Rich reds for cooler days ahead
Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine’s Drinks Editor James Viner explains why southern Rhône reds are the smart buy this autumn and selects seven standout bottles worth your attention
Autumn calls for wines that warm both glass and soul. Côtes du Rhône reds are perfectly just that – generous, steeped in history, comforting, and surprisingly affordable.
In the southern Rhône (‘Rhône meridional’), sun-drenched vineyards produce generous red blends led by Grenache Noir—the region’s hallmark grape—supported by Syrah for spice and structure, and late-ripening Mourvèdre for depth and longevity.
Together, the Côtes du Rhône (CDR) and CDR Villages (not including ‘crus,’ such as Cairanne) appellations stretch across 36,500 hectares – with reds making up over 80% of production, according to 2024 figures from Inter Rhône. To put that in context: the combined vineyard area is nearly ten times the size of England and Wales’ vineyards.
Seven Bottles to Fall For
These seven standout red CDR wines pair beautifully with autumn’s richer fare – from slow-cooked stews to game pies to hearty feasts. À votre santé!
1. Sainsbury’s ‘Taste the Difference’ Côtes du Rhône Villages 2022 (£9.50, £8.50 Nectar, Sainsbury’s, 14%)
Within the CDR, several villages are permitted to call their red – and in some cases, rosé and white – wines ‘CDR Villages.’ Marginally higher minimum alcohol levels and lower maximum yields must be obtained. Made by Maison Gabriel Meffre, this juicy blend of 60/40 Grenache-Syrah blend marries juicy cherry with an earthy, spicy character. A steal for Sunday roasts or autumn stews — and even better when you catch Sainsbury’s 25%-off-3+ bottles Nectar deal.
2. Château Courac Côtes du Rhône 2022 (£10.95, The Wine Society, 14.5%)
A terrific artisanal CDR from the Arnaud family’s vineyards, located in the hills above the villages of Tresqes (around 15 miles north-west of Châteauneuf-du-Pape). Bursting with floral, tangy black plum, bramble, damson and red cherry fruit, this delicious, filigreed, X-factor bargain bottle punches above its weight and has some subtle secondary umami tones. Impressive ambition for the entry level of the AOC pyramid (where, admittedly, wines aren’t always thrilling).
3. Château de Ruth Sainte Cecile Côtes du Rhône Villages 2023 (£11.50, Co-op, 14.5%)
This polished supermarket CDR Villages from a hot, dry year has a rich, floral, peppery, briary, brambly, blackberry pie-filled nose and no shortage of fine tannins. Decant vigorously and bring on long, slow-cooked casseroles, wild mushroom risotto, or sausages with mash. Superb!
4. M. Chapoutier Côtes du Rhône Villages 2024 (£12, Tesco, 13.5%)
This famous grower-merchant’s structured CDR Villages is properly dry, with notes of spiced elderberry, cassis, black pepper and juicy berry fruit. Decant for best results now, or cellar a few bottles for future autumns. Textbook stuff. Spot-on with grilled lamb and autumn veg.
5. E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône 2022 (£12-£14, The Wine Society, Majestic & Waitrose, 14.5%)
A gourmand Rhône classic from one of the region’s most respected names. Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre combine for depth and polish. Pour it into a clean jug or decanter to let the wine aerate. Autumn comfort in a bottle.
6. Domaine de la Bastide Côtes du Rhône 2023 (£13.99, Laithwaites, 13.5%)
Grenache forward (50%), well-priced and easy-drinking, this delicious CDR delivers fruity freshness with summery red fruit, a soupçon of black pepper and a hint of liquorice. It’s just opening up, with no signs of ageing. Game pie, lamb stew or a wedge of Cantal, anyone?
7. Domaine de l’Espigouette Côtes du Rhône Vieilles Vignes 2022 (£16.59-£17, Evington’s & Whitfield Wines, 14%)
This well-crafted, felicitous marriage of old-vine Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan offers ripe tannins, dark fruits, bramble, a little spice and judicious, well-integrated oak. A superior gastronomic, admirably persistent CDR to serve with venison, beef, or tandoori chicken. It doesn’t put a foot wrong.
Bargain basement option: Palais St Vigni Côtes du Rhône 2023 (£5.75, Tesco) – a brilliant bargain from Maison Johanès Boubée. You have the scoop.
More info at www.vins-rhone.com
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@QuixoticWines
