Cotes-du-Rhone
Definition - What does Cotes-du-Rhone mean?
Côtes du Rhône is a wine region located in the southest of France, north of Provence, and is designated as an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC).
It is the warmest wine region of the country, with a continental climate which is often arid. Grapes which do well in this region Syrah, Grenache, Mouvedre and the white grape, Viognier.
WineFrog explains Cotes-du-Rhone
Côtes du Rhône has existed since before the Romans. In the 17th century, the king ordered that wine which was shipped from the river port in Roquemaure to be branded with the letters CDR in order to protect its origin. This was the inception of the local AOC governance.
Many styles of wine are made here including red, white and rosé. Rosé and red wines are made from Grenache, Carignane, Cinsault, Syrah and Counoise. However, in the famous sub-region of Tavel, where rosé is famous, their wines can be made with up to sixteen different varieties; both red and white.
The Rhône Valley is separated in two main regions, Côtes du Rhône septentrional in the north and Côtes du Rhône méridional in the south. The north is known for its deep, red wines with smooth tannin and the south for its celebrated white wines.
The most recognized wine appellations of Côtes du Rhône are:
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
- Gigondas AOC
- Hermitage AOC
- Condrieu AOC
- Crozes-Hermitage AOC
