While Côtes du Rhône is the largest and best-known appellation in France’s vast Rhône Valley, producing and shipping container loads of reliable and relatively affordable red, white, and rosé wines, it’s worth getting to know some of the region’s smaller appellations, especially those in the north.
For many drinkers, Côtes du Rhône wines are a happy medium. They aren’t the standard Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon, but they taste friendly. They’re easy to find, but not too “common.” They won’t break the bank, but they aren’t cheap plonk, either. The problem with Côtes du Rhône, however, is that it’s a blanket […]
Washington, Paso Robles, South Australia — despite having varying locations and topography, these New World wine regions all have something in common. All are billing themselves as the next big region to produce world-class Rhône blends. Now, at first glance, this might seem a bit confusing. The Rhône Valley is an actual place, located along a river […]
It doesn’t get much more aromatic than Viognier, a white grape known for its intensely fruity, floral, exotic notes. The nose may smell sweet, but the palate is typically dry and full-bodied, and its lower acidity gives the impression of softness. While Viognier is grown in much of southern France, its most famous iterations come […]
The best ideas are formed over a few glasses of wine. Ask Dustin Wilson and Thomas Pastuszak, friends since each held wine director positions at NYC’s Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park and The NoMad restaurants, respectively. During a recent visit to the northern Rhône, Dustin and Thomas were sipping on Syrah when they came upon the […]
White wines comprise just 6 percent of the Rhone’s production. For now. The Rhône Valley’s red wines currently make up a huge market share, but winemakers in some southern Rhône appellations are opting to tear out red grape vines in favor of a once-declining, scarcely-planted white grape: Clairette. Why are southern Rhône winemakers falling head over […]
