A White Wine Worth Knowing: Côtes du Rhône Blanc

Last month, my elderly neighbor Pat was laid up in bed after a fall, so for the first couple of weeks, a few other neighbors and I helped out where we could, bringing her breakfast in bed and making sure she had what she needed. And, of course, as any wine writer worth her salt would do, I brought her wine. Pat loves her daily glass of white wine, so since I happened to be sampling a Côtes du Rhône Blanc, I brought her a glass. It was her first time trying a white wine from the region, and she loved it so much that she immediately wanted to know where she could buy a bottle.

It's no surprise these wines fly under the radar. Most people think of Côtes du Rhône as red wine. Located in southeastern France, the Rhône Valley stretches from near Lyon in the north to Avignon in the south, and its reds have long been a popular choice for their fruit-forward, approachable style. White wines make up a much smaller share of production, so they get far less attention.

But the whites deserve a closer look, especially now that the weather has cooled and chilly nights call for something a little more substantial in the glass. Typically made from blends of grapes such as Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Clairette, Côtes du Rhône whites have enticing floral aromas, ripe orchard fruit, citrus, and sometimes hints of almond or honey. They're often rounder and more textured than lighter, high-acid whites, making them especially appealing in the fall and winter.

These whites are so easy to bring to the dinner table, too. Some are richer and creamier, while others are fresher, with more citrus and acidity. No matter what you’re serving—roast chicken, grilled fish, seafood, or anything with a creamy sauce—these whites will, undoubtedly, kick the meal up a notch.

Three Côtes du Rhône blancs that are worth seeking out.

Maison Sinnae Les Costes Nobles Terres Blanc 2025
A blend of 40% Grenache Blanc, 30% Roussanne, 20% Viognier, and 10% Clairette. Fruit-forward and fragrant, this medium-bodied white offers floral notes alongside lemon and citrus, supported by medium-plus acidity that keeps everything fresh and lively. A great option for those who want more texture without sacrificing freshness. ($17)

Delas Saint-Esprit 2024 Côtes du Rhône Blanc
A blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, and Viognier, this fragrant wine is full-bodied and round on the palate, with a creamy texture and a pleasantly bitter finish. This wine needed about 30 minutes to open up and show its full range of expressive aromas and flavors. A little patience pays off, too. The wine was even better the next day and perfect with shrimp tacos! (Average retail price: $25)

Jean-Luc Colombo Les Abeilles Blanc 2024
An 80/20 blend of Clairette and Roussanne, with aromas of honey and white flowers, leading to a medium-bodied, crisp, and refreshing palate. A subtle bitter note appears on the finish, but it's less pronounced than in the two above, and it finishes with a gentle, honeyed quality. Simple, easy-drinking, and thoroughly enjoyable. ($15)

The takeaway? Don't overlook Côtes du Rhône whites just because you know and love the easier-to-find reds. The whites will surprise you with their texture, aromatic complexity, and food-friendliness, especially as temperatures drop and the meals become heartier.