Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/833814
The Côtes du Rhône is an appellation that paints a picture of the Rhône as a whole and offers a truly broad range of drinkability." "Celebrating because it's Tuesday": a charming Côtes du Rhône with the steak salad from République. "Something that works with all of it": Côtes du Rhône in a relaxed lunchtime match with the jambon beurre, made with house-cured ham and French butter, at République in Los Angeles. { SOMMjournal.com } 55 Diving into the Côtes du Rhône with Maria Garcia, Wine Director of République, Los Angeles PHOTO: CAL BINGHAM PHOTO: CAL BINGHAM PHOTO: CAL BINGHAM "As guests become more adventurous in their drinking, it's become easier both for them to find great value from fantastic producers and for us to offer that to them," explains Maria Garcia, Wine Director at Rèpublique, the bustling Los Angeles din - ing mecca for all things delicious (and French). "When looking at the Côtes du Rhône the wines are easy to drink early on, but offer some fantastic ageability. "Whether we're drinking to celebrate or because it's Tuesday, the Côtes du Rhône AOP has something to offer everyone," notes Garcia. "In our cellar alone you see the opportunities one can experience in this appellation. "From a sommelier's perspective, the offering from the Côtes du Rhône are fantastic bridge wines in terms of pairing. Did your guests order the roast chicken, braised short ribs, and Brussels sprouts with bacon? You need to find something that works with all of it and your guests love red wine? No problem! Côtes du Rhône it is. There are different weight levels, but the wines are generally medium- bodied to medium-plus in weight. The fruit is not overwhelming; they offer a light herbaceous and pepperiness, depending on the cépage—qualities that lend them - selves to possibly difficult pairings."