Côtes du Rhône Rosé

The Côtes du Rhône region has a winemaking history that dates back to before Roman times. Its wines, particularly those from the right bank, were favored by monarchs and the papal community in Avignon during the schism. By the mid-1600s, the Côte du Rhône on the right bank had established regulations to ensure the quality of its wines. In 1737, the king mandated that barrels of wine transported from the nearby river port of Roquemaure, located 12 km north of Avignon on the left bank, should bear the letters CDR to create a system for protecting their provenance. These early regulations laid the groundwork for what would eventually become the nationwide AOC system overseen by the INAO. Approximately a century later, the name evolved to Côtes du Rhône when wines from the left bank were incorporated into the appellation. Full official recognition was granted by a High Court ruling in 1937, with subsequent revisions to the rules occurring in 1996 and 2001 to adapt to new production conditions.

M. Chapoutier is one of the most renowned wine producers in the Rhône Valley of France, with a history deeply rooted in the region's viticulture and a strong commitment to biodynamic winemaking. The Chapoutier family's connection to winemaking dates back to 1808, in Tain-l'Hermitage, a small town in the northern Rhône Valley. The family initially operated as négociants (wine merchants), but they quickly became known for producing high-quality wines, particularly from the prestigious Hermitage appellation. Michel Chapoutier took over the business in 1990, and his leadership marked a transformative period. He introduced biodynamic viticulture, focused on single-vineyard expressions, and emphasized low intervention winemaking and minimal use of new oak, preserving purity of fruit and terroir.

Fun fact: M. Chapoutier was one of the first wineries to use Braille on wine labels, starting in 1996. This was inspired by Michel Chapoutier's admiration for Maurice Monier de la Sizeranne (a blind man and wine lover from Hermitage) and reflects a broader commitment to inclusion and respect.

Domaine de la Solitude wine estate is part of one of the most ancient families in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, tracing its lineage back to the 15th century. In the 17th century, Hélène Barberini, who hailed from the renowned Tuscan family of the same name, tied the knot with Claude Martin, the proprietor of a vineyard in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Their grandson played a pivotal role in elevating “La Solitude” by introducing the first label for the Appellation. Consequently, “le Vin de la Solitude” became synonymous with quality and began its journey to international markets, showcasing an exceptional terroir. Eight generations later, the estate remains family-owned and is currently managed by Florent Lancon.

Think Pink! 

Carrie Upson- General Manager