Côtes-du-Rhône: The 4 secrets of producing a good red wine

Producing a great red Côtes-du-Rhône wine is an art that combines tradition and precision . The secrets of this alchemy lie in the quality of the grapes, the unique terroir of the region and the winemaking methods passed down through the generations.
Grape varieties such as Syrah , Grenache and Mourvèdre are grown in varied soils, offering a palette of distinct flavors and aromas. Adhering to AOC specifications, Côtes-du-Rhône red wines reflect the essence of their terroir and the expertise of the winemakers.
Today we are sharing with you the secrets of making a good Côtes-du-Rhône wine .

1. Selection of grape varieties and climate

The Rhone Valley's land offers a wide variety of vines, offering grape varieties with a strong and unique character, which make the Côtes-du-Rhône AOC famous. Among these grape varieties, we find Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, often dominating the blend of its red wines.

The first secret to good red wine production lies in the careful selection of its grape varieties . The vines benefit from a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, ideal for the ripening of the grapes. The varied geography of the Rhone Valley gives the grapes distinct aromatic nuances. The producer has a perfect knowledge of these varieties, he will choose the best blend in order to bring complexity and depth to his vintage.

2. Fruit preservation and harvesting

Hand-harvesting is an age-old practice that allows for the selection of the best grapes while preserving the integrity of the fruit and minimizing damage that could alter flavors and aromas . This harvesting method also allows for sorting of grapes in the vineyard, ensuring that only the healthiest and ripest fruit is used in winemaking.

Once harvested, the grapes are carefully transported to the winery to avoid premature oxidation that could compromise the freshness of the wine. Manual processing continues: the grapes are destemmed, crushed (shattering the grapes to extract the must) delicately to extract the juice while preserving the essential phenolic compounds that contribute to the structure and complexity of the wine.

Cutting grapes for the future Côtes du Rhône from the Terra estate

3. Wine aging

The third great secret of a good wine is found in the level of care taken in the winemaking process . Each step is essential to the quality and distinction of each Côtes-du-Rhône vintage.

After the manual harvest, the grapes must ferment at a moderate temperature (between 25° and 30°). Fermentation must be carefully controlled to ensure the optimal expression of aromas and the proper extraction of tannins, which will give the beautiful red color of Côtes-du-Rhône. Then comes the aging stage, often carried out in oak barrels. This is a crucial stage where the wine develops its complexity and nuances.

This process can vary in duration, but it is always carried out with particular attention to ensure the optimal expression of the wine.

Finally, respect for AOC traditions and regulations ensures that each bottle reflects the authenticity and character of Côtes-du-Rhône.

4. Treatments and respect for the natural environment

The production of red Côtes-du-Rhône wine is part of an environmentally friendly approach, favoring natural treatments and the preservation of resources. Organic farming represents approximately 20% of production in AOC Côtes-du-Rhône in 2023.

A good red wine is expressed by the natural purity of its grapes and its environment. The minimal use of phytosanitary products, the maintenance of biodiversity and the good natural preservation of the soils have a considerable impact on each vintage. This respect for the environment provides the ingredients and the distinctive taste of each vintage, whose aroma, content and power vary annually, according to the temperatures and the weather.

In-depth knowledge of the plots and grape varieties allows producers to create wines that reflect the authenticity and respect of the Côtes du Rhône terroirs. These collective efforts contribute to virtuous and responsible viticulture, guaranteeing the quality and integrity of Côtes du Rhône red wines.

Discover our estate in Saint Alexandre

Conclusion

The quality of a wine is reflected in the meticulousness and care given to its natural treatment, its winemaking process and the respect for the artisanal traditions of the vine. A good red Côtes-du-Rhône is balanced, with depth and complexity, resulting from the selection of grape varieties and the methods used to vinify it.

At Domaine Les Esprits Sains, we practice a winemaking method in accordance with biodynamics, and are currently in organic conversion. We follow the Côtes-du-Rhône AOC specifications, and put our passion and know-how to work to offer you the best of Côtes-du-Rhône.

You can find our production of Côtes-du-Rhône red on our online store , or why not discover our estate directly as part of a tasting?

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