Côtes du Rhône: Excellent grapes rival wines of France’s better known Burgundy, Bordeaux. Côtes du Rhône is the second largest wine region in France with 190,000 acres of vineyards (Languedoc Roussillon is the largest). The area is on both sides of the Rhône river between Lyon and Marseille.

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Côté is a two-syllable word, while côte and cote are one-syllable words, each with its own unique pronunciation (though in some regions of France there may be little distinction in pronunciation). In its most straightforward definition, côté means “side.”

French Côtes de Rhône, a wine appellation, literally, hillsides of the Rhône (River)

It’s reasonable to say that the Cotes du Rhone is in serious competition for the title as the best wine region in the world providing truly sublime character driven wines at fair prices. The red wines can be fruity, sweet, spicy and packed with ripe, red berries. The wines can be sweet, fruity and easy to drink.

Côtes du Rhône AOC and be made from the 21 sanctioned grape varieties. These wines are easy drinking, food loving wines that are perfect for everyday. The white blends and rosés are equally delicious too, even if a little harder to find.

A French Wine Expert’s Favorite $15 Côtes du Rhône

• 2012 Alain Jaume & Fils Domaine Grand Veneur Réserve Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône Rouge ($15)
• 2012 Domaine de la Louvetrie Amphibolite Nature Muscadet ($17)
• 2012 Les Vins de Vienne Collines Rhodaniennes Viognier ($21)
• 2012 Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Pinot Blanc ($23)

Where to buy the best Côtes du Rhône Villages

• Waitrose Cotes du Rhone Villages 2016.
• Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Cotes du Rhone Villages 2016.
• Plan de Dieu Cotes du Rhone Villages 2016.
• Wm Morrison Cotes du Rhone Villages 2016.
• Arc du Rhône Côtes du Rhône Villages 2016.
• Tesco Côtes du Rhône Villages 2016.

Sun-drenched Côtes du Rhône vineyards straddle the great Rhône river. In the North, it is bold red Syrah and aromatic white Viognier. In the South, it’s red and rosé blends of up to 21 varieties, led by Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Côtes du Rhône is among the oldest vineyard regions on the planet.

Most wines in fact, don’t need aeration as much as people think. The following reds, as noble and wonderful as they are, do not need fancy decanters: Light-bodied, naturally less tannic reds such as: Pinot Noir, Burgundy, Beaujolais, and Cotes du Rhone, lighter Zinfandels, and lighter-bodied Chiantis, and Dolcettos.

Minervois. Next door to the Rhône is the Languedoc-Roussillon wine region, which contains the appellations of Minervois, Saint-Chinian, and Faugères. These regions use the same grapes as Côtes du Rhône, but don’t have the help of wine critics to make them famous.

Pour now and taste the black currant, cherry, plum and spicy flavors. Grenache is the go-to grape in the southern Rhône. Its color is light but the taste is seductive with heady fullness and flavors of blackcurrant and rich spices.

This river lends its name to the southern French wine region on its banks, the Rhône Valley, as well as its major AOC, Côtes du Rhône. The indigenous grape varieties that grow in the region, like Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier and Roussanne, are often referred to as Rhône grapes.

Côtes du Rhône are the basic AOC wines of the Rhône region, and exist as red, white and rosé wines, generally dominated by Grenache for reds and rosés, or Grenache blanc for whites.

White Côtes du Rhône Villages wines are generally made in a fresh, dry style and have a tangy, floral profile.

About Rhône-style White Blend. Rhône-style White Blends are a style of white wine composed of two or more traditional Rhône varieties, including but not limited to Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, Clairette and Bourboulenc.

A French Cheese Plate to Pair with Famous Côtes du Rhône Max’s recommended tasting order: Saint-Marcellin, Ossau-Iraty, Camembert, Comté, Cantal.

Most Popular Cheese and their Wine Pairings

Gruyère Gruyère

12 Classic Wine and Cheese Pairings

• Pinot Noir and Gruyere.
• Champagne and Brie.
• Moscato d’Asti and Gorgonzola.
• Tempranillo and Idiazabal.
• Sauvignon Blanc and Goat Cheese.
• Cabernet Sauvignon and Aged Cheddar.
• Provence Rosé and Havarti.
• Riesling and Raclette.

What to Eat With Wine: 11 Fantastic Options

• Sangiovese Pairs with Pizza and Other Tomato-Based Dishes.
• Pinot Grigio Pairs with Seafood Dishes.
• Rosé Pairs with Cheesy Dishes.
• Prosecco Pairs with Prosciutto and Melon.
• Malbec Pairs with Barbecue Dishes.
• Cabernet Sauvignon Pairs with Steak and Other Red Meats.

Sweet Sparkling Wines Pair with Parmigiano-Reggiano, soft goat cheeses, or triple-crème cheese.

Consequently, your best cheese bet for these wines, whether white or red, is semi-hard cheeses such as cheddar, Comté (from France), and mild sheep’s milk cheeses. Avoid salty ones. Always taste the wine before you taste the cheese.

Like all whites, Chardonnay should be served chilled. If the wine is too warm, the alcohol tastes hot while the flavors are muddled. Too cold, and the aromas and flavors are muted. The best temperature range is 50–55°F, which can be achieved by two hours in the refrigerator or 30–40 minutes in an ice-water bath.

There is no question that Chardonnay is a popular white wine. Cheese lovers will be happy to know that Chardonnay often pairs really well with cheese. It’s the combination of rich texture and high acidity that makes Chardonnay so cheese-friendly, with styles from fresh and fruity to oaky and buttery.

What Is the Right Temperature for Serving Chardonnay? Chilling chardonnay before serving brings out its aromas and rich flavors. A less oaky, naked Chardonnay should be served chilled at around 50°F, for at least an hour. A more oaky, full-bodied Chardonnay should be served chilled at 55°F, for at least an hour.

Dry