CÔTES DU RHÔNE IN CHICAGO
Côtes du Rhône, meaning “the hillsides of the Rhône [River]”, is comprised of over 98,000 vineyard acres, 171 varied terroirs and 21 grape varieties. The Côtes du Rhône AOCs—which include Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages and 17 Crus—is one of the largest in France and one of the oldest, having been planted originally by the Greeks and the Romans in approximately 125 BC.
Côtes du Rhône, France's beloved wine region will host an innovative culinary experience, will transport attendees to South Eastern France with an unforgettable French wine bar and food experience. Over 60 wines will be showcased throughout the festival from a seminar to the main tasting. These wines span the different styles of the Côtes du Rhône, highlighting the diversity and heritage of the area. Guests can explore them alongside a regionally inspired menu—featuring the flavors of lavender, truffles and olives—crafted by celebrated chefs.
The French wine and gastronomy revival will highlight white wines poured with a variety of heirloom radishes, french butters, fresh artisan breads and sustainably-raised mussels. Rose wines will be served alongside pates of duck and game and hand-chopped beef tartare. The red wines will showcase chef prepared pastas, cured meats, salumi and terrines.
About Côtes du Rhône Wines
Côtes du Rhône means “the hillsides of the Rhône [River]”. Côtes du Rhône includes different appellations: Côtes du Rhône AOC, Côtes du Rhône Villages and Côtes du Rhône Crus, of which there are 17. Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages wines produce about 40 million gallons across 98,000+ acres. In all the appellations, 21 varieties are authorized. The reds and rosés are primarily a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre; and the whites are primarily white Grenache, Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier. The region also offers 2 fortified wines: Rasteau Vin Doux Naturel and Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise. About the Côtes du Rhône CRUS There are 17 crus of the Côtes du Rhône, from North to South: Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Château-Grillet, Saint-Joseph, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Cornas, Saint-Péray, Vinsobres, Rasteau, Cairanne, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaumes-de-Venise, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Lirac, Tavel.
About Inter-Rhône
Created in 1955, Inter-Rhône represents over 1,500 wineries (private, cooperatives, négociants) and over 6000 vine growers/wine producers from all the Rhône Valley Vineyards AOCs. Its mission encompasses economic, technical, marketing and communication platforms in France and abroad.