Southern Rhone Flashcards
Ventoux
Large and growing appellation on the south-eastern fringes of the southern rhône between grignan-les-adhémar and the luberon. The nearly 6,000 ha/15,000 acre appellation takes its name from Mont Ventoux, the 2,000-m/6,500-ft high peak which dominates the region. The communes entitled to the appellation are on the western and southern flanks of this land mass, which has a significant cooling effect on the southern Rhône’s generally mediterranean climate. Historically this has been an area for producing table grapes (along with other tree fruits such as cherries) but vines thrive up to 450 m elevation, and Syrah can be much more successful here than in hotter, lower vineyards to the south. The almost exclusively red and rosé wines are blends from a wide variety of southern Rhône grapes. Ventoux is even more dominated by the co-operatives than Grignan, and the less ambitious wines can taste even lighter than those of Grignan, but since the 1990s, a number of ambitious, distinctly superior producers have emerged, notably Domaine de Fondrèche and Chx Pesquié and Valcombe. Clairette, Bourboulenc, and Grenache Blanc are the principal varieties for the little white produced.
Luberon
Wines made on the fashionable slopes of the Luberon, where vineyards add colour and bucolic allure to one of the more sought-after corners of Provence. The appellation, which comprised 3,317 ha/8,193 acres of vineyard in 2013, is a sort of buffer state between the rhône and provence, or more precisely between the ventoux appellation and that of Coteaux d’aix-en-provence (although French officialdom places it firmly in the Rhône). The appellation was created only in 1988 and produces significant quantities of wine, mainly medium-bodied rosés with lightish reds based on Grenache and Syrah which must constitute 60% of the blend, although Mourvèdre is another approved principal ingredient in both reds and rosés. Those who try hard can produce herb-scented reds with some concentration and ageing potential. Whites are made in almost the same quantity as reds, from Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Vermentino, and possibly some Marsanne and Roussanne, with the proportion of Ugni Blanc limited to 50%. The region’s rather cooler nights (and winters) than in most Côtes du Rhône vineyards help to produce some of the crisper, more interesting white wines of the southern Rhône. Rosés may incorporate up to 20% of white grapes, and have particular allure when drunk locally to the sound of cicadas.
Costières De Nîmes
The generally reliable and well-priced southernmost appellation of the rhône. In French wine politics, it used to be considered part of the eastern languedoc but the climate, soil, topography—and wines—are closer to those just over the river in the southern Côtes du Rhône vineyards. The relatively uniform soils are marked by large pebbles on gentle, typically south-facing slopes. A total of 25,000 ha/62,000 acres of land on the edge of the Camargue could qualify to produce wine for this appellation, and by 2013 4,193 ha/10,357 acres were dedicated to the production of appellation wine, about half of it red, and most of the rest rosé. This is an important zone for the production of igp wine. As in the nearby southern Rhône, Grenache is an important vine variety here and, with Mourvèdre and Syrah, must represent at least 60% of any red, with the last two constituting at least 20%. Carignan is in retreat, and Marselan may not represent more than 10%. This is an appellation in transition, not just geographically between the Languedoc and the Rhône, but temporally between being a bulk producer and a source of genuinely characterful, well-made wines. co-operatives are less important here than in most of the Languedoc and most of the development and experimentation is taking place on dynamic, smaller estates.
Rasteau
One of the more successful Côtes du Rhône villages in the southern rhône making some wines to rival Châteauneuf-du-Pape from nearly 1,000 ha/2,470 acres of vineyard. Its heady, typically very concentrated red, white, and rosé table wines were sold as Côtes du Rhône-Villages, increasingly with the name Rasteau as a suffix, but since 2010, the dry reds have had their own aoc. Grenache dominates with Mourvèdre and Syrah the main blending partners. Jérôme Bressy of Domaine Gourt de Mautens has fallen foul of the authorities because of his fondness for indigenous varieties, some of them field blends, some outlawed by revised appellation regulations, others in too high a proportion. Very much less common is the vin doux naturel, sweet mixtures of just-fermenting grape juice and pure grape spirit in various shades of amber, brown, and red. They are essentially alcoholic Grenache juice (most of the grapes must be grenache, Gris, and/or Blanc) treated to a range of ageing processes which may vary from the negligible through various forms of cask ageing. Although Rasteau is the chosen name for this variable drink, the grapes may be grown anywhere in the communes of three Côtes du Rhône villages: Rasteau, cairanne, and Sablet.
Topography- Southern Rhone
Rhone Valley flattens out as it heads closer to the sea, rolling hills with scrub (garrique) interspersed with vineyards. Covered in large round pudding stones which store heat during daytime hours and release it to the vineyard at night.
Climate- Southern Rhone
Mediterranean, mild winters, hot summers, low rainfall and plenty of sunshine. Mistral particularly strong as no protection from slopes.
Viticulture- Southern Rhone
Wind breaks essential to protect the vines from the mistral. Low pruning to increase ripening from reflected heat. Syrah wire trained, other varieties spur pruned into a bush.
Vinification- Southern Rhone
Many different wine making techniques, difficult to ascertain a typical Southern Rhone wine making style. Carbonic maceration used, even in Chateauneuf- du- Pape. Traditional fermentation is often followed by ageing in oak, resulting wines being full bodied and meaty.
Grapes Varieties- Southern Rhone
Single varietial wines are seldom seen in the Southern Rhone (Chateaunerf du Pape permits 100% Grenache but most other AC wines are found as a blend). Many varieties are grown in the Southern Rhone.
Grenache- Southern Rhone
Dominant red variety. Low in tannin and colour, flavours of spiced red berries, which can appear baked and jammy if too much heat exposure.
Syrah- Southern Rhone
Provides colour and tannin to the blend.
Cinsault- Southern Rhone
low in tannin, provides fruit and acidity
Mourvedre- Southern Rhone
Deep in colour and tannins
Viognier, Marsanne, Rousanne, Clairette, Grenache Blanc and Bouboulenc- Southern Rhone
Produce fat, full bodied wine with low acidity.
Cote du Rhone AC
80% of production. Light fruity style of red, sometimes by carbonic maceration. Appellation covers whole Rhone valley for red, white and rose production, minimum alcohol strength of 11%. Majority of production is red from Southern Rhone. Regulations in place since 2000 on permitted varieties and proportion of those grown.
Cotes du Rhone Villages AC
A number of villages are entitled to this AC. A small number e.g. Carienne and Sablet are allowed to append their village name on the label. Stricter requirements on varieties, minimum alcohol and maximum yield. Can be a blend across a number of the permitted villages.
