Côtes du Rhône Villages French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Côtes du Rhône Villages is the step up from Côtes du Rhône, covering 95 selected villages of the southern Rhône Valley with stricter rules, for more concentrated, characterful Grenache-based wines.
More info about Côtes du Rhône Villages
Geographic position
Southeastern France, in the southern Rhône Valley across the Drôme, Vaucluse, Gard and Ardèche departments, between Montélimar and Avignon; about 20 of the best villages, such as Plan de Dieu, Séguret, Sablet and Visan, may add their own name to the label.
Origin & history
In the 18th century the best wines of the Gard were already branded "CDR" on their barrels. The Côtes du Rhône AOC dates from 1937, and the Villages tier was created in 1966 to recognise the finest communes.
Wines & grape varieties
Mainly red, built on Grenache (at least 50%) with Syrah and Mourvèdre, plus Carignan and Cinsault; also rosés and whites from Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Roussanne, Marsanne, Bourboulenc and Viognier.
Climate & soil
Hot Mediterranean climate swept by the Mistral. Rolled pebbles, sandy clay, limestone and stony terraces.
Wine region: Rhône
Grape varieties: Bourboulenc, Carignan, Cinsault, Clairette, Grenache Noir, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Mourvèdre, Roussanne, Syrah, Viognier