Whether at formal tastings or casual gatherings with friends, I’ve often heard people say that Rhône wines can be tricky to pair with food. It always makes my jaw drop. To the floor.
The wines from this region are stunning, running the gamut from bold to elegant. They’re also some of the most food-friendly around. Whether it’s a lively Côtes du Rhône paired with a casual weeknight dinner, a more structured Vacqueyras at a barbecue or Hermitage blanc for a 10-course tasting menu, there’s a Rhône wine to complement just about any meal.
Ask yourself: When was the last time you had a bottle from the Rhône Valley? Because now is the perfect time to revisit or discover the region’s convivial wines.
Beyond Big and Bold
Rhône wines have a reputation for sometimes being too bold and tannic, which may give pause to many modern wine lovers (especially the vegans and vegetarians among us, who may worry about a big wine overpowering lighter meatless dishes). While these wines can present that way when young, with a little patience and aeration, they can reveal a captivating array of savory notes intertwined with herbal garrigue (i.e. Mediterranean hillside scrub), minerality and even a touch of salinity.
The key is decanting—a simple yet transformative step that can make all the difference.
Take Vinsobres AOP, a hidden gem in the northernmost appellation of the Southern Rhône. Proprietor and winemaker Aurelien Aubert of Domaine Autrand explains that “Vinsobres is characterized by high elevation and cooling winds from the pre-Alps, producing wines with excellent acidity.”
Initially, wines from here might feel like a sharp tidal wave of dark fruit, olive, black peppercorn and firm tannins. “With enough air, these wines evolve into something truly special, revealing lifted and elegant layers of florality and salinity,” Aubert says. “Let yourself be surprised by the freshness and generosity of this region—it’s definitely worth the detour.”
In other words, decanting can transform that seemingly robust Syrah or Grenache into a harmonious partner for a wide range of dishes. Whether it’s served alongside a rich beef stew, grilled sausages or a selection of cheeses, a decanted Rhône wine can truly shine.
Complex, Characterful Whites
And don’t forget about Rhône’s white wines. They make up roughly 10% of the region's production, yet offer a remarkable range of styles from bright and zesty to rich and full-bodied.
Crafted from varietals like Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Picardan, these whites deliver layers of stone fruit, citrus, acacia honey, spice and hints of nuttiness and salinity.
Stéphane Vedeau of La Ferme du Mont, which specializes in limestone-driven soils in the Southern Rhône, notes that “good Rhône whites, especially when they are well balanced, can often replace red wines at the table. You have fruit, a spicy mid-palate, fresh acidity and body, which you can’t fake. It offers a universe of depth that can handle an intense amount of complexity.”
These whites can beautifully elevate a wide range of bold flavors, whether those be textured seafood dishes like lobster in a curry sauce, roasted poultry with bitter greens or fresh, herb-laden salads.
Rhône rosés—particularly the incredibly complex renditions from Tavel (the first designated rosé region in France)—are also not to be overlooked. These wines, which range from pale blush to deep-hued pink, are often misunderstood in their youth. The deeper, more robust versions almost behave like red wines with intense color, rich texture and tannins. With a bit of aeration, they reveal an elegant interplay of fruit, sweet spice and garrigue (with those resinous notes of rosemary, sage, bay leaves and thyme), offering a fresh yet structured experience with remarkable depth.
The best part? Many of these wines offer exceptional quality at an incredibly affordable price point. This makes them not only a delightful indulgence, but also a savvy choice.
Subtle and Elegant
Another point to consider is that Rhône wines are not always the big, bold powerhouses they’re often made out to be. While some vintages and styles certainly lean toward robust and tannic profiles, there are also plenty of wines with subtlety, bright acidity and elegant fruit flavors.
Take the 2021 vintage, for example, a cooler season that showcases the region’s complexity and potential.
Maxime Chapoutier, fourth generation winemaker of the world-renowned M. Chapoutier, says that with the 2021 vintage, “the terroir is at the center, as simple, deep and true as it can be. You can’t hide from it. The Syrah, I believe, is a time machine, helping us revisit the classical Syrah style of the 90s, showing more floral and spicy expressions (think: black pepper). It is a Syrah that is very charming and enjoyable in its youth. And without any doubt, 2021 is a great year for the whites, even better than ‘14.”
Even the wines from this vintage that start off with intensity can mellow beautifully over time, evolving into expressions with silky tannins and intricate layers that enhance a meal without overwhelming it.
For this vintage’s white wines, consider exploring offerings from Condrieu or Crozes-Hermitage.
On the darker side of the spectrum, seek out heady and indulgent reds of Gigondas in the south or the violet-scented reds from St. Joseph in the northern reaches of the valley. Neither is known to be cheap, but are both well worth the price. However, value-driven red wines abound, such as those from Côtes du Rhône Villages+, such as Laudun.
All of these wines demonstrate the Rhône’s capacity for grace as well as power. So, next time you’re selecting a bottle for your meal, consider reaching for something from the Rhône Valley.