Other Southern Rhone ACs……
Two villages have been promoted to their own Ac status, these are Vinsobres AC and Beaume de Venise AC
Chateaunerf- du- Pape AC
First appellation declared in France. Machine harvesting is forbidden; grapes must be hand sorted. Up to 13 varieties permitted in the blend, but pre- dominantly Grenache, with a few 100% Grenache Chateaunerf du Pape made. Small amount of white Chateaunerf-du-Pape is made (Viognier is not permitted for the blend). 120 estates grow, bottle and mature their own wine. They are permitted to use special bottles embossed with the papal arms below the neck, with the words Chateaunerf-du- Pape Control. Grapes also sold to negotiants in large surrounding cities.
Gigondas AC
Similar in style to Chateaunerf-du-Pape, plantings of Grenache must make up 80% of the vineyard and Syrah and Mourvedre 15%
Vacqueyras AC
Similar to Gigondas and Chateaunerf, though the wines tend to have more Syrah and Mourvedre and less Grenache, and are thus darker and more tannic.
Tavel AC
West of Chateaunerf-du-Pape, limestone in soil grapes ripen fully with higher acidity. Rose production only. Wines are full bodied with intense flavour that develops into a savoury character with age. Produced from 9 different grape varieties, mainly Grenache and Cinsault.
Lirac AC
Soils and location similar to Tavel. Production of red and white wines as well as Rose wines.
Satellite Appellations in Southern Rhone
Ventoux AC, Luberon AC and Costières de Nimes AC
Vin de Pays- Southern Rhone
Principal Vins de Pays are Collines Rhondaniennes, Ardeche, Drome, Vaucluse and Bouches-du-Rhone. Often wine produced from declassified production or grapes from vines too young to be classified for AC. Increasing use of Vin de Pays status varieties from Southern Rhone. Syrah and Viognier are good examples.
Chateau Rayas- Region of Production
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Chateau Rayas- Commune
Chateaunerf-du-Pape
Chateau Rayas- Year Established
1880
Chateau Rayas- Summary
Owned and operated by the Reynaud family, Château Rayas is currently run by fourth generation Emmanuel Reynaud. The family’s holdings include Château Rayas, Château des Tours and Château de Fonsalette. Within the Rayas property, there are 10 hectares of red grape plantings, devoted exclusively to Grenache. These 10 hectares support their two red Châteauneuf bottlings: Rayas and Pignan. They have two other hectares planted to Clairette and Grenache Blanc, from which they make a Châteauneuf du Pape blanc. Finally, they produce a Côtes du Rhône rouge called La Pialade, made from Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah.
Chateau Rayas- Principal Vineyard Holdings
Approx. 12 hectares
Chateau Rayas- Average Total Production
2,400 cases
Chateau Rayas- Top Wines Produced / Blends
Pignan: 100% Grenache
Réservé Rouge: 100% Grenache
Réservé Blanc: Clairette and Grenache Blanc
Chateau Rayas- Inaugural Vintage (for top wines)
1920 was the first bottling under the estate name, Rayas
Chateau Rayas- Brief Description of Style / Vinification Techniques
A very traditional winemaking estate, Château Rayas ferments their red and white wines without de-stemming. Wines are fermented for around two weeks in concrete vats, then aged for a year in used barrels of varying sizes.
Domaine du Pegau- Region of Production
Chateaunerf-du-Pape
Domaine du Pegau- Commune
Chateaunerf-du-Pape
Domaine du Pegau- Year Established
1987
Domaine du Pegau- Summary
Although not officially “established” until 1987, the history of Domaine du Pegau extends back into the 17th century. Pegau was previously known as Domaine Féraud before it was re-dubbed Domaine du Pegau by Paul Féraud and his daughter, Laurence. This helps to explain why 1983 was the first vintage of Cuvée Laurence, four years before they officially founded Domaine du Pegau. The domaine is considered a very traditional producer, with wines that are crafted for long-term aging. The proportions for all their red wines are the same: 85% Grenache, 9% Syrah, 4% Mourvèdre and 2% other varieties.
Domaine du Pegau- Principal Vineyard Holdings
Approximately 19.5 ha
Domaine du Pegau- Average Total Production
7,500 cases
Domaine du Pegau- Top Wines Produced / Blends
Cuvée Réservée (Blanc and Rouge)
Cuvée Laurence
Cuvée Da Capo: single-barrel selection of Cuvée Réservée Rouge, produced in just five vintages to date
Cuvée Inspiration
Domaine du Pegau- Inaugural Vintage (for top wines)
1983 for Cuvée Laurence; 1985 for Cuvée Réservée; 1998 for Cuvée Da Capo
Domaine du Pegau- Brief Description of Style / Vinification Techniques
A traditional producer, Domaine du Pegau does not de-stem or use any filtration. The wines are fermented in concrete tanks and aged in old foudres for about 18 months.
Grignan-les-Adhémar
Name adopted in 2010 for an extensive (1,361 ha/3,362 acre) appellation on the eastern fringes of the southern rhône for mainly red wines. (Its original name, Coteaux du Tricastin, was abandoned because it was too readily associated with a nearby nuclear power plant.) Although the climate here is definitively mediterranean, the higher vineyards and more exposed terrain produce rather lighter wines than those of the Côtes-du-Rhône which they resemble. The best wine comes from sheltered, south-facing slopes, but acidity levels are usually noticeable beneath the superficial warmth of the southern vine variety perfume. The region was substantially redeveloped by pieds noirs returning from North Africa in the late 1960s. Large areas of scrub were cleared and planted with southern Rhône vine varieties. Grenache and Syrah are the principal vine varieties grown. Of the permitted white varieties, Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier may also be included. The wines are similar to those of the much larger ventoux appellation to the immediate south, which was also promoted to full appellation contrôlée status in 1973.
Cotes du Vivarais
Wine region promoted to aoc status in 1999 on the right bank of the rhône immediately opposite grignan-les-adhémar in the wild and beguiling Ardèche. Widely dispersed vineyards on mainly limestone soils in a much cooler and wetter climate than the rest of the southern Rhône had fallen to 321 ha/793 acres by 2013. Most of the wine is light reds and rosés from Grenache and Syrah. A small amount of white is made, mainly from, Grenache Blanc. Production is dominated by co-operatives, whose more profitable business may be producing varietal igp Ardèche from international varieties.
Cotes du Rhone Regional
Follow the river! Along the length of its winding waters and gentle banks, Côte du Rhône vineyards thrive across 171 rich and varied terroirs and vineyards, all bathed in the same bountiful sun.
Take the time to explore them: their variety and distinctive characters are sure to surprise. Among them, unsuspected gems await discovery… The vineyards of AOC Côtes du Rhône work in harmony with a single same aim: to give you the best wines, from culture to assembly. And one thing is sure: the wines of this AOC are predominantly red, and all of them are generous, fine, pleasant, and spiced.
