2022 Chapoutier Belleruche Cotes du Rhone

90 Points - James Suckling
 Plenty of crunchy red berries and cherries on the nose with dark cherries, dried thyme and peppercorns. Medium body with firm tannins. Juicy fruit at the centre with structure and a vibrant core of peppercorns to the finish." 

Overview:
The Côtes du Rhône appellation is one of the oldest in France. More than two thousand years ago, Vienna was a prestigious metropolis and first planted vineyards there. The idea which differentiates Northern from Southern Vineyards dates back to the XIIth century. The reputation of wines largely overstepping regional limits, a royal edict in 1729 re-specified the demarcation and instituted marking of casks with the letters “C.D.R.”

The Côtes du Rhône wines finally attained official recognition from the INAO in 1937 thanks to Baron Le Roy de Boiseaumarié.