With the last days of summer and vacation on the horizon, Labour Day offers
a precious extended weekend to bring family and friends together around the barbecue.
It is the perfect moment to discover or rediscover the Côtes du Rhône AOC wines, which promise
to sublimate moments of sharing and conviviality. These excellent and affordable wines
remain a selection that can’t be overlooked to accompany grilled meats and delight the palates
of all guests over this long weekend.
CÔTES DU RHÔNE AOC: EXPLORE
THE RANGE OF POSSIBILITIES
RICH VARIETY OF RED WINES
Côtes du Rhône AOC distinguishes itself among the Rhône Valley vineyardsand alone
represents 49% of the region’s winegrowing production, with a dominance of the red wines which constitute
86% of its total volume.
The AOC’s red grape varieties include Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault, giving rise to aromatic
wines with a tannic structure ranging from silky to powerful. Their notes of ripe red and black
fruits are combined with touches of spice enhanced by scents of the garrigue and their acidity
is instrumental in their freshness and balance. The Côtes du Rhône redwines have all the qualities
to be pleasing, even during the summer season.
HIDDEN TREASURES IN WHITE
AND ROSÉ WINES
While reds reign over the Côtes du Rhône AOC, italso conceals gems when it comes to white and rosé
wines, accounting for 6% and 8% of its productionrespectively. Among the white varieties, Clairette,
Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne, Bourboulenc andGrenache Blanc are combined in ingenious blends,
fruit of an ancestral know-how.
These grapevarieties give rise to a diversity of white wines, ranging from the freshest,
with fruity and floral aromas, to the more complex and rounder ones.
As for rosé wines, created from blends including the trio Grenache, Syrah
and Mourvèdre, along with Cinsault and Carignan, they reveal a fruity
aromatic bouquet with red fruit and spicy notes. These refreshing wines
are ideal for your summer food and wine pairings.
THE RIGHT SERVING TEMPERATURE
Although wines have a natural acidity that providesa refreshing effect,
the serving temperature plays an essential role to fully appreciate Côtes du Rhône
wines. While whites and rosés are generally served chilled, red wines also benefit
from being slightly cooled.
During the summer season, Côtes du Rhône winemakers suggest
serving red wines at around 15-16°C thus decreasing the sensation of alcohol and enhancing
their fruity taste, without altering their character.
As for white and rosé wines, they recommend serving them at 8-10°C, and up to 12°C for
well-structured white wines.
FOOD AND WINE PAIRINGS FOR YOUR BARBECUE
Below is a selection of food and wine pairings to accompany your Labour
Day grilled food:
Fish and seafood lovers will be delighted with king prawns marinated
in lime juice and coconut or cod with lemon en papillote served with
a fresh and lively white Côtes du Rhône. A more robust wine, like
A grilled meats platter made up of boneless rib steaks, rib eyes,
flank steak and sausages to share in the center of the table, as in an
Argentinian style asado, will please meat lovers and match beautifully
with a fruity and supple red Côtes du Rhône.
For vegetarians, roasted corn garnished with lime juice, coriander
and chili mayonnaise or grilled romaine lettuce in a Caesar salad will
pair perfectly with a fruity and round white Côtes du Rhône.
Save room for dessert and treat your guests to summer and exotic
fruits skewers, made with pineapple, peach, mango or apricot. Serve
them with a fresh and lively white Côtes du Rhône wine.
WINE SUGGESTIONS
Château du Trignon, Côtes du Rhône, 2022, Rosé
Lifford Wines | $24.99
LCBO #18600 | $15.95
M. Chapoutier, Côtes du Rhône, Belleruche, 2020, Red
LBCO #17779 | $19.00
BCLIQUOR #476846 | $22.99
Gabriel Meffre, Côtes du Rhône, Saint-Vincent, 2021, White
LCBO #17890 | $18.95
BCLIQUOR #888958 | $18.99
AGLC #745976 | N/A
Brotte, Côtes du Rhône, La Fiole, 2019, Red
LCBO #293498 | $18.95
BCLIQUOR #194498 | $18.99
AGLC #758261 | N/A
Media release and image provided by Lumir Jardak, Sopexa.
