Summer wine may be your favourite Nancy Sinatra or Lana Del Rey song. It also shouldn’t be confused with Tinto de Verano, aka Spanish “Summer Wine”, which is a combination of red wine with lemon-lime soda, served on ice. We’re talking white wine season, the unofficial drink of choice for wine drinkers. One of CSL’s favourite regions for whites is Côtes du Rhône AOC in France, stretching 250 km along the Rhône River from north to south. Cool breezes, sunny vineyards, rocky soils, rolling hills reveal its distinct terroir in the glass especially with its textured white wines.
Which grapes are in Côtes du Rhône AOC White Wines?
Viognier brings the aromatics, while Clairette, Roussanne, and Marsanne layer in freshness and texture. Together, these grapes create wines that are balanced, structured and full of character.
1 Vidal-Fleury Saint-Péray Blanc
CSL Breakdown
Grape(s) Marsanne.
Region Rhône Valley, France.
Pairing Coquilles Saint-Jacques, moules marinières and fries, apple pie.
Website vidal-fleury.com
From the oldest house still in operation in the Rhone valley, juice from 100% Marsanne from AOP Saint-Péray, is pressed slowly to preserve its quality and perfumed aromas. Luscious orchard-forward fruit (pear, apple) combine effortlessly with floral acacia and honeysuckle and a touch of delicate ginger. A perfect full-bodied wine for a meal or sipped on its own.
2 Domaine Jamet Côtes Du Rhône Blanc
CSL Breakdown
Grape(s) Marsanne, Viognier, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc.
Region Northern Rhône, France.
Pairing Gazpacho, grilled shrimp, lemon meringue pie.
Website cote-rotie-jamet.com
Though Jamet is regarded as the reference for exceptional Cote-Rotie reds, this white blend shouldn’t be discounted. While Viognier and Roussane are fermented in stainless steel, Marsanne, and Grenache Blanc from Northern Rhone are combined in new oak, then blended for further ageing. A flavour bomb of apricot and honey, and burst of citrus freshness.
Can you suggest another French white wine substitute?
3 Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Alsace Pinot Gris Heimbourg
CSL Breakdown
Grape(s) Pinot gris.
Region Alsace, France.
Pairing Charcuterie board, duck pancakes, strawberry cheesecake.
Website zindhumbrecht.fr
The fairly robust variety, pinot gris, is planted on the western slopes of Heimburg to obtain the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. A lovely dry-style medium bodied Alsacian Pinot Gris, with delicious ripe fruit, present minerality and touch of smokiness, from biodynamically grown grapes. Lovely yellow, with a nose of flowers, herbs that begins with silky light sweetness and finishes dry. A great wine for ageing.
This original article first appeared in the SUMMEr 2025 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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