10 Cozy and Affordable Côtes du Rhône Reds

The vast Côtes du Rhône region encompasses nearly 86,000 acres of vines and produces about two-thirds of all Rhône Valley wine, by far more than any other appellation. The Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation is a slightly more restrictive and (theoretically, at least) higher-quality designation that draws on 21,500 acres of vines in 95 different communities within the broader Côtes du Rhône appellation’s boundaries.

Grenache is the primary grape here for reds, though there are six other allowed varieties; white and rosé wines are also produced in both appellations, though red is by far the leader. Both appellations produce a lot of wine, and as a result there are generic Côtes du Rhônes and brilliant ones. The key is choosing wisely — for instance, starting with the ten recommended here.

Also, one  useful strategy is also to look for Côtes du Rhônes from top producers in more prestigious regions like Gigondas and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The quality of the winemaking will usually be impeccable, while the prices will be lower than those of their flagship wines.

Related: 9 Southern Rhône Reds to Try if You Love Châteauneuf-du-Pape

2022 Jaboulet Parallele 45 Côtes du Rhône ($16)

Full of chewy blackberry fruit, this is a classically styled, medium-bodied Côtes du Rhône, nicely peppery on the finish. It’s not wildly complex, but it’s definitely tasty.

2022 La Nerthe Les Cassagnes Côtes du Rhône Villages ($28)

This lovely red from La Nerthe is more graceful and medium-bodied than many Côtes du Rhônes, its strawberry-raspberry Grenache flavors ending on a savory herbal edge and subtle tannins.

Related: 9 Sparkling Wines That Taste Like a Hundred Bucks — but Cost Less Than $30

2021 Domaine Grand Veneur Les Champauvins Côtes du Rhône ($29)

The intense strawberry-raspberry aroma here leads into a Grenache-based red with sweet fruit notes and modest tannins; it’s luscious without being heavy.

2022 Stephane Ogier Le Temps Est Venu Côtes du Rhône ($23)

Best known for his stellar Côte-Rôties, Ogier also makes this violet-scented blend of Grenache and Syrah; despite its inky hue, it’s soft and succulent, reminiscent of farmers market strawberries.

2022 J.L. Chave Sélection Mon Coeur Côtes du Rhône ($25)

Winemaker Jean-Louis Chave uses fruit from growers he knows well for this polished red: Think sleek black cherry and plum fruit with savory black olive notes.

2022 Domaine de la Janasse Terre d’Argile Côtes du Rhône Villages ($31)

This organically farmed estate makes some of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s finest wines, as well as this generous red. It’s plush with ripe raspberry fruit and baking-spice notes.

Related: These Are the 15 New California Wineries You Need to Know in 2025

2023 Domaine de Beaurenard Côtes du Rhône ($25)

The Coulon family farms their estate vineyards biodynamically; their excellent wines include this floral, fragrant red. It has a gracefulness that Côtes du Rhône doesn’t always achieve.

2022 Château Pégau Setiér Côtes du Rhône Villages ($28)

Pégau’s Châteauneuf-du-Papes are among the best, and this robust red offers much of the same character of black fruit, a supple texture, hints of cured meat and pepper — without the same price tag.

2022 Château de Beaucastel Coudoulet de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône ($35)

The two crucial things to know about this velvety, dark-fruited, alluring red is that Beaucastel is one of the greatest Châteauneuf-du-Pape producers, and that the vines for its Coudoulet bottling lie just outside Châteauneuf’s boundaries — literally across a narrow dirt road. And, of course, that if this wine were a Châteauneuf-du-Pape, it would cost two to three times as much.

2022 Eric Texier Brézème Côtes du Rhône ($40)

Eric Texier farms organically and hews to a minimalist winemaking approach. The result here is an unadulterated, spicy, almost feral Syrah character, all dark berry fruit and notes of black pepper. 

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