E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2022 375ml

Winery Background and History

Maison E. Guigal was founded in 1946 by Étienne Guigal in Ampuis, in the northern Rhône valley of France. Over the decades it has grown into one of the most respected wine estates in the Rhône region, owning vineyards in Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, and other top appellations, and producing both high-end single vineyard wines and more accessible regional wines. The Côtes du Rhône Rouge is one of their signature regional reds, representing great value and introducing drinkers to Guigal’s style of Rhône wine.

Producer and Wine Maker

The wine is made by Guigal’s in-house winemaking team under the Guigal family tradition, currently managed by Marcel Guigal and Philippe Guigal. They combine traditional Rhône winemaking methods—temperature controlled fermentations, blending of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and careful oak aging—to produce wines that balance fruit, spice, and structure.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Fruit for this wine is sourced from multiple vineyards throughout the Côtes du Rhône appellation, both northern and southern sectors. Soils vary—sedimentary, granitic, alluvial deposits, limestone, and pebbles. The climate is Mediterranean-continental: hot, dry summers, cool nights, and seasonal rainfall. These factors allow grapes to ripen fully while retaining acidity and freshness.

Vinification & Aging Methods

This wine is fermented using traditional methods with controlled temperatures, followed by long maceration to extract color and tannin. After fermentation, Guigal ages the wine in oak foudres (large oak vats) and possibly in smaller oak barrels, for roughly 18 months to allow integration of oak with fruit, and development of complexity while retaining approachable structure. 

Tasting Notes

Deep red color. On the nose you’ll find dark fruits (blackberry, black cherry), spice, herbal notes, pepper, and stone. On the palate it’s full, rich, with round and smooth tannins, a layered texture—fruit meets firm structure—and a long, elegant finish that shows both warmth and finesse. 

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs well with grilled red meats (lamb, beef), roasted poultry with herbs, rich casseroles, charcuterie, game meats, vegetable stews, and hard cheeses. The wine’s spice and fruit profile also go nicely with foods that have a bit of pepper or dark spices.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at 16-18 °C. Decanting for 30 minutes or so can help open up aromas and soften tannins. Use a large red wine glass (Bordeaux or Rhône style) to allow the bouquet to develop and the palate to fully express.

Storage and Aging Potential

This wine is ready to drink now, but with decent cellaring it can improve over the next 5-7 years. Proper storage in a cool stable environment (12-15 °C), away from light and vibration, will help maintain its character and develop more complexity.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

≈ 50 % Syrah, ≈ 40-45 % Grenache, ≈ 5-10 % Mourvèdre (varies slightly depending on source) 

ABV

14.5 % ABV 

Scores

• Wine Enthusiast – 91 Points