Côtes du Rhône offers ‘a wine for every palate’ for festive drinking

As thoughts turn to hosting festive celebrations, Côtes du Rhône winemakers give db their takes on perfect pairings for the season.

The festive season is almost upon us, and with it all of the yearly rituals.

Mistletoe in doorways, decorations on trees, lights strung up along the streets, and maybe even the chance of snow. As carolers warm up their vocal cords and children hang their stockings, preparations will also begin for the feasting which inevitably goes hand-in-hand with the festivities.

From a light aperitif to a complex red with food, wines chosen to mark the holidays are just as important as the food around the table.

“The structure of a well balanced Côtes du Rhône will complement the range of dishes typically found on a festive table,” says Kate Mourchon, winemaker at Domaine de Mourchon, a winery which sits in a secluded valley between the village of Séguret and Mont Ventoux. “It is a wine associated with place and tradition, as are the end-of-year holidays, and the sun-ripened fruit offers comfort and warmth during the colder months.”

Eric Plumet, winemaker at Domaine de la Cabotte, summarises the relationship between Côtes du Rhône wines and the winter holidays perfectly. “The end-of-year festivities are as warm a time as the wines we produce,” he explains.

“They’re moments of conviviality when everyone gets together and brings their own special touch, like the blend of our different grape varieties which, despite their very different characteristics, form a complex, harmonious, rich and original wine – a bit like one big family.”

For fellow Côtes du Rhône producer Thibault Brotte, fifth-generation winemaker at Maison Brotte, the region’s wines are ideal for festive occasions “because they offer warmth, versatility and elegance”. He says: “Their vibrant fruit flavours and smooth finish pair beautifully with a range of dishes, making them perfect for any gathering.”

Côtes du Rhône wines are indeed nothing if not diverse, providing ample pairing options. Domaine de Mourchon Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret Grande Réserve 2020, a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, is recommended to be enjoyed with dishes spanning red meat and wild game to creamy cheeses or a chocolate dessert with red fruit coulis.

“Côtes du Rhône wines can be so much more than just a big red,” says Kate Mourchon. “A Côtes du Rhône with pure fruit and a good structure is both accessible and complex and therefore has something for everyone and should be quite the crowd pleaser.”

Brotte agrees. “The diversity of Côtes du Rhône wines adds to their appeal by offering something for every taste and occasion,” he says. “From bold reds to fresh whites and vibrant rosés, there’s a wine for every palate. This variety makes them versatile, pairing well with a wide range of dishes and fitting any event, from casual gatherings to formal dinners. Their broad spectrum of styles and price points also means they cater to different budgets, enhancing their accessibility and appeal.”

Brotte’s Côtes du Rhône Esprit 2023 is ideal for festive occasions “due to its vibrant freshness, balanced profile and evolving complexity, making it a delightful choice for celebrating with a variety of foods”.

E Guigal, a family of third-generation winemakers based in Ampuis, an ancient village at the heart of the Côte-Rôtie appellation, produces a Côtes du Rhône Blanc, the 2022 vintage of which its makers recommend with starters and fish dishes.

Winemaker Philippe Guigal believes that “consumers will never be disappointed by Côtes du Rhône”. He explains: “Côtes du Rhône wines are approachable, fruity and have a very easy-drinking spirit, reminiscent of Provence, holidays and sun. They bring both joy and the spirit of sharing, making them ideal for festive occasions.”