Category: French Wine

Fresh Perspectives: The White and Rosé Evolution of Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages

Traditionally celebrated for their structured reds, Côtes du Rhône (CDR) and Côtes du Rhône Villages (CDRV) are gaining prominence for an unexpected yet compelling shift: the emergence of their white and rosé wine!  Although representing less than 10% of total production, these whites are capturing the attention of sommeliers and wine lovers for their aromatic complexity and nuanced expressions.

This evolution rests upon three foundational elements: a diverse range of terroirs, an expansive array of authorized grape varieties, and the meticulous craft of blending. Together, these factors enable a palette of expressions and styles, from crisp and lively whites to rich and complex expressions, and from delicate, aromatic rosés to full-bodied, gastronomic wines.

WHITE WINES: FROM BRIGHT TO STRUCTURED

FRESH & LIVELY

Key grape varieties include Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, and Piquepoul Blanc. Grown on cool, often clay-based soils, grapes are harvested early to preserve freshness and acidity while keeping alcohol levels in check. Fermentation occurs at low temperatures (12–18°C) and in oxygen-free environments to retain varietal aromas of citrus, flowers, and white fruit, with typical grapefruit notes. The palate is lively, fresh, and balanced, perfect as an aperitif or paired with summer salads and goat cheese.

FRUITY & ROUND

A richer interpretation, featuring grapes like Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Marsanne, and Roussanne, sourced from various terroirs. Harvested at optimal ripeness, these wines are vinified at 12–18°C to maintain freshness and aromatic expression. Expect notes of exotic and stone fruits (mango, peach, apricot), with a round mouthfeel balanced by bright acidity. Excellent with ceviche, roast poultry, or soft cheeses.

RICH & COMPLEX

Whites that leave a lasting impression. Made from Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Viognier, Carignan Blanc, Marsanne, and Roussanne, these wines come from diverse terroirs and are harvested at more advanced ripeness without becoming over-concentrated. They often undergo extended aging, frequently in oak. The aromatic profile is complex, combining ripe, stewed, or candied fruits, dried fruits, spices, and minerality, with occasional toasty, honeyed, or woody notes. The palate is rich and round with great length, perfect for full meals and with excellent aging potential.

ROSÉ WINES: TWO DISTINCT EXPRESSIONS

FRUITY & DELICATE

These rosés are primarily made from Grenache, Cinsault, and Carignan, sometimes with authorized white varieties to enhance acidity. Grown on cool sites and harvested early to preserve freshness and keep alcohol low. Vinified by direct pressing or short maceration, these wines reveal intense aromas of citrus, tropical fruit, and candy. The palate is light, balanced, and refreshing. Best enjoyed young and ideal as an aperitif.

FRUITY & FULL BODIED

A more traditional, full-bodied rosé that emphasizes roundness, balance, and terroir expression. Made mostly from Syrah, with Grenache, Carignan, and Cinsault, these wines are harvested at full ripeness. Vinified by direct pressing or short saignée, they showcase ripe red fruit, delicate floral notes, and soft spices. The palate is structured and concentrated with good length and a deeper hue—a gastronomic rosé to enjoy within two years.

A New Chapter for the Rhône
From the high-altitude vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône to the sun-drenched slopes of the Côtes du Rhône Villages, these white and rosé wines now stand as a compelling reflection of the region’s heritage and its evolving winemaking identity. Fresh, elegant, and character-driven, they invite rediscovery and present a valuable opportunity for trade professionals seeking hidden gems with a strong sense of place.

Tasting Notes from the Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages

To complement the rich discussion of the Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages’ evolving whites and rosés, here are three standout examples from the 2023 and 2024 vintages that capture the essence of this movement.

Cellier des Dauphins Prestige Rosé 2024 – 90 Points / Liz Palmer
A luminous pale pink hue introduces this elegant rosé, which reveals delicate aromas of fresh strawberries and redcurrant, with subtle floral undertones. The palate delivers a crisp and balanced expression of red berry fruit, complemented by a fine mineral spine with a long fruit-driven finish. An ideal example of the Côtes du Rhône rosé style, refreshing, poised, and effortlessly approachable.

Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2024 – 91 Points / Liz Palmer
A classic Côtes du Rhône blend of Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette, and Roussanne, this wine captures the vibrancy of the region. The nose unfolds with fragrant aromas of white flowers, ripe pear, and stone fruit. The palate is energetic and crisp, offering a harmonious interplay of fruit and floral notes, supported by a rounded, well-structured body with a long, elegant finish. An excellent example of the aromatic precision and balance that define Rhône whites.

Gabriel Meffre Laurus Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2023 – 93 Points / Liz Palmer
A captivating nose of honeysuckle, stone fruit, and citrus zest evolves beautifully in this premium Côtes du Rhône blanc. The palate delivers a rich and textural experience, with flavours of juicy peach, crisp apple, and preserved lemon, framed by a luminous acidity with a delicate, mineral undertone. The finish is long, complex, and richly rewarding, making this a compelling example of the depth and aging potential that the best whites of the region can achieve.

Experience Wine Tourism in Bourgogne This Summer: From Cellar Doors to Wine Festivals

Throughout the summer, the Bourgogne wine region will come alive with a rich mix of heritage, culture, and vibrant wine celebrations. From Chablis to Mâcon, 252 wineries, estates, and cooperative cellars [all certified under the Vignobles & Découvertes label] will open their doors and invite visitors to step inside and experience the historic charm, quaint villages, and world‑renowned wines of the region.

To make planning easy, Vins du Bourgogne has published a digital Guide to Certified Wine Cellars, which offers all the practical information, including opening hours, tasting options, accommodation details, languages spoken, and environmental practices.

Link to Guide: https://tinyurl.com/4fh377s9

There also will be a lively lineup of wine festivals taking over the villages from concerts, vineyard tours and open‑cellar tastings to music, theatre, artisanal markets, and gourmet celebrations. Vins du Bourgogne has also published a Guide to Wine Festivals, which is another great resource.

Link to Guide: https://tinyurl.com/4fh377s9

Summer in Bourgogne is an invitation to slow down, explore, and experience the very heart of this historic winemaking region, where every tasting, walk, and gathering is rooted in its distinctive terroir and timeless traditions.

Erni Loosen Launches a New Winemaking Project in Burgundy

Internationally renowned winemaker Erni Loosen announces the launch of Perron de Mypont, his new winemaking project in Burgundy. A passionate and lifelong collector of Pinot Noir from around the world, Erni has long dreamed of producing wine in Burgundy, the variety’s birthplace. That dream has now become a reality. The initial releases from Perron de Mypont will be available to U.S. consumers beginning May 2025.

“I fell in love with Burgundy about 50 years ago, during a winemaking internship there,” said Loosen. “I was immediately struck by the similarities between Riesling and Pinot Noir, which are both cool-climate varieties that can make truly profound wines that develop beautifully with age. Since then, I’ve dreamed of making my own wine in Burgundy. And it’s finally happening!”

Perron de Mypont is based at the Vieux Château de Puligny-Montrachet, in the famed village in Burgundy’s Côte d’Or. In 2019, Erni acquired the east wing of the 15th-century “Old Château” and began work on a multi-year restoration project. He also established his own négociant company and began working with growers and producers to create his own collection of wines, made to his personal standards for high quality and exceptional ageability.

Erni’s partner in Perron de Mypont is Manoël Bouchet, a long-time collaborator, highly esteemed wine professional and denizen of Burgundy, with deep expertise in the region’s terroir and legacy. Their shared vision is to produce wines that are true to the heritage and culture of the Burgundy region by blending proven traditional methods with a modern winemaking approach to ensure superior wine quality and value.

For Erni and Mano, the signature of true Burgundy wine is an elegant blend of balance, minerality and finesse. To achieve this fine balance in the wines, this alliance of good friends combines the Négociant model of sourcing finished wines with the Parcellaire approach of working directly with individual growers and specific vineyard parcels. The wines are offered in two tiers: Maison Perron de Mypont and Edition Perron de Mypont.

The Maison tier is for regional wines sourced through the traditional Burgundy Négociant system. The dedication to value is particularly evident in this tier, which blends stringently selected grapes and wines from multiple growers to maintain affordability, without compromising quality. The Maison’s initial offerings include Bourgogne AOC Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the 2022 vintage.

