<h3>By Celia Strong</h3>
Well, the holidays are over. Some cold weather has come our way just to prove it really is winter. School is back and we’re ready to settle down into a calmer, quieter routine. This means we have time to learn about some new wines from southeastern France, specifically the Rhône region.

We are going to look at “Côtes-du-Rhône” vs “Côtes-du-Ventoux.”&nbsp; Since 2009, all Côtes-du-Ventoux wines are labelled just “Ventoux,” which helps differentiate them. But there are more differences — like tastes and costs — that really matter.&nbsp;

Côte-du-Rhône is an AC region in southeastern France. Basically, its vineyards are located along the banks, coasts, of the Rhône River that runs south from the bottom of the Burgundy region to the Mediterranean Sea. Most of the area’s wines are red, based on Syrah in the northern part of the region and Grenache in the southern part, and they are mostly blends. There are 22 varieties allowed for the appellation, although few wines are made with all 22. Still, there are wide ranges in the blends based on a winemaker’s style, which grapes and quantities of each grape are available, and, of course, the soil in each vineyard. (Soils include, in varying combinations, red clay, limestone, sand, schist, granite pebbles.). If you think about how many styles of Chardonnay wines are available, with just one variety in them, imagine the multitude of Rhône styles.&nbsp;

Ventoux AC, established in 1973 as Côtes-du-Ventoux, is named for Mont Ventoux. It is about 25 miles northeast of the city of Avignon and its vineyards are located on the western slopes of this mountain. Ventoux wines are also mostly red, made from many of the 22 Rhône approved varieties — Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault and Carignan. Like Rhône wines, Ventoux also vary depending on the exact grapes used, exactly where they are grown and the winemaker. Generally, Ventoux wines are a bit lighter bodied than Rhônes and a bit more fruit driven in their flavors. Because the Ventoux vines grow at a higher, cooler elevation, that gives the grapes a longer growing season. Recent investments and experiments in Ventoux grapes have made these wines more popular.&nbsp;

Our two wines this week hail from Delas Freres, a winery that was founded 160 years ago and is located in the northern Rhône Valley. Today, Delas Freres is owned by the Champagne House of Louis Roederer.&nbsp;

Delas Côtes-du-Rhône is made from approximately 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache. (Remember, Syrah is grown more in the north of this region.) The vineyard soil is mostly granite. A Mediterranean climate, harsh winds that are generated by air pressure differences between the northern part of the valley and the southern, heavy seasonal rains and abundant sunshine all do their part in making the wines. After harvest, the grapes are all de-stemmed. Maceration is done in closed containers and lasts about 15 days. Fermentation is temperature controlled, and the malolactic fermentation is done in stainless steel. Then the wine is aged for about eight months before bottling. This wine is a dark plum-like color with aromas of black fruits with black licorice and violets. It has a fuller, rounder mouth-feel, thanks to the Syrah, and mild tannins. For $11.99.&nbsp;

Delas Ventoux comes from limestone soil on Mont Ventoux. It is about 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. The Grenache grapes are fermented in stainless steel vats. The Syrah grapes are sometimes de-stemmed, to allow the full fruit aroma powers of this variety to show. After the malolactic&nbsp; fermentation, the wines are blended and returned to stainless steel vats to age for about six months. This wine is ruby colored with garnet when it is younger. It shows lots of berry (raspberry, strawberry, cranberry) fruitiness and has a lighter body with a smooth texture. For $10.99.

Both of these wines are available at Bill’s Liquor on Lady’s Island.

Here’s to a new year filled with new wines! Enjoy.

<i>Celia Strong works at Bill’s Liquor &amp; Fine Wines on Lady’s Island.</i>