The Summer Expression of the Region.
The Côtes du Rhône is famed for its characterful red wines but it also has classy white wines, which are just perfect for warmer weather quaffing and pairing with lighter foods. M. Chapoutier Côtes du Rhône Belleruche Blanc 2023 is a great choice for summer.
The warm Mediterranean climate of the Rhône and the unique terroir introduce distinct freshness to the white wines. The regional Mistral, a strong, cold, north-westerly wind, helps to cool the vines for up to 150 days a year, tempering the summer heat and reducing the risk of fungus. The clay and sandy soils contribute to the popularity of this appellation’s wines, with richer soils encouraging the roots of the vines to extend deeper for moisture.
Between 2022 and 2023, the production of white Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages rose by 2%, with production now reaching over one hundred thousand hectolitres (8% of the total production within these two AOCs), providing an ever-growing selection for consumers to choose from.
Pair with a variety of foods
Chapoutier Côtes du Rhône Belleruche Blanc 2023 offers aromas of stone fruit and spring blossoms. The palate is layered and smooth with flavours of bright orchard fruits. This wine is ideal as an aperitif as well as to pair with a variety of foods for lunch or dinner. It is a great partner for salads, grilled fish simply dressed with herbs, chicken with light sauces and buttered potatoes. Try this with a cheese board of a selection of soft and hard cheeses and sourdough bread. Serve the wine between 10°C and 13°C. Remove this wine from the refrigerator 20 minutes before serving so it is perfectly cooled but without being over chilled.
Côtes du Rhône have long been appreciated but it’s a delight to see both white and rosé wines from this region becoming better known.