Costières de Nîmes – The Rising Star of the Rhone?

Warmth, unpretentious sophistication, sense of tradition…these are words that may describe someone with whom you enjoy spending time and want get to know a bit better. These descriptors may also relate to wines from Costières de Nîmes, the southernmost wine growing area in the Rhone Valley. Steeped in Roman history and culture with Spanish and Moroccan influences, wines from the Costières de Nîmes, display a food friendly flair coupled with casual elegance. Recently, Jessica Bell, owner of My Wine School, presented a selection of tastings from Costières de Nîmes at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House in Chicago for sommeliers, wine writers, and other members of the media. My takeaway? You will love spending time with and appreciating wines from this area of the Rhone Valley, the Costières de Nîmes.

The Rhone Valley’s Most Southern Sister

Located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Cévennes region, at the border of Provence and the Languedoc, the Costières de Nîmes is considered the Rhone Valley’s “other AOC”. Plateaus and hills from the Petit Rhone flatlands reach the border of the salt marshes of the Petite Camargue. Settled in 19 BC, viticulture was improved by the 14^th century when wines from Saint-Gilles and the Costières de Nîmes were enjoyed and stocked at the papal court in Avignon. Through the centuries, thanks to modern transportation, irrigation, and winemaking techniques, higher quality wines became available. In 1986, the winemaking area of Costières du Gard was awarded AOC status and in 1989 its name was changed to Costières de Nîmes. The region was considered an appellation of the Languedoc; in 2004 it was transferred to the Rhone Valley as an AOC.

Whereas a Continental climate is evident in the Northern Rhone, a Mediterranean climate of cold winters, hot and dry summers, and 250-300 days of sunshine has an effect on the fruit from vineyards in the Costières de Nîmes. With a dramatic diurnal temperature, very little rainfall (mostly in the manner of violent autumn storms) and constant threat of the mistral which acts as a “natural purifier” blowing pests away and drying the vines, this wine region meets its share of challenges. Yet, this southern region benefits from its proximity to the coast and sea breezes.

Soils of clay like sand, limestone, gravel or sandstone, known as Gress, surround the roots of vines that may reach a depth of 5-15 metres. The terroir enables the roots to maintain moisture despite the searing summer heat while the gravel provides natural drainage during heavy rains. The heat of the stones tempers the cool breezes from the Petite Camargue and has a “moderating effect”; the roots of the vines remain cool during the searing heat of the day. As a result, grapes are able to maintain their freshness and purity.

The Wines of  Costières de Nîmes

At this time, 51% of wines produced are red, 9% are white, and 40% are rose. Red and Rosé wines must include Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre as at least 60% of the blend; Carignan and Cinsault are allowed. Rosés are allowed to include up to 11% of the region’s white grapes, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Marsanne, as well as Bourboulenc, Clairette, Vermentino and Viognier. All wines from Costières de Nîmes must have a minimum alcohol limit of 11.5%.

The first wine I tasted at Del Frico’s was the Costières de Nîmes, Mas Carlot, Blanc, a blend of 55% Roussane, 30% Marsanne, and 15% Viognier. Floral aromas and bright stone citrus notes on the palate with racy acidity were sharp and precise. The Marsanne added weight, the Rousanne contributed notes of honeysuckle, and the Viognier offered aromas of acacia, and white flowers. Pair this crisp wine with shellfish.

A glass of Costières de Nîmes, Vignobles Michel Gassier, “Nostre Pais, Blanc would be a lovely pairing with goat cheese thanks to fresh herbal notes, minerality and salinity on the nose and palate with hints of honey on the finish. The creamy blend of 60% Grenache Blanc, 20% Clairette, 15% Roussane, and 5% Viognier reminded me of my long ago summer sipping wine while sitting outside at a French café.

Ahhh, the Rosé. The Costières de Nîmes, Château Grande Cassagne, Rosé included 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah and presented aromas of strawberries and the signature tangy salinity. On the palate each sip was tart with fruit forward notes and a long, juicy finish. All of us agreed that this Rosé, produced in the saignée method, would be lovely with bouillabaisse, fresh salad, beef tartar, or grilled vegetables.

A red wine, the Costières de Nîmes, Château Grande Cassagne, Rouge boasted light aromas and round, ripe flavors of red and black fruits, herbs, tobacco, and black pepper. This lovely blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah was aged in concrete and complemented our small bites of cucumber with seared ahi tuna.

Our last wine of the day was Costières de Nîmes, Mas des Bressades, Rouge. Fermented in stainless steel, the blend of 55% Grenache and 45% Syrah was fresh and bold with its spice, herbs, and pepper notes. A sip of this wine with a bit of our baked mushrooms with herb infused cheeses was mouthwatering.

Why Should You Consider Wines from Costières de Nîmes?

I love trying wines that are from a new region, those that may offer a unique taste or reflect a particular terroir. Those of  Costières de Nîmes boast a fresh and flavorful palate profile, the ability to pair with a variety of dishes, and an affordability (all wines I tasted were at the $15 price point) that can’t be ignored. There will always be a place for these wines on my table.

Could this region be the Rhone’s rising star? You decide.

Cheers~ Cindy

Note: Of course you’ve heard or have even tried wines from the Rhone Valley. There are many outstanding wines from both Northern Rhone and Southern Rhone appellations and I continue to love many of these unique wines. Please join the Winophiles tasting group on Twitter at 10am Central time on Saturday, October 17. Our topic is wines of the Rhone Valley and we would love to have you join the conversation. Check out our group’s contributions below! Use hashtag #winophiles and I’ll “see” you then!

Anna from Anna Dishes “Brown Butter Red Wine Filet with Mushrooms, Baby Potatoes & Asparagus”

Camilla from Culinary Adventures with Camilla shares “Souk-Spiced Leg of Lamb with L’O de Joncier”

Cindy from Grape Experiences shares “Costières de Nîmes – The Rising Star of the Rhone”

Christy from Confessions of a Culinary Diva “Rhones Gone Wild”

David from Cooking Chat “Rustic Chicken Stew with Cotes du Rhone”

Jeff from foodwineclick shares “Roti de Cochon Tout Simplement et Hermitage”

Martin from Enofylz Wine Blog “A Taste of Gigondas and Vacqueyras”

Michelle from Rockin Red Blog “Separation of Church & Wine”

Sarah from Curious Cuisiniere “French Onion Soup and Cotes du Rhone Wine”

Wendy from A Day in the Life of a Farm “Braised Chicken with a Dual Pairing from Cotes du Rhone”