# Côtes du Rhône Rouge (2022)

- **Producer:** E. Guigal
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €13
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black cherry, dark cherry, blackberry, black plum, red plum, raspberry, lilac, flowers, garrigue, peppery herbs, licorice, stone minerality, vanilla, cloves, cedar, smoke, chocolate, coffee

## About this wine

The E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2022 is a distinctive expression from the Rhône Valley, France. Produced by the esteemed third-generation family winery E. Guigal, this wine is notable for its Syrah-dominant blend, a characteristic often found in the Northern Rhône, which imparts enhanced aromatic intensity and structure. The grapes are sourced from approximately 80 growers across the Côtes du Rhône appellation, which benefits from diverse soils including sedimentary, limestone, and granite. The 2022 vintage was marked by extreme heat and drought, leading to concentrated fruit and a full-bodied profile. A key differentiator for this wine is its extended aging period of 18 months in large oak barrels (foudres), a practice that contributes significantly to its complexity and texture, unusual for wines at this price point. Guigal aims to produce a quality introduction to the Rhône Valley with this benchmark wine.

## Interesting facts

- Guigal's Côtes du Rhône is Syrah-dominant, a Northern Rhône trait.
- The wine ages for 18 months in large oak barrels (foudres).
- Grapes are sourced from around 80 different growers.
- The 2022 vintage was the hottest and driest in the Rhône since 1950.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and velvety tannins complement the richness of red meats and game, while its fruit-forward character and medium acidity can cut through richer sauces and fatty components. Herbal notes in the wine can echo herbs used in cooking.

## Wine making process

The E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2022 is crafted using traditional winemaking techniques. The grapes are fermented at controlled temperatures with a long maceration period to maximize extraction. A key step is the extended aging of 18 months in large oak barrels (foudres), which contributes significantly to the wine's structure and texture. The blend is notably Syrah-dominant, reflecting a Northern Rhône influence. The 2022 vintage's hot and dry conditions led to concentrated fruit, shaping the wine's full-bodied character.