Wine and food pairings : Côtes-du-Rhône appellation

The Côtes-du-Rhône appellation is one of the largest in France. It covers some 40,000 hectares of vineyards in 171 communes in 6 départements. To the north, we have the Northern Rhône Valley, which extends from Vienne to Valence. To the south, we find the Vallée du Rhône Méridionale from Montélimar to Avignon.

The appellation produces a wide variety of wines in all three colours : reds, whites and rosés, as well as Vins Doux Naturels in the Beaumes-de-Venise and Rasteau appellations. The red Côtes-du-Rhône are made from Grenache (the majority), Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan. Aromas of red and black fruit, as well as spices, are typical of red Côtes-du-Rhône.

White wines in the Côtes-du-Rhône appellation are rarer and are made from a blend of different grape varieties: Grenache blanc, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc or Viognier. White wines are fresh and generally develop aromas of white fruit, citrus and flowers.

Rosé wines in the Côtes-du-Rhône appellation are made from the same grape varieties as the reds, with the addition of Cinsault, which adds finesse and fresh red fruit aromas to the rosé.

To bring out the best in this emblematic Rhône Valley appellation, check out our food and wine pairing ideas!

  • Which red wines to serve with pulled pork quesadillas ?

Quesadillas with pulled pork are an essential part of Mexican cuisine. This dish, made from a corn or wheat tortilla topped with melted cheese, vegetables, pork and various spices, goes perfectly with a bold, fresh, fruity wine.

To enhance this convivial Mexican dish, we recommend :

Côtes-du-Rhône Joseph Viola & Michel Chapoutier is a full-bodied red wine with a fresh attack and hints of red fruit. Powerful, its chiselled tannins are accompanied by a lovely aromatic freshness on the finish. Its freshness and aromas are perfect for quesadillas with pulled pork.

You can also choose Belleruche red. This Côtes-du-Rhône has a deep garnet-red colour. The nose is fairly intense and fruity, revealing notes of blackcurrant, raspberry and white pepper. Juicy on the palate, it carries on the fruity aromas detected on the nose and is accompanied by lovely notes of roasting. The fruity aromas of Belleruche red wine are the perfect accompaniment to your quesadillas.

  • Which Côtes-du-Rhône will enhance a salmon and avocado tartare ?

As the warm weather approaches, what could be better than a good salmon and avocado tartare ! To enhance this balanced and tasty dish, we suggest a selection of white and rosé wines.

We recommend Adunatio white, with its brilliant pale yellow colour. A fresh, aromatic wine, you'll be seduced by its aromatic profile of white-fleshed fruit and its balance on the palate.

Belleruche white will also go perfectly with the freshness and aromas of salmon tartare. An uncomplicated wine, it develops aromas of white flowers, citrus and exotic fruit.

If you prefer rosés, we recommend Belleruche rosé. A refreshing wine that will surprise you with its aromas of red fruit and citrus, accompanied by notes of exotic fruit. This wine is a perfect match for tartare, thanks to its freshness and range of fruity aromas.

  • For a vegetarian chilli or moussaka, discover Aurado red.

It's perfectly possible to accompany a vegetarian or vegan meal with a red Côtes-du-Rhône. A vegetarian moussaka or chilli sin carne will go well with supple, powerful wines with notes of red fruit, such as our Aurado red, where the Grenache and Syrah grapes are processed without added sulphites.

Enjoy the tasting !

 

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