Don’t be intimidated. These wines are incredibly rewarding and adaptable. With a little attention to detail, like decanting and choosing a bottle that complements your dish, they’re a joy to share with friends and loved ones—and can transform any meal into a celebration.
Brotte 2023 Les Églantiers Rosé (Tavel)
This wine presents a rose bouquet gently framed by Bing cherry, orange zest, white peach and beech mushrooms. The palate offers good depth of flavor, with bright acidity accentuating soft red fruits and a savory midpalate. Enjoy now. Best Buy. 93 Points — Anna-Christina Cabrales
$ Varies Saratoga Wine
Domaine Autrand 2021 Mosaique Red (Vinsobres)
Delas Frères 2021 Clos Boucher Viognier (Condrieu)
Harmonious aromas of fresh lemon zest, orange oil, apricot, pineapple and peach harmonize in the glass. The palate is utterly captivating, akin to savoring a platter of ripe orchard fruits drenched in fresh acacia honey. Truly breathtaking. 95 Points — A.C.
$ Varies Wine-searcher
M. Chapoutier 2021 Invitare Viognier (Condrieu)
This wine is intensely aromatic with ripe white peach, Meyer lemon, apricot and a squeeze of pineapple and acacia honey. The palate is bold and refreshing, revealing balanced flavors of citrus, lemongrass, and white tea which is carried by its long brisk finish. Light on its toes, this wine can be enjoyed now. 93 Points — A.C.
$ Varies Pogo's
Domaine de la Janasse 2021 White (Côtes du Rhône)
This wine delivers on all levels. It is intensely aromatic with Meyer lemon, peach and orange blossom, alongside white flowers with a hint of fresh herbs and cremini mushroom. The lively palate offers delightful flavors of Anjou pear and subtle lychee that linger through its saline finish. This is one that will impress friends especially when enjoyed as an aperitif. Editor’s Choice. 93 Points — A.C.
$26 B21
Domaine Jaume 2021 Altitude 420 Red (Vinsobres)
Fresh and complex aromas of black fruits, olives, iris, violet and oak spice make for an inviting nose. The palate boasts a generous and balanced delivery of ripe blueberry, black cherry, mushroom and wild thyme. The finish is delightful with pure fruit that stays long through its clean finish. A beautiful bottling that can be enjoyed in its youth. 93 Points — A.C.
$ Varies Princeton Corkscrew
Jean-Luc Colombo 2021 Les Abeilles Red (Côtes du Rhône)
Made from 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, this wine bursts with juicy blackberry, Amarena cherry, violets, anise and allspice. Soft tannins highlight the fruitiness, making it easily drinkable. With a slight chill, this is even more of a crowd-pleaser. Best Buy. 90 Points — A.C.
$ Varies Wine.com
Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils 2020 Réserve Des 2 Frères Red (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Vibrant aromas of black cherries, wild strawberries, cassis, fresh mint and rosemary linger on the nose. Cedarwood and thyme notes emerge with further aeration. The palate is juicy with lush waves of blackberries, blueberries, light baking spice and clove. Rustic tannins frame the fruit beautifully and should further integrate from additional cellaring well through 2035+. Cellar Selection. 95 Points — A.C.
$126 Saratoga Wine
Domaine des Bernardins NV Hommage Muscat (Muscat de Beaumes de Venise)
Offering aromas of dried mango, fresh apricot, yellow peach, blood orange and white peppercorn. The refreshing acidity refreshes its round palate full of navel orange and apricot. Fans of Negronis will particularly enjoy this wine, especially when paired with white chocolate, Comté or mild blue cheeses. 94 Points — A.C.
$56 Timeless Wines
Domaine Coursodon 2021 L'Olivaie Syrah (Saint-Joseph)
Luscious and vibrant black-fruit flavors along with subtle notes of fruit leather and wild-thyme aromas, this wine offers a captivating bouquet. On the palate, it is round but elegant, initially boasting oak spices that eventually meld into its black-fruit profile. Refreshing acidity cleanses the palate, revealing subtle notes of ground green peppercorn and a soft granitic finish. 92 Points — A.C.
$ Varies Mission Liquor
Delas Frères 2021 Domaine Des Tourettes White (Hermitage)
The nose is seduced by aromas of wild strawberries, purple plums, garrigue and damp earth. The palate provides additional complexity with layers of cassis, clove and stone. Youthful tannins beautifully integrate and are balanced by acidity, allowing this wine to be enjoyed now or cellar well through 2030+ before revisiting. Cellar Selection. 94 Points — A.C.
$ Varies Bottle of ItalyMore Rhône Valley Coverage
- Churches, cafes and châteaux: the most idyllic villages of the Southern Rhône.
- What do we mean when we say Rhône-style wine?
- Here’s a guide to the wines of the Southern Rhône.
- The history of Rhône Valley white wines.
- These bottles prove that famously affordable, Côtes du Rhône is an even better value now.
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Published: September 3, 2024