For the more limited Villages and Premier Cru appellations of the Edition tier, Erni and Mano pursue excellence through close collaboration with growers, emphasizing a focus on specific climats. This is the Parcellaire approach, which benefits from the practice of maturing the wines in the growers’ cellars to harness their unique environments and capture a genuine expression of terroir. It also fosters long-term relationships with growers to build a consistent portfolio of wines.

The initial Edition offerings include 2022 Meursault, 2023 Gevrey-Chambertin, 2023 Volnay, 2022 Meursault Premier Cru Perrières, 2019 Vougeot Premier Cru, and 2022 Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru Les Suchots.

Bordeaux Launches “Wine By The Glass” To Captivate the Next Generation

Bordeaux is launching a new campaign aimed at encouraging wine consumption by the glass, as the region faces declining exports, shifting consumer preferences, and growing competition from beer. The initiative, called “Bordeaux se met au verre” (“Bordeaux by the glass”), is being rolled out across approximately 100 bars and restaurants in the city. Each participating venue will receive a €250 promotional kit if they commit to offering at least three wines by the glass, including one organic option and one priced at €5 or less.

The campaign is being led by Bordeaux’s Green mayor, Pierre Hurmic, who said the goal is to modernize the image of Bordeaux wines and make them more accessible to younger consumers. “We want to rejuvenate the image of Bordeaux’s wines,” Hurmic said. “It’s also about making the people of Bordeaux and the four million tourists who come here each year more aware of the variety of our wines, not just reds, but whites, rosés and sparkling crémants.”

The move comes as Bordeaux’s traditional full-bodied red wines are losing ground to lighter styles such as Pinot Noir from Burgundy. At the same time, overproduction has forced some growers in the region to uproot vines due to falling demand. Younger French drinkers are increasingly turning to beer, which is often cheaper and perceived as more casual.

Christophe Chateau of the Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux (CIVB) said that changing habits in restaurants are also affecting wine sales. “Sales of bottles of wine in restaurants have fallen as people are drinking less and more now order glasses, especially couples when one wants red and the other white,” he said. “You see a lot of Bordeaux wines by the bottle on restaurant wine lists, but not so many by the glass.”

To support the campaign, the Bordeaux Wine School will offer training for restaurant staff on how to properly store and serve wine by the glass. The use of wine-on-tap systems is also being considered as a way to reduce waste and maintain quality.

British Airways Makes History: Prestige Cuvée English Sparkling Wine Takes Flight

British Airways announced last week that it will be the first airline to serve prestige cuvée English sparkling wines in First Class as part of its award-winning wine list this year.

BA is working with pioneering English sparkling wine houses including Nyetimber, Gusbourne and Sugrue South Downs, to offer a range of new sparkling options across its First Class and Business Class/Club World, available on a rotational basis.

The airlines has also carefully selected a rotation of prestige cuvée Champagnes for customers travelling in First and Business Class to enjoy at 35,000 ft featuring the return of well-loved Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle.

“We are proud to lead the way in championing provenance and British originality, as we continue to work with the very best wine producers across England and beyond for our customers to enjoy both on the ground and in the air,” said Calum Laming, Chief Customer Officer, British Airways. “We have selected the highest quality of wines with our customers’ expectations in mind and more than a thousand of our incredible colleagues have undergone specialist training to deliver our award-winning wines through world-class service, every time they fly with us.”

The airline’s latest English sparkling wine and Champagne additions to its First and Business Class/Club World, include:

English Sparkling Wine

New additions in First Class

1086 by Nyetimber Rosé 2014 April – June
Gusbourne Fifty One Degrees North 2016 July – September
1086 by Nyetimber October – December
Sugrue South Downs Blend January – March 2026

New additions in Business Class/Club World

Digby Fine English’s Brut NV April – June
Gusbourne 2019 Vintage Rosé July – September
Hattingley Valley’s Blanc de Noirs 2019 October – December
Roebuck Reserve Brut 2020 January – March 2026
Digby Leander Pink Brut NV April – June 2026

Champagne

New additions in First Class

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle NV April – June
Lanson NOBLE 2008 and NOBLE Blanc de Blancs 2005/2008 July – September
Bollinger Grande Année and PN AYC18 October – December
Rare Champagne and Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires January – March 2026