Cotes du Rhone- Grape Varieties
21 grape varieties are officially included in the appellation. While the climate and the soil has conditioned the vines, the resulting clean properties, finesse, and rich assembly are primarily the result of the winemakers’ hard work. The reason behind their hard work? To instill, within each bottle, perfect balance and harmony. In the red wines, Grenache, the base variety, brings fruity flavours, warmth, and body. Syrah and Mourvèdre give the wine their spicy aromas, and a colour and structure suitable for ageing. Cinsault adds to the wine’s finesse and is perfect for nouveau wines that are sold in the same year they are harvested and rosés. The white wines marry aromas and freshness through the assembly of different grape varieties such as Bourboulenc, Grenache blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, Clairette, and/or Viognier. Once again at the behest of the winemakers, the Appellation was modified in 1996 with the aim of consolidating the character of the Côtes du Rhône’s wines. For red and rosé wines, Grenache must constitute at least 40% of the grapes (except for wines in the northern area made using Syrah).
Likewise, for white wines, 80% of the grapes must be made up of Grenache blanc, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, and Viognier. The grape harvest: this traditional festival brings both banks of the Rhône together as well as the towns that lie along them from Switzerland to the Camargue, and Vienne in Avignon. The grape harvest has become a traditional festival that has been taken to heart by the residents of Avignon and neighbouring regions, and is of course popular with the many tourists still around over this period.
Cotes du Rhone Regional- History
A genuine Roman “river”. The Rhône Valley has always been a convenient corridor between the Mediterranean and Northern or Atlantic Europe. Significant archaeological finds have been unearthed in the region, establishing the Côtes du Rhône as one of the world’s first wine producing regions. In 125 BC, the Romans founded the town and vineyards of Vienne. They planted vines and built the walls that protect the terraces, making the region one of the most beautiful in all Narbonese Gaul, the Roman province stretching from the Mediterranean in the south to the Alps and the Cévennes in the north and west. In the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, wine production is detailed in various documents, and the 17th and 18th centuries saw the region’s wine production flourish and the vineyard began to export its wines. In the 15th century, one of the Viguerie d’Uzés’ administrative courts was named “Coste du Rhône”, and produced well-known wines. In 1650, regulations were introduced to ensure that the wine was genuine and to preserve its quality. A royal decree in 1737 stated that all barrels destined for sale or transport must be branded with the letters “C.D.R”. But it was not until the 19th century that the Côte du Rhône became the Côtes du Rhône, when it extended to include the vineyards on the Rhône’s left-bank. It’s reputation, centuries in the making, was confirmed by the Tournon and Uzés District Court in 1936. Propelled by Baron Le Roy – a bold visionary – this reputation was consolidated and in 1937 took the form of Côtes du Rhône AOC (Registered Designation of Origin). In 2004, the Côtes du Rhône appellation encompassed 10 new areas suitable for the production of Côtes du Rhône AOC (nine in Gard and one in Vaucluse).
Cotes Du Rhone Regional- Geography
The appellation’s vineyards extend from Vienne to Avignon. The Côtes du Rhône appellation includes 171 counties across 6 different departments (Ardèche, Drôme, Gard, Loire, Rhône, and Vaucluse), covering an area of 44,000 hectares.
Cotes du Rhone- Climate
Mediterranean climate. Nourished by the cleansing Mistral wind, the vineyard enjoys an exceptional climate with four distinct seasons: two dry seasons (one short winter dry season and a longer one in summer), and two rainy seasons (one in autumn with very high rainfall, and another in spring). Summer is hot and dry, owing to climbing subtropical anticyclones, interspersed with sometimes violent storms. Winters are mild. Precipitation is infrequent and snow is rare.
Cotes du Rhone- Soils
The regional appellation includes five main soil types. The pebbly soil of the clayey earth, stony soils, and stony spread soils (on inclines) provide the vines with a regular water supply, and throughout the night they continue to radiate the heat stored by the rocks during the day. The earth is especially suited to the production of wines intended for ageing. Loess and sandy soils provide a contrasting water supply. They are better suited to white and rosé wines, as well as lighter reds.
Cotes du Vivarais
Produced in the southern part of the Ardèche, in a bucolic setting where vines rub shoulders with olive trees and holm oak (ilex), Côtes du Vivarais wines reflect their terroir: rugged and warm-hearted. The vines draw their sustenance from the Plateau des Gras, carved in two by the spectacular gorges of the Ardèche river, in the undulating landscape of the Grands Causses. Eroded for more than 15,000 years by underground watercourses, the ground conceals a wealth of subterranean wonders: caves, avens (chasms) and bubbling springs… The Aven d’Orgnac, one of the largest natural cavities in the world, was declared a Grand Site de France in 2004. Concerned to safeguard these wonderful gifts of nature, and always striving for quality, the wine-growers of the Côtes du Vivarais invite you to discover their warm and generous wines…
Cotes du Vivarais- Grape Varieities
The grape varieties used in making Côtes du Vivarais AOC wines are as follows. Reds: Grenache and Syrah; rosés: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault; whites: Clairette, Grenache blanc and Marsanne. The appellation’s red wines are characterised by black-berry-fruit and spicy flavours, fairly robust tannins and a pleasing freshness. Their character derives from the Grenache grape, which provides structure, while Syrah adds a more spicy note. The different vintages vary in terms of colour (deep red, purple) and flavour. The fresh rosés, made from the same grape varieties as the reds, are a deep pink in colour and have persistent flavours, thanks to the presence of Grenache. The Marsanne and Grenache blanc varieties gives the appellation’s whites a surprising freshness and mineral quality.
Cotes du Vivarais- History
There is evidence that vines were grown in this area between the Rhone and the Cévennes by the Gaulish Helvien tribe, more than 2000 years ago. However, viticulture did not develop on a large scale until the Middle Ages. At the end of the 16th century, Olivier de Serres, the father of modern agronomy, praised the wines of the Vivarais as being “so precious and delicate that there is no need to seek elsewhere”. The many hardy grape varieties grown in the area, resistant to diseases and frost, ensured that local production was abundant and a sound economic proposition. In the early 20th century, the growers banded together to establish cooperative wineries, which still continue to process the bulk of the crop. In the late 1950s, a handful of growers took up the challenge of improving the quality of their wines. The vineyards were replanted with “noble” varieties suited to the character of the soil: Grenache noir and Syrah for reds, Grenache blanc and Marsanne for whites. The hard work of the Ardèche wine-growers resulted in their wines being awarded the Vin Délimité de Qualité Supérieure (VDQS) appellation in 1962. Then in 1999, their talents and persistence were rewarded when Côtes du Vivarais wines were granted Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) status.
Cotes du Vivarais- Geography
The Côtes-du-Vivarais AOC vineyards lie on the Plateau des Gras, on either side of the Ardèche gorges, at an altitude of 250 metres. The official growing area extends over 14 communes, nine of them in the Ardèche and five in the Gard département.
Cotes du Vivarais- Climate
Mediterranean with a continental tendency, influenced by the mistral.
