Grill & Chill With These Wines
Now that summer has arrived and the grills are fired up, are you wondering what to pair with your ribs, fish, chicken, beef and burgers?
There is a lesser-known area of France producing some fantastic reds, whites and rosés that are not only great wines but also great values, and can pair perfectly with your summer grilling. The area I am referring to is the Côte du Rhône. It is the second-largest wine-producing area of France, and also one of the oldest.
The majority of the wines produced in the southern part of the Côte du Rhône are red and typically made from Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah grapes. The rosés can also be made from blends of the same grapes as the reds. The white grapes are Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier.
Wines from the Côte du Rhône are usually ready to drink upon release. Their reasonable prices make them a good choice for everyday consumption.
Côte du Rhône Villages is an area that includes 95 villages. These wines tend to be more complex than Côte du Rhône wines. Some Côte du Rhône Villages wines have a single vineyard name on the label, which indicate a superior growing area. There are also grand cru Côte du Rhône Villages, which are the highest level of quality.
Recommended Wines
CHÂTEAU MAUCOIL CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES ROUGE: The Château Maucoil estate dates back to the Roman Empire; the sites were planted for Caesar’s legions. The chateau itself was established in 1624. Throughout history, Château Maucoil has been under the care of several wine-growing families. Today it is owned and managed by the talented winemakers Frederic and Benoit Lavau. This estate has been using certified organic viticultural methods since 2011. Château Maucoil has a deep ruby color, with aromas of blackberry and plum, with notes of crushed violets and velvety tannins.
JEAN-LOUIS GRANDE RESERVE CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES ROUGE: The creation of Jean-Louis Canto, the owner of Domaine de la Ronciere Chateauneuf du Pape. This wine is made from 85% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre from 30-year-old vines. It has concentrated berry flavors, is well-balanced, very drinkable, and simply delicious!
DELAS FRERES CÔTES DU RHÔNE “ST. ESPRIT” ROUGE: The St. Esprit Rouge is made from a majority of Syrah and Grenache grapes, which come from the small village in the Ardennes region. This delicious wine has a deep color with a classic Syrah nose. It is a very round wine with lots of berry fruit, violet, and pepper. Great value!
M. CHAPOUTIER CÔTES DU RHÔNE “BELLERUCHE” ROUGE: Belleruche is made from mostly Grenache and Syrah grapes. It has pure bright aromas of red fruit, and intense flavors of blackberry and raspberry fruit. This wine pairs well with roast chicken and pork to grilled and roast lamb.
PAUL JABOULET PARALLEL 45 CÔTES DU RHÔNE ROUGE: Made of 60% Grenache, 40% Syrah, this is a medium-bodied wine with pretty flavors of raspberry, cherry cassis, and pepper. Fresh, bright and drinkable.
E. GUIGAL CÔTES DU RHONE WHITE: This is a delicious white blend, made from mostly Viognier, Roussanne, and Marsanne grapes. It has a very fresh fruit taste of apricot, nectarine and pear, with a bit of spice, and is made to drink now.
M. CHAPOUTIER BELLERUCHE WHITE: Côtes du Rhône white wines are not as popular as the reds or even the rosé, but these white blends have so much to offer. This is a complex and elegant wine. With flavors of green apple, citrus and exotic fruit, it is fresh and well-balanced. This wine pairs well with grilled fish, pork and goat cheese.
PAUL JABOULET PARALLEL 45 CÔTES DU RHÔNE BLANC: This is a blend of Viognier, Marsanne Grenache Blanc and Bourboulenc. It is crisp, dry and very drinkable with flavors of pear, apple and honey. Pair this food with salmon, tuna, grilled fish and shrimp.
M. CHAPOUTIER BELLERUCHE ROSÉ: The Belleruche is made from a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah. It has pretty flavors of cherry, orange peel and white blossoms.
CHATEAU D’AQUERIA TAVEL ROSÉ: The Tavel wine region is located in the southern end of the Côtes du Rhône. Tavel is known for its bone-dry, long-aging rosés. Chateau d’Aqueria Rosé is vibrant and dry.
The wines of the Côtes du Rhône have great versatility when pairing with food. They are a great choice for large gatherings because of their drinkability and value.
