Most of the wines from Rhone, France can best be described as full-bodied and rich, and maybe a bit rustic. Don’t let the lower grades fool you… these are wines you may love, particularly with a little food to go alongside.

Perrin Reserve Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2008 Côtes du Rhône
13.0% alcohol
Est. Price: $10.99
(screw)
50% Grenache Blanc, 20% Viognier, 15% Marsanne, 15% Roussanne

Winery says…
A fine, bright, straw-gold color with an elegant nose that shows touches of toast. Good balance with no excess of alcohol, full-bodied with a long finish. Serve with fine or gently-spiced dishes, grilled fish or light soups.

Critics say…
Food and Wine: “One of the best-tasting, value whites.”

FSW students say…
B-

E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2007
Côtes du Rhône
13.5% alcohol
Est. Price: $14.99
(cork)
55% Viognier, 20% Rousssane, 10% Marsanne, 5% Clairette, 5% Bourboulenc, 5% Grenache Blanc

Winery says…
Stainless steel fermentation. Pale golden color. Lovely enticing fresh nose, like a late Spring, crisp morning. Hint of apricots from the 55% Viognier. Good length, very attractive, mouth-filling wine. Very good alternative to Chardonnay. Lovely aperitif or to accompany fish or chicken.

Critics say…
Wine Enthusiast, 90 pts.

FSW students say…
B- 

Belleruche Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2007
Côtes du Rhône
14.5% alcohol
Est. Price: $12.99
(cork)
50% Grenache, 50% Shiraz

Winery says…
This wine has a beautiful garnet red color, with aromas of red fruit and Morello cherries. With the wine being well-structured with sustained tannins, a beef rib steak with stir-fried veggies sounds like a great pairing.

Critics say…
89 pts, Wine Advocate

FSW students say…
C+

E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2006
Côtes du Rhône
13.5% alcohol
Est. Price: $15.99
(cork)
50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre

Winery says…
This is a deep and dark, shiny red. The aromas are full of fresh fruits with red berries and spices. The flavors are full, round and racy. It has a long finish and plenty of elegance and finesse due to the well-balanced tannins and fruit.

Critics say…
89 pts, Wine Enthusiast, Editor’s Choice

FSW students say…
B+ 

E. Guigal St. Joseph Rouge, St. Joseph
12.5% alcohol
Est. Price: $29.99
(cork)
100% Syrah

Winery says…
This wine is made from vines between 20-50 years old. This is a dark red wine with violet tints. Its powerful nose is dominated by red berries and delicate oak aromas. The round and supple tannins give a great finish. Consider pairing with red meats and cheeses.
91 pts., Wine Spectator

FSW students say…
A-