Rhone Valley "Everyday" Wines

If you've never tried any wines from France's Rhone Valley, now is a great time to do so. According to wine experts, growing conditions over the last several years (2005, in particular) have been outstanding in the region. While the Rhone is known for producing some really outstanding (and expensive!) Hermitage and Chateauneuf du Pape, we should not forget about some of the other regions that can produce some very good wines meant to be enjoyed every day - wines from the Cotes du Rhone, Cotes du Ventoux, Gigondas and other regions that don't quite have the prestige of the big-name regions. These wines often come at more affordable prices and, in a good growing year, can represent real value.

Some of our favorites include:

M. Chapoutier Belleruche Cotes du Rhone - 2005 or 2006
La Vieille Ferme Rouge Cotes du Ventoux - 2005 or 2006
Louis Bernard Le Garrigon Cotes du Rhone 2005

All of these wines are under $15 per bottle and exhibit the spicy, earthy qualities that make Rhone valley red wines special. While these wines are packed with rich flavor, their relatively low alcohol content make them extremely food-friendly. The next time you are making a roast chicken or pork stew, pick up a bottle of Rhone Valley wine and transport yourself to a rustic French farmhouse for a real taste of the French countryside.