2024 Domaine Gour de Chaule, Cotes du Rhone, .30 La Vigneronne

Domaine Gour de Chaule has been based in Gigondas since 1900 and remains family-run. “La Vigneronne” comes from organically farmed parcels in Vacqueyras and Violès, just outside Gigondas. The blend is roughly 90% Grenache, vinified with stems, which gives the wine more structure and grip than a simple fruit-forward Côtes du Rhône.

Vacqueyras brings a little altitude and freshness, while Violès adds the warmer southern Rhône profile: red fruit, garrigue, pepper and earth. 2024 keeps the wine lively and easy to drink, making this a strong table red for lamb, roast chicken, grilled vegetables, charcuterie or anything with Provençal herbs.

This is not your typical Cotes du Rhone. It’s vibrant, juicy, and punches so far above its weight class that it's almost unfair. Why? Because this isn’t some generic regional blend. All the fruit for this wine comes from Vacqueyras. Legally, they absolutely could label this as AOC Vacqueyras. And if they did, they could charge a higher price. Chateauneuf du Pape, Gigondas, and Vacqueyras are the three most famous appellations in the southern Rhone. So why do they declassify it to a simple Côtes du Rhône? When you ask them, they’ll tell you: "We're from Gigondas. We don't promote Vacqueyras!"