Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages have long been known as one of the most affordable Appellation d’Origine Contrôlées (AOCs) in the eponymous French valley. Inexpensive bottles are available in droves, but the quality has drastically improved in recent years.
“There are a lot of hidden values in the Southern Rhône,” says Wine Enthusiast Tasting Director Anna-Christina Cabrales. “Simply put: The region is starting to produce better and better wines.”
Over the past decade, as new regional appellations have been introduced and a new generation of producers have come onto the scene, this often budget-friendly area has been churning out increasingly elevated bottles that span a wide spectrum of varietals (21 are permitted in the area) and styles, from rustic and full-bodied to light and ethereal, depending on the vintage.
To get the full scope of what the area can do, Cabrales suggests trying different producers. Many make pricier cuvees from more expensive Rhône appellations, so grabbing one of their less costly Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages is a great way to explore their various styles without breaking the bank. “If you really like the wine and how it captures your palate, then dive in,” she says. “Chances are you’re going to like their other stuff, too.”
Even so, figuring out which producers are making great wines that fit your preferred flavor profile takes a lot of time and effort. But that’s where we come in: We’ve compiled a selection of some of the
This Article was originally published on Wine Enthusiast
