The southern part is distinguished from the North by its extent (more than 65,000 hectares of vines) and its diversity of grape varieties used (nearly thirty).
Stretching over just over 80 km, from Montélimar to Avignon, the climate is also warmer there than in the North, which makes it possible to produce generally rich and full-bodied red wines from grapes such as Grenache, Syrah , Mourvèdre and Cinsault to name a few. It is in the South that we find most of the production of wines in the Côtes-du-Rhône appellation (31,000 hectares) and all of the Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages (over 8,200 hectares). The white wines of the region deserve to be known. Made from Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Marsanne and Roussanne, these are generally dry, fruity wines, with aromas of peach, apricot, lavender and white flowers with irresistible charm. In red as in white, the best can improve for several years in the cellar. Here are five that are widely available at SAQ and that offer excellent quality/price/pleasure ratios.
Drink less. Drink better.
Rémi Pouizin, Les Pious 2021, Côtes du Rhône
France 4% – Organic | ★★★ | $1/2 | $17.55
Photo taken from the SAQ website
SAQ code: 14512795
Belonging to the Pouizin family since 1922, the vineyard now covers around sixty hectares grown organically since the early 1960s with some elements borrowed from biodynamics. Géraldine and Rémi Pouizin produce wines there without any chemical inputs. Les Pious, an entry-level cuvée made from Clairette, Grenache Blanc and Viognier, offers a fine range of flavors of orange blossom, peach and lavender. On the palate, it’s as tasty as you want with a nice fatness, consistency, delicate bitterness and a saline finish.
Château Mourgues Du Grès, The Golden Pebbles 2022, Costières de Nîmes
France 13% – Organic | ★★★ | $1/2 | $17.30
Photo taken from the SAQ website
SAQ code: 11095877
It is the perfect example to understand that the southern Rhône can produce refreshing and thirst-quenching whites. Located in the Costières-de-Nîmes appellation, the southernmost part of the Côtes-du-Rhône, this family estate stands out with its terroir of rolled pebbles such as those found in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. All the production is elaborated with care and meticulousness, as evidenced by this absolutely delicious “entry-level” cuvée. A blend of Grenache Blanc, Vermentino and Roussanne giving enticing aromas of pear, citrus and lime blossom. Ample material, sustained and carried by a vibrant acidity. We buy with our eyes closed.
Coudoulet de Beaucastel 2020, Côtes-du-Rhône
France 14% – Organic | ★★★1/2 | $$$ | $31.25
Photo taken from the SAQ website
SAQ code: 973222
The reputation of the wines of the Perrin family is well established. The consistent quality of production, from the simple Côtes-du-Rhône (try to see the Réserve 2020 – $16.95 – SAQ code 363457) to the great cuvées of Château de Beaucastel, is impressive. Often considered the estate’s second wine, Coudoulet is in fact a wine in its own right from a 30-hectare vineyard located to the east of Beaucastel, on the other side of the highway. A7. The vines there are younger, but the soil formation is similar. And the care taken in the vineyard as in the cellar is exactly the same. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault are in unison with a nose of black cherry, blackberry, liquorice, garrigue and thyme. Generous material, silky structure, elegant tannins, sustained and fresh finish. Aging potential of 5 to 8 years while already being delicious.
Clos Bellane, Cotes-du-rhone-village-Valreas 2020
France 14% – Organic | ★★★ | $$ | $23.25
Photo taken from the SAQ website
SAQ code: 12577085
Acquired in 2010 by the talented Stéphane Vedeau, a fan of biodynamics, Clos Bellane is located above the Vinsobres plateau, north of the Enclave des Papes in the Vaucluse. Vineyard in one piece extending over 60 hectares of forest including 48 hectares of vines with south-east orientations, which allows a slow ripening and leaves a good part to the syrah which likes to have cool feet. This last variety also accounts for half of the blend, the other being made up of Grenache. From a sunny and generous vintage, the wine is just as generous with aromas of ripe blackcurrant, raspberry, menthol, pepper and a touch of olive. It is ample, generous while remaining fresh, energetic and elegant.
Château Pesquié, Terraces 2021, Ventoux
France 14% – Organic | ★★1/2 | $1/2 | $18.95
Photo taken from the SAQ website
SAQ code: 10255939
The Ventoux vineyard marks the border between North and South. The terroir partly resembles that of Châteauneuf-du-Pape located further south, except that it benefits from the freshness of the winds coming from Mont Ventoux at the bottom of which the vines originate. The estate belongs to the Chaudière family who, in the early 1970s, acquired it from a descendant of the famous Provençal writer Alphonse Daudet. Of the many cuvées available in Quebec (all worth mentioning), this one is perhaps the most representative with its blend of Grenache (60%) and Syrah (40%). A 2021 focused on the freshness of the fruit with tones of violet, smoked meat, cherry and rosemary. The mouth is juicy, the tannins fleshy, the whole remains energetic and has a good freshness. Fine liquorice finish.
★ Correct
★★ Good
★★★ Very good
★★★★ Excellent
★★★★★ Outstanding
More stars than dollars: well worth the price.
As many stars as dollars: worth its price.
Fewer stars than dollars: the wine is expensive.