Region: Rhone Valley, France
Appellation: Cotes-du-Rhone
Color/Style: Red Wine
Grapes: 45% GRENACHE, 45% MOURVEDRE, 10% COUNOISE

Domaine Richaud « Tradition » Côtes-du-Rhône Rouge 2023
From the legendary hillside parcels of the Domaine Richaud estate in Cairanne comes this bright, honest take on the southern Rhône. Founded in 1974 by Marcel Richaud and now run with his children Claire & Thomas, the estate is a leader in low-intervention viticulture—no fining, minimal filtration, and a true respect for terroir. 

Tasting Notes
Deep ruby in the glass, this 2023 opens with vibrant red-berry compote—think brambly raspberry and cherry–on­the­vine—overlaid with gentle hints of black olive, leather and subtle garrigue. 

 The palate is smooth yet structured: soft tannins wrap around generous Grenache and Mourvèdre fruit, with a lift of Counoise and Carignan adding brightness and textural interest. 

 The finish is lingering, fresh and balanced—great for drinking now yet offering a pleasant medium-term cellaring potential.

Why we love it

A perfect “everyday special” from a serious Rhône terroir—elevated but not precious.

The Richaud family’s commitment to natural-style farming means this wine has authenticity and character. 

2023 for Richaud is described as “a fruity vintage, which expresses very well the style of the estate” — making this cuvée especially easy to love. 
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Excellent value: you’re getting a domaine of true pedigree in a regional appellation, which means quality without luxury pricing.

Food Pairing
This wine’s generous fruit and balanced tannin profile make it a match for a wide range of fare.

Try it with:
Slow-roasted shoulder of lamb with rosemary & garlic

Rustic Provençal tomato-and-olive ragù over pappardelle

Charcuterie board with tapenade, aged Comté and autumn figs

Grilled mushrooms and thyme served on crusty country bread

Serve & Cellar
Pour at 14–15 °C (57–59 °F) to appreciate the full aromatic profile. For best enjoyment, decant for 20–30 minutes. Drink now through 2028+—and if you pop a bottle in your cellar, you’ll find a bit more complexity developing in 2-4 years.

The story behind the bottle
The Richaud estate has long been at the forefront of the natural-wine movement in the Rhône, and their “Tradition” cuvée offers an accessible entry point into their world. This is the wine they make for everyday pleasure, from young replanted Grenache (post-2017) along with old Carignan and the usual suspects of the southern Rhône. 

In short: it’s the friendly handshake from a serious estate—inviting, expressive, terroir-driven.