Fast facts:
- 2021 Richebois Côtes du Rhône Village, France ($7.99 @ Trader Joe’s, California)
Coat do roan villahj. (That is how it’s pronounced.)
While you’d be forgiven for thinking that wines labeled simply Côtes du Rhône are synonymous with Côtes du Rhône Village, there is actually a distinct step up in quality in the latter.
Producers here are required to adhere to stricter wine growing and wine making rules than those prescribed for wine labeled simply Côtes du Rhône. In their red wines, the Grenache grape must be present at not less than 50%. A maximum of 20% of other authorized varieties (most notably Syrah and Mourvèdre) is permitted. You know, rules…
Although France is considered an “old world” wine country, these Rhone wines have more in common with “new world” wines such as those produced here in California.
Frankly don’t know how a wine that is less than one year old can be this good, let alone sell for $7.99. But I am not complaining…it’s delicious and ready for enjoying now, although it benefits from breathing some.
Tasting Notes:
Pours a lovely purplish red. Dark fruit, cocoa powder and a pleasant earthiness on the nose. The palate is comprised of plum, black cherry and licorice flavors. Would pair nicely with a wide variety of foods including lean meats, hard cheeses, pizza and pasta with both red and white sauces. Tasted even better the second day.
This is a great “shoulder season” wine that will feel like an autumn sweater.
If you’re shopping finds you at Trader Joe’s, keep an eye out for our Lucky 13 list of TJ’s wine.
If you’re headed to Costco soon, you can find our most recent reviews of Costco wines here in our Lucky 13 list.
Happy hunting!
Cheers!
Thanks for the review. FYI the 2021 vintage of the Kirkland Côtes du Rhône Villages is on the shelves at our local Costco (Tucson AZ). Price went up to $7.39 from $6.99 but it’s still a steal – and the wine is better than last year’s. Very nice grenache-driven wine. Screw-top closure too.
Thanks for the intel. We have reviewed that wine in the past and look forward to seeing the new one in CA.