The Wines from A-Z

Côtes-du-Rhône

The hearty, robust and honest flavors of a good Côtes du Rhône are one of life’s simple, yet profound experiences. Matched with a fresh baguette, or a loaf of semolina bread, one partakes of a simple meal that reaches back in time, thousands of years, and brings us eye to eye with the worshipers of Dionysius, Bacchus, and gods long forgotten. This unpretentious example from the Southern Rhône is a blend of ancient varieties. Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault are the most frequent elements. The 14 other allowed varietals are fillers that are not usually found in the finest CDR. Ideally, this wine retails for between 5-10 dollars, (20th century dollars). It is supposed to be an EVERYDAY kind of wine that goes well with burgers, chili, and the foods of autumn and winter. It’s a spicy and peppery brew with leather and earth aspects that add length and interest to the fruit components. Of course, there are $20+ examples of a CDR, Fonsalette and the Coudelet de Beaucastel to name two, but this is getting ahead of ourselves.
Recommended wines:
CDR NV? Cuvée Centenaire Cacher Bakobsa This is real fine stuff 88
Côtes-de-Rhone '97 Caves des Papes Rich flavors, complete wine 89*
Côtes-de-Rhone '99 Domaine Andezon Fresh, juicy, young flavors 88
CDR ‘05 Les Becs Fin Tardieu Laurent Exceptional wine 90