Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC represents the quality tier above basic Côtes du Rhône, encompassing 95 communes in the southern Rhône Valley producing Grenache-dominant red blends, Syrah, Viognier-based whites, and rosé. Twenty-two villages may append their commune name to the label. The appellation covers diverse terroirs from the limestone galets roulés of Châteauneuf-du-Pape's periphery to the cooler schist slopes of the Ardèche. Quality has risen significantly since the 1990s as growers invest in lower yields and better selections.
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | — | Concentrated, ripe vintage with warm summer conditions; Grenache dominated in deep-coloured, approachable reds with southern Rhône's characteristic charm |
| 2021 | — | A cool, late-maturing growing season produced Grenache of unusual freshness and precision; named village wines from schist and limestone sites showed remarkable purity |
| 2020 | — | Hot, dry vintage — Grenache thrived in its native heat, producing full-bodied, generously fruited wines with good structure |
| 2019 | — | The southern Rhône's standout recent vintage: Grenache achieved perfect phenolic ripeness with natural acidity; Viognier whites showed aromatic intensity |