The Rhône Valley appellations
Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages
The Côtes du Rhône appellation was awarded AOC status – a classification denoting quality and authenticity – in 1937, just two years after the AOC system was set up. The sheer speed with which accreditation was granted shows how good the wines must be! The Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation, one step up from the regional appellation, appeared in 1967, followed by the Côtes du Rhône Crus. The latest of these is Cairanne, with Cru status since 2016.
This 3-tier hierarchy makes up the Côtes du Rhône ‘quality pyramid’, with the regional appellation at its base, Côtes du Rhône Villages (with and without village name) on the rung above, and the Crus at the apex. Strict production criteria make sure standards are met, and ensures that each wine reflects the intrinsic qualities of its terroir.
The Côtes du Rhône vineyards are in constant pursuit of excellence.
Terroir and grape varieties
Serving the appellations
Terroir is what gives wine a ‘sense of place’. It’s not an easy concept, but can be loosely defined as the way environment and people affect the flavour and character of the wine. It includes anything that differentiates one vineyard area from another.
Côtes du Rhône AOCs
To better understand
Find out more about the Côtes du Rhône appellations through their hierarchy.
The Rhône Valley
The Rhône Valley is the second largest AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) vineyard in France. It has no fewer than 31 appellations divided into different categories, reflecting its richness and diversity. Its history, which spans two centuries, is marked by a deep winemaking tradition, shaped by the terroir, the climate and the expertise of the winegrowers. Through its renowned wines, the Rhône Valley remains a pillar of French oenology, symbolizing the excellence and authenticity of the country's winemaking traditions.
Côtes du Rhône Villages with geographical name (10%)
In the hierarchy of Côtes du Rhône Villages, 22 have a geographical name.
Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC (5%)
The Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation area is spread over 95 communes in four departments in the south of the vineyard: Ardèche, Drôme, Gard and Vaucluse.
Côtes du Rhône AOC (65%)
The Côtes du Rhône appellation area is spread over 172 communes in six departments in the south of the vineyard: Ardèche, Drôme, Gard, Loire, Rhône and Vaucluse.
Key figures
Côtes du Rhône AOC's (except crus)
- 2 appellations
Soils
- Sandy
- Limestone
- Clay
- Rocky
Climate
- Mediterranean influenced by Mistral wind.
Main grape varieties
- Grenache
- Mourvèdre
- Finesse
- Syrah
- Bourboulenc
- Clairette
- Grenache
- Marsanne
- Roussanne
- Viognier
Palate
- Elegant
- Generous
- Balance
- Freshness
Aromas
- Spices
- Fruity notes
- Floral notes
