Côtes du Rhône AOC
The Côtes du Rhône appellation is a very large one with about 10,000 vine growers for 250 million bottles and more. Vineyards are mostly in the southern part of the Rhône Valley.
Wines of Côtes du Rhône are very diverse although 95% of the production is red. They can be tannic and robust, or fruity and light.
Primeur wines - as in Beaujolais - are increasingly popular. They are very fruity and fresh and should be drunk now - from the 3rd week of November.
Côtes du Rhône AOC wine information:
Name:
Appellation Côtes du Rhône Controlée
Location:
Along the Rhône river mostly in the south part of the Rhône region
Places:
171 villages
Soil:
Clay
Clayey-limestone
Stones
Size: 40,000 ha (100,000 acres)
1,500 wineries
Production:
2,000,000 hl
95% red wine !
Grapes in Rhône:
Red:
Grenache (40%)
Syrah
Mourvèdre
Carignan
Cinsault
Type of wines:
Light to medium fruity red wine
Dry white
Dry rosé
Age:
Red: 2 to 5 years
White: 1 to 3 years
Rosé: drink young
Vintages (recommended):
2000
Aromas:
Red Fruits
Cherry
Violets
Food:
Beef steak
Roasted pork
Grilled white meat
Hamburger
Cheese:
Brie
Coulommiers
Gaperon
