2020 Les Terrasses De L’Aygues Cairanne Rhone Valley 750 ml

Opportunities to get a piece of a surging region before the world rushes in are rare, especially in France. The 2020 Les Terrasses De L’Aygues Cairanne Rhone Valley is exactly that—a satiny red from a standout estate in one of the Southern Rhône’s need-to-know crus. 

This sultry and harmonious red, grown on hillside terraces, shows the type of depth and complexity that earned Cairanne its own coveted AOP status just seven years ago. Its floor-to-ceiling list of aromas includes black and red plums, blackberries, dried black cherries, and kirsch liqueur. Savory tones of Tellicherry pepper, dusty rocks, dried herbs, and anise are showcased in the periphery. Wine Enthusiast praised it as “Fresh and energetic,” and “Robust…[and] accessible now.” 

Named one of the “new stars of the southern Rhône” by the New York Times, Cairanne’s 2016 elevation to an official AOP put it alongside Rhône stalwarts like neighbors Gigondas and Vacqueyras. This official designation will inevitably hike prices among producers like Les Terrasses De L’Aygues.. 

Les Terrasses De L’Aygues is produced by Vignobles & Compagnie, a winery founded 60 years ago to band together the resources of small farmers in the Rhône Valley. Today the winery is owned by the Taillan Group, who also own Château Gruaud Larose and Château Citran, Cru bourgeois Supérieur. The company’s specialized team of oenologists work alongside the family growers to capture the pure flavors of these terroirs.

These days, even basic Côtes-du-Rhônes are fetching $20 and up, which makes this AOP Cairanne, a clear step up in quality, a great bottle to have on hand. Break out the steak frites!