Cotes du Vivarais- Soils
Shallow marls or limestone. An abundance of stones, which absorb the heat of the sun, ensure that the vines benefit from early warming in springtime, while at night they continue to enjoy the warmth stored up during the day.
Crignan- les- Adhemar
The Grignan-les-Adhémar AOC growing area lies to the south of Montélimar, covering areas of garrigues on the left bank of the Rhone. Planted among fields of lavender and thyme or olive groves, on land long famous for its truffles, the vines soak up the scents and aromas distilled by the generous sun of the Drôme provençale… A further attraction of this well-favoured region is its fine architectural heritage. Castles, chapels, ramparts, suspension bridges, wash-houses and statues are common features of a landscape imbued with history and spirituality… Grignan, dear to Mme de Sévigné, who settled there for the latter part of her life, radiates elegance, harmony and taste. Grown midway between the northern and southern reaches of the Rhone Valley, Grignan les Adhémar wines exhibit a fine balance between the easy-drinking qualities of the Grenache grape and the power of Syrah… Their style, developed over the years, has earned them a reputation as wines of bewitching appeal.
Crignan- les- Adhemar- Grape Varieties
Grignan les Adhémar red wines are made from blends of Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Mourvèdre and Cinsault grapes. Marselan, which contributes fruity/spicy notes, has recently been added to the official palette of varieties. Ranging from bright ruby to deep red, with highlights of purple or garnet, these wines develop a nose of mild spice, red and black-berry fruits, liquorice and garrigue. Some express floral, oaky and toasty notes. Vintages composed predominantly of Syrah can be aged for up to ten years. The rosés, made from Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Mourvèdre and Cinsault, are obtained by pressing or by the “saignée” method (drawing off pink juice from a vat in which red wine is being vinified). Fruity and elegant , with both fresh and warm-hearted nuances and a positive tendency to linger on the palate, they account for 20% of total production. They should be drunk within a year of bottling. The whites, uncommon but promising, are made from varieties well suited to the garrigue environment: Marsanne (which contributed aromatic intensity and elegance), Roussanne (for its stylishness, complexity and fine balance), Bourboulenc (for vitality), Clairette (for its freshness and appley flavours), Grenache blanc (for persistence in the mouth and rounded mellowness) and Viognier (for its complex and powerful flavours of peach, apricot, honey and spices). Drunk young, they have an admirable freshness; as they age, they develop a more mineral quality.
Crignan- les- Adhemar- History
Vines were first planted at Grignan-les-Adhémar by the Phoenicians in the 5th century BC. The region was then developed by the Romans, becoming one of the most prosperous wine-growing areas in classical and post-classical Gaul. This was thanks largely to the Rhone, which provided an essential communications and transport artery.
The vineyards found a new lease of life in the 1960s. When they were given VDQS (Vin Délimité de Qualité Supérieure) status in 1964, they covered a mere 365 hectares, as compared with 2,500 a hundred years earlier! They obtained AOC status on 27 July 1973, as “Coteaux du Tricastin”, an appellation changed to Grignan les Adhémar in 2010.
Crignan- les- Adhemar- Geography
The Grignan-les-Adhémar production area lies on the left bank of the Rhone, between the regions of Dauphiné and Provence, stretching from Montélimar as far as Saint Paul Trois Châteaux. The well-wooded landscapes still bear traces of the areas agricultural past, when a variety of crops were grown.
Crignan- les- Adhemar- Climate
Mediterranean, influenced by the mistral.
Crignan- les- Adhemar- Soils
Of great geological diversity, giving birth to an infinite variety of wines. The sub-soil consists mainly of clayey limestone or sand, but the surface stratum varies from area to area. There are four distinct geological formations within the official growing area:
- Round pebbles, rolled and worn smooth by the Rhone. The wines grown on these soils are characterised by their complexity, generosity and wealth of expression.
- The high terraces of the Rhone (150 to 200 metres), clayey-limestone soils, surrounded by verdant hills. These geological formation produce wines of elegance and smoothness, combined with power.
- Very stony soils or ‘graves’ (stony soils made up of river bed gravel of the past) .These clay soils produce wines with robust tannins, deep in colour.
- Alluvial terraces along the banks of the Rhone. The wines grown on these soils are characterised by their elegance and smoothness on the palate.
Rousset- les- Vignes
Steep roads and stunning views… in getting to Rousset-les-Vignes, you are taking very much the same route at Hannibal did when he approached the Alps on his way from Spain to Italy! Clinging to the Lance mountain massif, this village is in fact one of the most northerly in the southern Côtes du Rhône region. With only sixty or so of its 300 hectares of vineyards in production, it is also one of the region’s best-kept secrets.
Already in the 15th century, the local land register indicated soils suitable for wine-growing, a sign of the area’s potential. Geologists have since shed a more scientific light on the matter. The zaffer hills on which the vines grow consist of a mixture of sand and fossilised seashells, deposited by the sea eighteen million years ago. These light soils yield fruity red wines, smooth with supple tannins. Wines made from grapes from the top of the slope are fuller-bodied and more robustly structured. They are blends of the Côtes du Rhône’s star varieties : Grenache noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. The appellation’s grenadine-coloured rosés are redolent of red-berry fruits.
Rousset- les- Vignes- Grape Varieties
The blends of grapes used in making the appellation’s red wines must consist mainly of Grenache, supplemented by at least 20% Syrah and/or Mourvèdre. They are dense and deep in colour, with distinctive peach and apricot flavours, developing notes of leather and truffle as they age.
The rosés must contain a minimum of 50% Grenache grapes, supplemented by 20% Syrah and/or Mourvèdre. White grape varieties (Grenache, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc and Viognier) must not account for more than 20% of the mix. They will keep for between two and four years, depending on the wine-making process (saignée method or pressing). In the case of Rousset-les-Vignes whites, the Grenache blanc, Clairette blanche, Marsanne blanche, Roussanne blanche, Bourboulenc blanc and Viognier blanc grape varieties must account for at least 80% of the blend. The minimum alcohol content for the appellation’s red wines is 12.5%, for the rosés and whites 12%.
Rousset- les- Vignes- History
The fact that Greek pitchers (oenochoe) and pseudo-Ionian wine jars have been found in the area suggests that wine was drunk around here between the mid-6th and 4th centuries BC. Remarkably, the shapes of these vessels exhibit strong Gaulish influences (hull-shaped drinking cups).
In the 11th century, the Benedictine monks of Saint-Pantaléon-les- Vignes built a monumental priory here, backing onto the Lance massif, and began planting vines on the sandstone hillsides. As early as the 15th century, the land register reported several different soil types in the area, an exceptional practice, indicative of a long-standing concern for quality.
The area’s wines were accorded the Côtes du Rhône Villages Rousset les Vignes appellation in 1969.
Rousset- les- Vignes- Geography
The vineyards all lie in the commune of Rousset les Vignes, in the département of Drôme.
