golden.
• Opacity: Red wines exhibit medium to high opacity, reflecting their full-bodied nature, whereas the whites are clear and bright.

Aroma:

• Primary Aromas: The red wines offer ripe red and dark fruit aromas like blackberry, cherry, and plum, along with hints of herbs like thyme and lavender. Whites present citrus, stone fruits (like peach and apricot), and floral notes.
• Secondary Aromas: Red wines may have earthy notes, such as leather, dried herbs, or spices like black pepper and clove. Whites might show floral elements and a touch of minerality.
• Tertiary Aromas: Aged reds can develop aromas of dried fruits, tobacco, and sometimes licorice or chocolate. Whites may show nuances of honey, nuts, or subtle oak-induced notes like vanilla.

Flavor Profile:

• Fruit Flavors: Red Côtes du Rhône wines are known for flavors of black currant, raspberry, and black cherry, while whites typically exhibit flavors of lemon, peach, and pear.
• Other Flavors: Red wines often have spice, earthy undertones, and sometimes a hint of smoky or meaty notes. Whites can have notes of honey, almond, or wax, especially if aged.
• Oak Influence: While many Côtes du Rhône wines are made with minimal oak influence to preserve their fresh fruit character, some may be aged in oak barrels to add complexity and depth.

Structure:

• Body: Red wines are generally medium to full-bodied; whites are medium-bodied.
• Tannins: Reds have medium to high tannins, providing structure and aging potential.
• Acidity: Both red and white wines from Côtes du Rhône have medium to high acidity, contributing to their freshness and balance.
• Alcohol: Ranges from 12.5% to 14.5%.