Few pairings go together as well as French wine and cheese. Nothing says France quite like a well-balanced wedge of Comté — fruity, savory, salty, and sweet — alongside a bold, full-bodied, and spicy Côtes du Rhône. However, few know the complementary nature of Comté and Côtes du Rhône stretches far beyond the table. Connected by the renowned Rhône River, these two regions are known for their expressive terroirs and exquisite eponymous wine and cheese products. To top it off, each bears Europe’s prestigious Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) label.
Earning a PDO distinction doesn’t happen overnight; it takes generations of work, dedication, and commitment. Only products that unmistakably represent their unique geographical terroirs, utilize generational knowledge, and incorporate local ingredients into production can earn a coveted PDO distinction. Still, this alone is not enough. An emphasis on heritage, deep-rooted respect for the land and community, and understanding the symbiosis between local biodiversity and cultivation are paramount.
Understanding the Geography
Bordering Switzerland to the west, Comté’s climate and the Jura mountains’ natural grasslands and floral valleys have provided the region with the perfect pastures for grazing dairy cows. The exceptional milk produced by Comté cows has been the source of the region’s famous mild, slightly sweet cheese for the last millennium.
Flanking the Rhône River from Lyon to Avignon, the steep slopes, rolling hills, and flat plains and plateaus of Côte du Rhône have been producing grapes for 2,000 years, dating back to cultivation during Greek and Roman
