The Côtes du Rhône Villages represents the level between the regional appellation and the village appellation. Comprising seventy-two communities, this region became an appellation in 1967.
As an AOC, the wines of the Côtes du Rhône-Villages must conform to certain rules outlined by the INAO, or the Institut National de l'Origine et de la Qualité. These include requiring that the main varietal, Grenache, be blended with Cinsault, Syrah or Mourvedre. The minimum alcohol content must be higher while the maximum grape yield allowed is smaller than the regional Côtes du Rhône.
The soils here vary from red clay with rocks, sandstone covered in gravel, to lumpy sand. The wines produced under this appellation are fruity with complex flavors of blackberry and spice.
-
Winemaking
The grapes are sorted and destemmed. Traditional vinification.
-
Nose
Expressive red fruits like blackcurrant and plum.
-
Palate
Complexe and well balanced wine, expressing notes of spices and liquorice with smooth tanins.