Rousset- les- Vignes- Climate
Mediterranean type, protected from the mistral by the rugged landscape.
Rousset- les- Vignes- Soils
Steep slopes on gravelly sandstone hillsides.
Saint- Pantaleon- les- Vignes
Vines have been grown in this little village for many centuries. To stress this fact, in 1918 the local council voted to add the words “les vignes” to the village title.
To get to Saint-Pantaléon, head for the Drôme region of Provence, where lavender and olive trees are the dominant features of the landscape. The vineyards, just 400 hectares of them, lie at the foot of the Montagne de la Lance, which protects them from the prevailing winds. West-facing, they capture the last rays of the setting sun. The result is that the grapes ripen slowly and steadily, ensuring a harmonious concentration of flavours. Planted in clayey soils, the vines yield smooth, stylish wines, fruity and well balanced. The rosés are smooth and well rounded, with woodland-fruit flavours and some floral notes. The much rarer whites are of similar style. In September, you can attend the “Ban des Vendanges” ceremony, at which the oldest and the youngest wine-growers, assisted by a magistrate, decide on the date when the grape harvest shall begin. A tradition which dates back 200 years.
Saint- Pantaleon- les- Vignes- Grape Varieties
The strength of the appellation’s wine lies in well-balanced blending. The main grape varieties used are Grenache, vigorous and high-yielding, which can withstand strong winds and drought and gives the wine body, as well as fruity and spicy flavours… and Syrah, which is also rich in flavours and strong on tannins. Red wines are made from a minimum of 50% Grenache and at least 20% Syrah and/or Mourvèdre. Other permitted varieties may not account for more than 20% of the mix. Rosé blends consist of a minimum of 50% Grenache, at least 20% Syrah and/or Mourvèdre, and no more than 20% of other permitted varieties. White grape varieties (Grenache, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc and Viognier) are restricted to 20%. The whites are composed of Grenache blanc, Clairette blanche, Marsanne blanche, Roussanne blanche, Bourboulenc blanc and Viognier blanc, with 20% of other varieties tolerated. Minimum alcohol content: reds 12.5%, rosés and whites 12%.
Saint- Pantaleon- les- Vignes- History
Wine has a long history in this area, with evidence of its first being drunk in the mid-6th century BC. Many drinking vessels and wine containers were in fact manufactured in the region. In the 10th century, a Benedictine abbey was built here in the plain. Extensive vineyards were planted around it and a population of peasant farmers and artisans became established, protected by the Cluniac monks. Saint-Pantaléon-Les-Vignes was granted AOC status by decree of the INAO, published in the Official Gazette, in 1969.
Saint- Pantaleon- les- Vignes- Geography
The vineyards lie in the commune of Saint-Pantaléon, in the southern part of the Drôme, on the way to Nyons.
Saint- Pantaleon- les- Vignes- Climate
Mediterranean, Purified by the Influence of the mistral, the vineyards benefit from an exceptional climate consisting of two dry seasons (a short one in winter and a very long one in summer) and two rainy seasons (one in autumn, when it rains heavily, and one in spring). The summers are hot and dry, influenced by sub-tropical areas of high pressure, and interrupted by sometimes violent storms. The winters are mild, with infrequent rainfall and very little snow.
Saint- Pantaleon- les- Vignes- Soils
The terroir consist of clayey-limestone hillsides overlaid with gravel, and some sandy hollows. The vines therefore develop in somewhat rich ground, studded with more or less hard white stones, making for a balanced soil. Easy to work, it is permeable to air and water, the coolness of the clay complemented by the limestone’s good-drainage. The resulting wines are well rounded without being too oily, and without loss of fruity acidity.
Valdreas
After his election to the papacy in Lyon in 1317, John XXII, very sick at the time, tasted a wine from Valréas while on his way to Avignon. It seemed to give him a new lease of life and he was soon restored to health. To secure his supply of this wine, he purchased the town from the Dauphin du Viennois. This acquisition also gave him a strong position between his own territories of Avignon and the Comtat Venaissin, and the lands held by the Dauphins of Viennois and the Counts of Provence, vindictive and touchy neighbours in those troubled times. Later, he also acquired the towns of Richerenches and Visan, carving out a papal enclave. For this reason, Valréas still bears the title of capital of the “Enclave des Papes”, and remains a canton of the Vaucluse département, though completely surrounded by the Drôme.
Its vineyards owe their special distinction, which so charmed Pope John, to the exposure of the local hillsides, which are north and west-facing and lie at altitude. The predominantly clayey soils therefore retain their coolness and humidity and are less prone to drought than those which experience the full force of the sun. Another factor which gives the wine its special quality is the stream of cold air descending from the Alpine foothills, which cools the vines. The result is that Valréas red wines delight the palate with flavours of red berry fruits, raspberry, gooseberry and blackcurrant, are silky smooth, elegant and fresh, and have good keeping properties. The whites are full-bodied and aromatic; the rosés pleasantly fruity.
Valdreas- Grape Varieties
The grape blends used for making AOC red wines must contain a minimum of 50% Grenache, together with at least 20% Syrah and/or Mourvèdre. These wines keep well and can be aged for more than ten years. Where rosés are concerned, the main constituent must be Grenache, supplemented by at least 20% Syrah and/or Mourvèdre. White grape varieties (Grenache, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc and Viognier) may not account for more than 20% of the mix. These are very pleasant “vins de table”, best drunk in their first year.
The appellation’s white wines must contain at least 80% of the following varieties: Grenache blanc, Clairette blanche, Marsanne blanche, Roussanne blanche, Bourboulenc blanc, Viognier blanc. They, too, are fresh, fruity wines, to be drunk young. The minimum alcohol content for the red wines of the appellation is 12.5%, while for the rosés and whites it is 12%.
Valdreas- History
The area has undoubtedly been settled since the Gallo-Roman period, as evidenced by fragments of sculpture and tombs found in the vicinity. Valréas was founded in the 9th century, at the beginning of Charlemagne’s reign. A certain Valère established an estate on the banks of the Coronne, where the town now stands. Over time, this large estate was joined with the neighbouring priory of Saint Vincent, the patron saint of viticulture, giving rise to the first settlement on this site. Pope John XXII then acquired the estate from Humbert de Montauban in 1317. Legend has it that, returning from Lyon after his election to the papacy, the Pope was restored to health on drinking some wine from Valréas. He therefore decided to annexe this territory, which had wrought the miracle. Thus Valréas became the capital of the Enclave des Papes, a title which it retained until the French Revolution. The Valréas vineyards were accorded Côtes du Rhône Villages status in 1967.
Valdreas- Geography
The wine-growing area lies in the commune of Valréas, in the département of Vaucluse.
Valdreas- Climate
Mediterranean type, influenced by winds off Alps.
Valdreas- Soils
Terraced hillsides of red clay, more or less stony.
