An intermediate level created in 1967
The Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation was established in 1967 to distinguish communes whose wines clearly stood apart from regional production. It requires lower yields, higher minimum alcohol and a mandatory share of Syrah and Mourvèdre alongside Grenache.
Certain communes or named sites may add their names to the appellation, including Sablet, Séguret, Plan de Dieu, Massif d’Uchaux and Sainte-Cécile. This mention signals the most clearly identified terroirs.
The nursery of crus
Villages status acts as a stepping stone: several communes have moved upwards to their own appellation. Gigondas in 1971, Vacqueyras in 1990, Beaumes-de-Venise in 2005, Vinsobres in 2006, Rasteau for its dry reds in 2010, and Cairanne in 2016.
Each promotion redraws the appellation, which loses its finest communes while retaining its purpose: identifying what deserves distinction within the vast Côtes du Rhône area.
The valley's best value for money
Wines here are more concentrated and structured than basic Côtes du Rhône without reaching cru prices. Reds show dark fruit and spice, with present but ripe tannins and five to ten years' ageing for the best cuvées.
For those seeking southern style without a Châteauneuf bill, this is often the place to look, particularly bottles bearing a commune's name.
The grape varieties of Côtes du Rhône Villages
Côtes du Rhône Villages wines on 1001caves
Detailed pages: the cuvée, the estate, the drinking window and the bottles for sale between collectors.
