Côtes du Rhône Villages - Qu'est-ce que c'est?
"Des Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages à prix très raisonnables qui ne manquent ni de couleur, ni de charpente, ni de beaux tanins, ni de finesse..." -Le Nouveau Guide des Vins de France
Among the oldest winegrowing regions in France, Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages is now recognized worldwide for producing wines of intense bouquet and typified aromas. We affectionately call them baby Châteauneuf-du-Papes since their taste profile is very similar to that of the Southern Rhône's most treasured appellation. With the same red clayey soil and colorful stones scattered throughout the rows of vines, several of the villages within the Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages appellation are very similar to their more famous neighbor, in terms of micro-climate and varietals, and they can yield amazingly structured and deeply colored wines.
95 communes take part in this appellation which distinguishes itself from straight Côtes-du-Rhône by lower yields, older vines and superior plots. Both appellations, however, are known for offering an excellent quality-to-price ratio, perhaps the best in the Rhône valley. Around 20 varietals are authorized and planted in the Villages, the majority of which are Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvèdre.
Poets and wine critics have likened tasting a good Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages to taking a stroll across the Pont du Gard, glancing at the Roman arches at dusk, the crickets in full chorus, while the scent of lavender and olive leaves drift on the soft evening breeze. But poetry aside, the fruits and herbs that jump from the glass of a lovely, unoaked Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages seem to encapsulate the very fragrances and flavors of Southern France. These are 5-sense wines, appealing to more than just the palate, offering a true experience.
Rouge Garance 2006 is a delicious, palate-coating example of this experience. With the pop of its cork, you may find yourself in Avignon! We hope you enjoy a glass of this wine with roasted lamb covered in Herbes de Provence and rubbed with garlic.
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