Dom. Font de Courtedune VV CDR

The "Baby Rayas" Insider Secret

In 2026, the Côtes-du-Rhône (CdR) Vieilles Vignes from Font de Courtedune is widely considered one of the most incredible values in the Southern Rhône. This estate is a literal neighbor to the world-famous Château Rayas, sharing the same rare sandy soils and utilizing the same whole-cluster, no-oak winemaking philosophy. The result is a wine that often drinks more like a high-end Châteauneuf-du-Pape than a humble CdR.

The Terroir & Style: Pure Grenache Expression

• The Magic of Sand: Unlike the rocky galets roulés found elsewhere in the region, the sandy soil here naturally restricts tannins, leading to a wine of immense finesse, transparency, and silkiness.

• Winemaking: The Charrier family remains fiercely traditional. They use 100% whole-cluster fermentation and age the wine for 9–12 months in concrete tanks. By avoiding oak entirely, they preserve the "vibrancy" and crunchy red fruit of the old vines.

• The Vines: These are true "Vieilles Vignes," with some plots dating back to 1900. These deep roots provide a natural concentration and complexity that is rare at this price point.

🍷 Recent Vintages (Tasting Notes for 2026)

2023 Côtes-du-Rhône Vieilles Vignes

• The Vibe: Crystalline, energetic, and "dangerously drinkable."

• Tasting Notes: A young, lifted nose of red currants, wild strawberries, and raspberry vinegar. The palate is slender and fine with cool tannins, a touch of white pepper, and a distinct saline mineral finish.

• Status: Released in late 2025; it is "juicy and precise" now.

2022 Côtes-du-Rhône Vieilles Vignes

• The Vibe: Radiant, round, and "huggable."

• Tasting Notes: More solar and generous than the 2023. It gushes with black cherry, ripe strawberry, and garrigue (thyme/lavender). The mouthfeel is velvety and enveloping with very polished tannins and a long, spicy finish.

• Status: Currently in its "sweet spot" for drinking in 2026.

📋 Technical Snapshot

Best Paired With:

• Southern Staples: Lamb moussaka, grilled chorizo, or herbed lamb meatballs with olive tapenade.

• The Unexpected: Grilled tuna steak over greens; the wine's "silky" texture and lack of oak make it surprisingly versatile with meaty fish.

• Simple Joys: A charcuterie board with aged Comté or saucisson sec.

Pro Tip: To capture the "Rayas-like" perfume, serve this wine slightly cool at 14–16°C. For the 2023, a 20-minute decant helps the savory spice notes bloom, while the 2022 is ready to pour straight from the bottle.