# Côtes du Rhône Tradition Rouge (2024)

- **Producer:** Domaine Roche-Audran
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Grenache, Syrah, Carignan
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €13
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 15–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blueberry, blackberry, cherry, plum, herbaceous, fennel

## About this wine

Domaine Roche-Audran is located in the commune of Buisson in the Southern Rhône Valley. Winemaker Vincent Rochette represents the fifth generation of his family to cultivate vines in this region. In 1998, he broke away from delivering grapes to the local cooperative to establish his own winery and bottle estate wines. The vineyards sit on hillside slopes at altitudes between 180 and 250 meters, surrounded by natural Mediterranean woodlands of pine, oak, and boxwood that foster a diverse ecological habitat. The estate operates under Demeter biodynamic certification.

## Interesting facts

- Vincent Rochette left the local winemaking cooperative in 1998 to found Domaine Roche-Audran.
- The estate's 60-year-old vines grow alongside wild rosemary, thyme, and Aleppo pine trees.
- Vineyard operations strictly follow cosmic and lunar cycles under Demeter biodynamic certification.

## Food pairing

The medium-plus body, smooth tannins, and vibrant acidity of this wine harmonally complement savory grilled meats and roasted pork. Its natural herbal alignment enhances Mediterranean dishes featuring garlic, olive oil, and garrigue herbs while effortlessly handling moderate spice and rich charcuterie.

## Wine making process

Crafted from vines averaging 60 years of age grown on clay-limestone soils covered with alluvial pebbles. Vinification is carried out parcel by parcel using natural indigenous yeasts without artificial additives. Extraction is gently managed through pump-overs, punch-downs, or rack-and-return depending on daily sensory evaluation. The wine undergoes fermentation and matrix maturation for six months in concrete vats before early spring bottling to preserve pure primary characteristics. Minimal sulfur dioxide is added only prior to bottling.