Vinsobres
“Vinsobres or sober wine, drink it soberly”: this was the motto of Monseigneur de Suarès (bishop of Vaison and a staunch fan of these wines) in 1633, describing this Cru from Drôme Provençal, a wine that is as balanced as it is aromatic. Passionately cultivated by young winemakers that brought with them new ideas from their travels, Vinsobres wines owe their richness to the assembly of the qualities of richly varied, complementary terroirs. The appellation’s soil here are very stony, red to brown in colour, and their warmth allows the vines to flourish early with a high concentration of grapes. Made mainly of Grenache and Syrah, they produce dark red wines with a complex, harmonious nose with spiced flavours that are suitable for ageing.
Vinsobres- Grape Varieties
The Côte du Rhône’s traditional grape, Grenache, represents 72.34% of plantations in the area.Syrah, a variety that is particularly successful on the cooler plots, represents 18.23%.Vinsobres balanced wines present silky, elegant tannins, guaranteeing excellent ageing. Fat, round, and long in the mouth, they are generous and full… They give aromas of fresh and cooked fruits. The young wines contain notes of cherry and blackcurrant, evolving into Morello cherry and blackcurrant jam, pepper, herbs, and spices.
Vinsobres- History
A fiefdom of the Montaubans, the dauphins, the Princes of Orange and Urre, Vinsobres was first settled by the Romans.The name Vinsobres comes from Vinzobrio, the oldest recorded version form from 1137.It comes from the pre-Celtic vintio (height), and the Celtic suffix briga (mountain).
In 1633, Joseph Marie de Suarès spoke the motto that is today used by all of the terroir’s winemakers:”Wine sober or sober wine, drink it soberly”. Until 2006 the appellation was part of Côtes du Rhône Villages, when Vinsobres red wine became the first local appellation of Côtes du Rhône in Drôme Provençal.
Vinsobres- Geography
The appellation covers a mere 5 miles of hillside in Vinsobres, in Drômes Provençal.
Vinsobres- Climate
Climate with a Mediterranean influence. Summers are hot and dry owing to the high latitude and subtropical anticyclones, and are peppered with occasional violent storms. Vinsobres receives a very high amount of sunshine.
Vinsobres- Soils
Facing north-east and south-west, and reaching up over 500m, the terroir of the Vinsobres hills is characterized by an enormous diversity of soil: their potential and rich character provide all of the wine’s complexity, and their complementary nature produces harmonious wines. Vinsobres is characterized by a distribution of classes with a homogeneous altitude, from 184m to 509m, for an average height of 329m. The AOC’s terroir is found between Valréas Miocene sedimentary basin, and that of Aygues basin - the Mediterranean mountain stream that is millions of years old, carrying large clastic rocks from the Alpine slopes. Four types of soil lie atop each other… Between 10m and 50m above the bed of the Aygues, the terroir is made up of moderately sloped shelves or hillsides. Then between 230m and 260m, 260m and 350m, and above 350m: the high hillsides that dominate the alluvial sections are composed of Mid- and Upper Miocene deposits. These marls, or sandy marine and continental marls, are crowned with marls and Miocene conglomerates that are especially rich in base elements. These elements were cut, and then packed during the Pliocene period by conglomerate marls to the north-east of the village. The summits of the hills are made of very stony plateaus.
Duche d’ Uzes
Vines have been cultivated in the region since the 6th century BC, with viticulture flourishing in the Middle Ages under the impetus of the Church, with the wine becoming known for its quality since the 15th century. The Bishop of Uzès was very proud of his wine, and promised a bottle to young married couples who never argued, giving rise to the proverb “A volon gagna la vigno de mousso d’Uzès” (They are after some of Father Uzès’ wine) that pokes fun at young couples seen as being “too perfect”. The Duché D’Uzès joined the upper crust of the wine world by gaining AOC status in July 2012. The wines are made using the grape varieties found in the Rhone Valley (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Clairette, etc.).
Duche d’ Uzes- Flavors
The wines of the Duché d’Uzès are all blended wines. Grenache, Syrah, Viognier, Cinsault, Carignan, or even Mourvèdre and Marsane all release the full flavours that make the Duché d’Uzès wines so distinguished. Aromatic, spiced, and fruity, Duché d’Uzès red wines often bear a hint of liquorice, pepper, and black olive, proudly revealing their southern temperament and shared identity. These powerful wines of a deep red are made using the great Mediterranean grape varieties: mainly Grenache Noir and Syrah, occasionally married to Carignan Noir, Mourvèdre Noir, and Cinsault Noir. Duché d’Uzès rosés present a bouquet of white flowers and red berries and boast a rose petal shade. Their vivid freshness is what makes them so delicious: wine that is a pleasure to drink, dominated by Grenache, blended with Syrah or Cinsault. With their golden colour and powerful bouquet of rich citrus notes, Duché d’Uzès white wines perfect the trinity. Out of these top-quality wines, Viognier and Grenache Blanc are particularly outstanding.
Duche d’ Uzes- History
The wines of the Duché d’Uzès: 2000 years of history…
In the 6th century BC, the Phoenicians and Greeks first planted vines in the region, a practice continued by the Romans, while in the Middle Ages wine gained a powerful symbolic significance in the eyes of the clergy. Used not only in communion, the bishop’s wines were also a status symbol, and flowed freely into the cups of prestigious guests. In the 15th century, vines were planted on the sun-kissed hillsides reclaimed from the scrubland. At the time, there was talk of an excellent vineyard and “Noble Wines”. Racine, holidaying in Uzès, claimed that the wine was “the best in the kingdom”.
Father Uzès’ vineyard:
The Promenade des Maronniers and the parkland, once property of the Diocese, were planted with vines. Around 1400, filled with pride for his vineyard, the Bishop looked for a way to share it with the people. He came up with the idea of advertising that “on the 1st of January, I will offer a carafe of white wine to any married couple who completed their full first year of marriage without an argument”. The records are silent as to how many enjoyed this grand gesture! But it did give rise to the French saying “They are after some of Father Uzès’ wine”, used to describe young couples who promise never to argue, and people with grandiose plans for the future.
In 1989, the Duché d’Uzès began the process of earning registered designation of origin AOC status. This appellation is not intended to produce vast quantities of wine, but rather a high-end, top-quality wine. This long journey was rewarded with AOC certification in July 2012.
Duche d’ Uzes- Geography
The Duché d’Uzès lies between Nimes and Alès, with the town of Uzès in the east of this area. The area is bordered by the foothills of the Cévennes to the west, the Lussan limestone massif, with the 630 m Mont Bouquet summit, to the north, while vast limestone plateaus and woodland expand out to the east and south, standing between Nimes, Sommières, and the Rhone Valley. The Gardon River, a major local water source, crosses the area from northwest to southeast.
