There’s no good reason not to have a couple of “just in case” bottles of Côtes-du-Rhône at home: They're affordable, everyday wines that are meant to be enjoyed sooner rather than later. Open one at your next potluck dinner—versatile C.D.R. pairs with everything from pizza and roasted meat to hearty comfort food—or when you’re cooking something that calls for a good-quality dry red.
And for Bastille Day, I'm recommending Saint Cosme’s entry-level red, which shows surprising finesse for a Côtes du Rhône (or any wine at this price!). It's well balanced with approachable, soft tannins; it tastes of currant and plum, but with the edge of black pepper, spice, and herbs characteristic of Rhône reds.
Though most of the red wines from France’s enormous Côtes du Rhône appellation are Grenache-based blends (with Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and/or Carignan making up the balance), the Saint Cosme is one-hundred percent Syrah.
What's your go-to weeknight red? Tell us in the comments below!
Written by: Daryna Tobey
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Neither of the two wines you mentioned are French. That was the point of Tobey's post, probably penned way in advance, queued up for publication, and victimized by unfortunate world events.
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