La Cabotte Côtes du Rhône Rouge Colline 2022

In 1980, Burgundian winemaker Gabriel d'Ardhuy discovered Domaine la Cabotte while on a bicycle trip near the village of Mondragon in the Drôme region of the southern Rhône. Captivated by the beauty of this 45-hectare property, he purchased it and entrusted its restoration to his daughter, Marie-Pierre d'Ardhuy-Plumet, and her husband, Éric Plumet. Over the years, they have painstakingly revived the abandoned estate, focusing on sustainability and organic viticulture.

Since 2007, Domaine la Cabotte has embraced organic and biodynamic farming practices, achieving certification in both. The vineyards are located at 165 meters in the Massif d'Uchaux, where cooler conditions preserve the grapes' natural acidity. The estate is blessed with old-vine Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Carignan, and Provençal olive trees. The family adheres to the lunar calendar for natural vine treatments, keeping yields low through careful pruning and green harvests.

Marie-Pierre and Éric's meticulous approach extends into the cellar, where rigorous grape sorting and traditional vinification techniques result in wines that showcase the terroir's spicy, aromatic character. These labor-intensive methods give Domaine la Cabotte's wines exceptional quality at an accessible price, making them a standout in the Côtes du Rhône.

The Rhône Valley is one of France's most renowned and historic wine regions, stretching along the Rhône River from Lyon north to Avignon in the south. Known for its diverse climate, soils, and grape varieties, the region produces a wide range of wines, from robust reds to delicate whites, for nearly every palate.

Geography and Climate

The Rhône Valley is typically divided into two sub-regions: the Northern Rhône and the Southern Rhône. The Northern Rhône has a continental climate with steep vineyards overlooking the river, where Syrah is the dominant grape variety, producing bold, structured reds. Famous appellations from this area include Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Cornas. The Southern Rhône has a Mediterranean climate, benefiting from the warm, dry weather and the mistral winds. Grenache is the primary grape, often blended with Syrah, Mourvèdre, and other varieties. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the most famous appellation of the south, known for its powerful and complex red blends.

Grape Varieties and Wine Styles

The Rhône Valley is home to a rich diversity of grape varieties. In the Northern Rhône, Syrah reigns supreme, producing deep, intense wines with flavors of black fruit, pepper, and smoky notes. The whites from this region, primarily made from Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne, are aromatic and full-bodied. In the Southern Rhône, Grenache dominates red blends, often accompanied by Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault, resulting in rich, fruit-forward wines with spice and herbaceous qualities. The region also produces delightful rosés and white wines from grapes like Grenache Blanc and Clairette.

History and Tradition

Viticulture in the Rhône Valley dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who cultivated vines and developed trade routes along the Rhône River. The region's wines have long been prized, and over the centuries, appellations like Châteauneuf-du-Pape have achieved worldwide fame. Today, the Rhône is celebrated for its traditional wines and its embrace of modern winemaking techniques and natural viticulture, with many producers adopting organic and biodynamic practices.