Duche d’ Uzes- Climate
The area enjoys a Mediterranean climate, though slightly gentler due the distance from the coast and the high ground that curbs the maritime influence. The temperature varies more widely than in coastal regions, with the average annual temperature dropping one or two degrees between the southeast and northwest of the area.
Duche d’ Uzes- Soils
The local geology has created a variety of small formations with pockets of sandstone, marl, pebbles, scree, alluvia, hard limestone, etc. These formations are dotted across the landscape, forming the mosaic of soils that are one of the strengths of the Duché d’Uzès vineyard. In 1985, a survey mapped the area’s winemaking potential, finding uniform parcels of land in order to organise planting and optimise the grape varieties used to produce the AOC.
Costieres de Nimes
Accorded AOC status in 1986, the southernmost of the Rhone Valley wine-growing areas perfectly exhibits all the characteristics of its Roman history and culture: a relaxed way of life, sophistication, warmth. The vineyards lie to the south east of the city from which they take their name, producing predominantly red wines, as well as some rosés and whites. All derive their character from an exceptional soil (a terrace of gravely pebbles deposited by the rivers Rhone and Durance), the vigour of the Rhone grape varieties, a favourable climate, and the mistral. The appellation’s wines also benefit from implementation of the Costières de Nîmes Landscape and Environmental Charter, an innovative concept to protect and promote wine-growing areas*. Among the measures already undertaken are a “Sustainable Viticulture” charter of good practice appended to the AOC’s terms of reference, an assessment of the vineyards’ biodiversity, the creation of themed short-stay packages, and the waymarking of paths offering outstanding views of the countryside. And, each spring, a special event (Les Vignes Toquées) is held involving a gastronomic tour of the vineyards. Yet another reason to get out and explore the area!
Costieres de Nimes- Grape Varieites
Most Costières de Nîmes wines are red (55%), though the area also produces rosés (35%) and whites (10%).
The blends permitted by the AOC terms of reference give the wines a decidedly ripe-fruit character, with a smooth tannic structure and good fresh finish. In the case of the reds and rosés, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre must together account for at least 60% of the mix, the remainder consisting of Carignan and Cinsault. Where rosés are concerned, the appellation’s white grape varieties may also be included, to a maximum of 10%. The whites, which are fruity and substantial, are made from Grenache blanc, Roussanne and Marsanne, with some addition of Bourboulenc, Clairette, Vermentino and Viognier. The minimum permitted alcohol content is 11.5% by volume.
Costieres de Nimes- History
In 19 BC, the veteran legionaries of the Egyptian campaign were settled at Nemausus (modern-day Nîmes). In 280, after the revocation of the decree banning viticulture in Gaul, Cassius Severanius, governor of the Narbonne area, ordered a massive replanting of the pagus nemensis (Costières) vineyards. In the Middle Ages, the Abbey of Saint Gilles du Gard became the main command post in the Languedoc of the Knights Hospitaller of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. It was they who really developed viticulture in the area. In the 14th century, wines from Saint-Gilles and the Costière de Nîmes were among the most highly regarded at the papal court in Avignon. John XXII, Urban V and Gregory XI all stocked their cellars with wines from the Costière. In the 17th century, wine-growing was encouraged by the construction of the Canal du Midi, and the canal played an even more important role in the 19th century, when it was linked with the Rhone via Sète. Transportation was also greatly facilitated by the fact that the railway reached Nîmes as early as 1839. In 1955, Philippe Lamour, chairman of the Compagnie Nationale d’Aménagement du Bas-Rhône et du Languedoc, a brilliant Parisian lawyer, undertook major irrigation works. In fact, the Bas-Rhône Languedoc canal, which has carried water from the Rhone towards the south of the Gard and the east of the Hérault départements since the 1960s, was later renamed in his honour. At the same time, he became a leading light in viticulture in the Gard by his advocacy of improved quality. President of the Syndicat des Costières du Gard, whose wines were granted VDQS status in 1950, he was subsequently appointed to the presidency of the body overseeing Vins Délimités de Qualité Supérieure. In 1986, Costières du Gard was recognised by the INAO as deserving of AOC status.The name of the appellation was changed in 1989 to Costières de Nîmes.
Costieres de Nimes- Geography
Delimited to the north by the valley of the Gardon, the vineyards extend over 40 kilometres, between the low-lying plain of the Petit Rhône and the marshlands of the Petite Camargue.
Costieres de Nimes- Climate
With more than 2,700 hours of sunshine each year, the Mediterranean climate is here characterised by a period of semi-drought lasting from June to the end of August. Rainfall is rare and tends to be concentrated in the form of violent autumn storms. The mistral blows strongly over the vines throughout the year, playing the role of a natural purifier.
Costieres de Nimes- Soils
The Costières de Nîmes terroir consists of gravel deposited by the Rhone and Durance rivers in the Quaternary Period. These gravely beds (known locally as Gress), which go down to a depth of between 5 and 15 metres, are enveloped in sand varying in colour from bright yellow to deep red. The vines send down very deep roots, into underlying layers of clay, which provide them with a moderate but regular water supply even in periods of intense midsummer heat. The outstanding drainage properties of the gravel means that water is quickly shed even in heavy downpours. In summer, the hot mass formed by the stones reinforces the convection effect: the cool on-shore breezes blowing across the Petite Camargue in the late afternoon encounter this hot mass as they rise up along the Costières, and a suction effect is created as the air is drawn in. The moderating effect of these breezes augments the temperature difference between day and night, which is known to preserve the freshness and purity of the developing grapes.
Clairette de Bellegarde
The Clairette de Bellegarde vineyards, neighbouring the Costières-de-Nîmes growing area, lie on the approaches to the Camargue, halfway between Beaucaire and Saint-Gilles. The vines draw their strength from stony soils overlying a bed of clay, which respectively warm up and water the Clairette blanche grape, which does so well here.
This is a land of tradition with a strong local character: every year in early May, mass is celebrated in Provençal at the foot of the Bellegarde tower and, in October, the inhabitants process through the village dressed in traditional costume. There are also races involving the famous white horses of the Camargue, and bull-running… In mid-summer, music is on the agenda, in the form of an international guitar festival.
A well-rounded, distinguished wine, Clairette de Bellegarde is a vibrant yellow in colour when young.
A relatively unsung vine-growing area which will delight gold prospectors..
Clairette de Bellegarde- Grape Varieties
Clairette de Bellegarde AOC wines are all made exclusively from the Clairette blanche grape variety. The minimum permitted alcohol content is 11%. To appreciate their floral and almondy notes, these wines are best drunk young.
Clairette de Bellegarde- History
Colonised by Greeks from Rhodes in the middle of the 8th century BC, this territory became associated with viticulture during the Imperial Roman era.
In the Middle Ages, the Knights of Malta (a military order of monks) developed the vineyards of Saint Gilles du Gard and, by the 14th century, wines from Saint-Gilles and the Costières de Nîmes were much appreciated at the papal court in Avignon.
