Côtes du Rhône AOC / Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC
France's second-largest AOC spanning the Rhône Valley from Vienne to Avignon; produces red, white, and rosé wines with Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre blends dominant; gateway to premium Crus.
Permitted Varieties
Key Regulatory Constraints
- Grenache minimum 40% for reds (Southern)
- 21 named Villages with higher standards
- Maximum yield 51 hl/ha (41 for Villages)
- Large authorized variety list
Côtes du Rhône AOC / Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC
Technical Summary
- Classification: AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée)
- Legal status: Protected Designation of Origin under EU wine regulations
- Country: France
- Region: Rhône Valley (both Northern and Southern sections)
- Geographic scope: 171 communes across 6 departments
- Area under vine: ~40,000 hectares
- Core products: Red (majority), rosé, white wines
Scale: Second-largest French AOC after Bordeaux; ~350 million bottles annually.
Hierarchy:
- Côtes du Rhône AOC: Regional
- Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC: 95 communes
- Côtes du Rhône Villages + Name: 21 named villages
- Crus: Separate AOCs (Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, etc.)
Regulatory Constraints (Verified)
Ampelographic Composition
Red/Rosé Wines:
- Grenache: Minimum 40% (Southern focus)
- Syrah: Authorized (dominant in Northern)
- Mourvèdre: Authorized
- Cinsault, Carignan: Authorized (up to 30% combined)
- Many other authorized varieties
White Wines:
- Grenache Blanc: Authorized
- Viognier: Authorized
- Roussanne, Marsanne: Authorized
- Clairette, Bourboulenc: Authorized
21 Varieties Authorized for Côtes du Rhône (both colors)
Yield Limits
| Designation | Maximum Yield |
|---|---|
| Côtes du Rhône AOC | 51 hl/ha |
| Côtes du Rhône Villages | 45 hl/ha |
| Villages + Named Commune | 41 hl/ha |
Minimum Alcohol
- Red: 11% ABV
- Rosé: 11% ABV
- White: 11% ABV
- Villages: 12% ABV
Named Villages (21 Communes)
Examples (can add village name to label):
- Cairanne (elevated to Cru 2016)
- Rasteau (elevated to Cru 2010—VDN)
- Séguret, Sablet, Roaix
- Plan de Dieu, Massif d’Uchaux
- Gadagne, Saint-Gervais
Enological Implications
Evidence-backed:
- GSM blend (Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre) defines Southern style
- Mediterranean climate produces ripe, fruit-forward wines
- Syrah dominates Northern sections
- Wide variety authorization enables blending flexibility
Operational observation:
- Carbonic maceration used for fruit-forward styles
- Traditional blending; single-variety rare
- Oak aging variable by producer
- Villages represent value stepping-stone to Crus
Frequent Compliance Risks
- Grenache minimum: 40% for red in most communes
- Yield limits: Vary by designation
- Village geographic claims: Must be from named commune
- Blend requirements: Complex variety regulations
Pathway to Crus
Crus Promoted from Villages:
- Cairanne: Elevated 2016
- Rasteau: Elevated 2010 (fortified earlier)
Historic Crus (separate AOCs):
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- Côte-Rôtie
- Hermitage
- Crozes-Hermitage
- Gigondas
- Vacqueyras
Relevant Grape Varieties
Principal Reds:
- Grenache - base of Southern blends
- Syrah - structure; Northern dominant
- Mourvèdre - structure; tannin
- Cinsault - freshness; rosé
- Carignan - color; structure
Principal Whites:
- Viognier - aromatic
- Roussanne, Marsanne - Northern style
- Grenache Blanc - Southern
- Clairette, Bourboulenc - traditional
References
-
INAO (2011). “Côtes du Rhône AOC Cahier des Charges.” https://www.inao.gouv.fr
-
Inter Rhône (2024). https://www.vins-rhone.com
-
European Commission (2024). “eAmbrosia - EU GI Register.” Link
Last Updated: January 6, 2026