The Rhône region shares many similarities with the Cape, and an excellent price-to-quality ratio is one of them. Today we focus on three red blends from famed family-run producers that will enchant and make you reach for more.
The Chapoutier family’s Bila-Haut Rouge 2022 from the Roussillon – a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan – will ‘compete with wines two to three times its price’, says Jeb Dunnuck. A perennial overachiever, Pesquié’s Terrases Ventoux Rouge 2022 is a Grenache-Syrah blend, aged mainly in concrete and steel. Full of red fruit and velvety tannins, it’s ‘just delicious’ (Wine Advocate).
Not all Côtes-du-Rhône reds are created equal, and Roger Perrin’s Grenache-led 2023 Côtes-du-Rhône Fruité sits comfortably amongst the very best. Brambly with wild strawberries, nutmeg and cumin spice, it shows classical garrigue notes on the palate with medium-bodied fruit, a velvety feel and bone-dry, almost chalky tannins.
All three families work their vineyards organically and biodynamically. Across the board, the average vine age is 40 years+, with a few circling a century.
Pepper, spice and all things at a nice price – these are wines to stock up on by the caseload!
Tasting Notes:
Chapoutier Bila-Haut Rouge 2022
‘The 2022 Côtes du Roussillon Villages Bila Haut has some classic Roussillon notes of darker berries, peppery herbs, spice, and loamy earth. With medium-bodied richness and a supple, elegant, layered mouthfeel, it will compete with wines two to three times its price.’ – Jeb Dunnuck, 91/100
Pesquié Terrasses Ventoux Rouge 2022
‘As usual, the 2022 Ventoux Terrasses is a 60-40 blend of Grenache and Syrah. The wood aging has been pared back to less than 5% of the volume, with the majority of the wine aged in stainless steel and concrete tanks. This vintage shows fabulous cherry fruit, with some blueberries and garrigue mixed in. It’s full-bodied, plush, velvety and balanced, not overpowering or overly tannic, just delicious.’ – Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate, 91-93/100
Roger Perrin Côtes-du-Rhône Fruité 2023
‘This 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault blend reveals spiced bright red and bramble fruits you can almost bite into, with nutmeg, dried garrigue and a slate resonant minerality. Pure and layered, it strikes a satisfying balance between lean but ripe fruit, a vibrant medium body and dry, grippy, chalk-like tannins. It is a charming wine will keep you coming back for more.’ – Jack Davis, June 2025