Clairette de Bellegarde has enjoyed AOC status since 1949 and its wines are now produced by fifteen or so growers, some cooperatively, others in their own wineries.
Clairette de Bellegarde- Geography
The very fragmented growing area comprises plots which in some cases date back to 1940. It lies on the Bellegarde terrace, at an altitude of 60 metres. The ranks of vines alternate with cypresses, olive groves and apricot orchards.
Clairette de Bellegarde- Climate
Typical Mediterranean climate, tempered by the mistral and tramontana winds.
Clairette de Bellegarde- Soils
The rolled pebbles of this terroir store heat to ripen the grapes, as well as ensuring good drainage in the event of heavy rainfall. Clayey soil with a high proportion of flinty stone (the “topsoil” consists of 60% pebbles)
Signargues
Signargues: a name redolent of the Midi, France’s Deep South! And indeed, its vineyards are the southernmost of any with Côtes du Rhône Villages status. Midway between Avignon and the Roman aqueduct of the Pont du Gard, this is also a place of strong historical associations. In 736, it was the scene of a great battle between the troops of Charles Martel and the Saracens, who were then occupying the South of France. The term “Sign” is a reference to the blood shed during these historic invasions. “Argues”, on the other hand, derives from the name of the Roman settlement. Vestiges of this period have been found: a double-faced statuette of Bacchus and an image of Ariane – both now star turns at the Musée du Louvre.
The vineyards are there to bear witness to this classical past. Planted in what was once the bed of the River Rhone, the vines are rooted in one of the region’s most noble soils. Here, thousands of years ago, on its journey from the Alps, the river deposited smooth-rolled pebbles, reddened by iron oxide. Grown in this harsh medium, the vines produce some of the greatest red wines: subtle, elegant, distinguished. And the ever-present garrigue lends them its special aromas of Mediterranean herbs and black-berry fruits. To be appreciated at their best, these wines need to be laid down for two to five years.
Signargues- Grape Varieties
The AOC applies only to still red wines. Grape blends must consist of 50% Grenache, together with a maximum of 20% Syrah and/or Mourvèdre. The appellation’s wines must have an alcohol content of at least 12.5% by volume.
Signargues- History
The Signargues plateau was occupied at the time of the Roman colonisation. Archaeological finds include a double-faced statuette of Bacchus and Ariadne, now kept in the Louvre in Paris.
Signargues first made the headlines in 736, as the theatre of Charles Martel’s victory over the Saracens. To commemorate his exploit, the Frankish king had a chapel built, dedicated to Saint-Jean des Vignes.
The area was granted the Côtes du Rhône Villages Signargues appellation in 2005.
Signargues- Geography
The Signargues wine-growing area extends over four communes: Domazan, Estézargues, Rochefort du Gard, Saze.
Signargues- Climate
At an average altitude of 150 metres above the Rhone, the climate is of Mediterranean type: hot, dry and strongly influenced by the mistral.
Signargues- Soils
Terraces of rolled pebbles over sandstones or marls of the Pliocene epoch, their iron content rusted by oxidisation.
Tavel
Tavel wines are only available in rosé… The AOC is therefore the only appellation in the Rhône valley to produce nothing but rosé wine. But what a rosé it is! The great novelist Honoré de Balzac said that it one of the rare rosés that age for the better… The rosé colouring of these wines can be expressed as either salmon or deep ruby pink. The complex nose of summer fruits evolves into smooth notes of pitted fruits and almonds, while the full, rounded mouth unveils a splendid aromatic ensemble supported by hints of spice.
Tavel- Grape Varieties
The grapes are used exclusively to make rosé wines. . A large number of grape varieties are authorized for this appellation, but no individual variety may exceed 60% of a vineyard. Nevertheless, Grenache is the base of Tavel wine. All varieties of Grenache (red, white, grey) together make up between 30% and 60% of planting. Free-run and press wine are assembled before fermentation (correction: The percentage of each of the main grape varieties is equal to or below 60% of the planting. They are Cinsault, Bourboulenc, Clairette (pink and white), Mourvèdre, Picpoul (black, white, grey), and Syrah. The percentage of each of the accompanying grape varieties is equal to or below 10% of the planting: Carignan (white and black) and Calitor Noir. The rosé colouring of these wines can be expressed as either salmon or deep ruby pink. The complex nose of summer fruits evolves into smooth notes of pitted fruits and almonds, while the full, rounded mouth unveils a splendid aromatic ensemble supported by hints of spice.
Tavel- History
Vines have been cultivated in the area since the 5th century BC. Planted by the Greeks, the vineyard expanded under the Romans. Located on a major communication route between the oppidum in Roquelmaure and Nimes, Tavel was the ideal location to develop. Various artefacts from this period have been found, including pieces of decorated amphora depicting grapes. However, the name villa tavellis, which would later become Tavel, appeared for the first time in 13th century writings. In the middle of the 14th century, Pope Innocent VI, who had a particular predilection for the wines of the Rhône’s right-bank and had those of the Prieuré de Montézargues delivered for his personal pleasure. This winemaker still exists today at the heart of the Tavel AOC. Following the return of the Papacy to Rome and up until the Revolution, wines from Tavel and the region were exported to Italy. From 1737, a royal edict made it illegal to add foreign wines to those of Tavel, as well as four other towns in the Gard, and their winemakers were authorized to mark their barrels with C.d.R. (Côte du Rhône), thus setting the precedent that would become the AOC. In 1902, Tavel winemakers formed a union of vineyard owner-winemakers. To build the reputation of their rosé wines, union members participated in various national and international fairs, including those in Lyon, Marseille, Strasbourg and Liege. Upon the suggestion of Baron Pierre Le Roy de Boiseaumarié, in 1927 the Chairman of the Union, Aimé Roudil, and forty Tavel winemakers petitioned the Gard courts to officially define the production area. The official notice was published on 19 November 1937.
Tavel- Geography
The vineyard is located on the right-bank of the Rhône, in the Gard, around Tavel.
Tavel- Climate
The climate has a Mediterranean influence and receives lower rainfall, on average 2700 hours of sun per year, and the Mistral is the prevailing wind.
Tavel- Soils
Tavel winemaking country is composed of four different areas. One alluvial area formed by the Rhône, and that can be found on the hillsides of Lirac and Tavel AOCs in the form of ancient alluvial deposits that cover the lower and middle terraces. A sandy area follows, dating from the Mid-Pliocene era, lying between Tavel and Roquemaure. Marly limestone deposits from the Lower Barremian era form the Villeneuve les Avignon, Les Angles, and Tavel massif. A final area of upper Barremian urgonian limestone facies composes the Tavel-Rochefort du Gard massif. These are mainly crystalline limestones (clays and reefs) and gravelly limestone (clastic limestone).
