If the Côtes du Rhône appellation enjoys such an illustrious reputation, it is because the wines of the Rhône Valley have always amazed great wine lovers and the finest connoisseurs with their utterly refined expression.
A crossroads of civilisations for thousands of years, this AOC has been shaped over the centuries by various cultures and events but remains united around a single goal: to create red, rosé and white wines that showcase a staggering finesse and diversity.
A regional appellation of the Rhône Valley recognised since 1937, the Côtes du Rhône covers an area of 32,000 hectares divided around 171 communes in the departments of Ardèche, Drôme, Gard, Loire, Rhône and Vaucluse. On this vast territory, a Mediterranean climate cradles the vines. Rainfall is rare, winters are mild and summers are hot and dry. Thanks to the Mistral wind, the famous south-east wind, the vineyards preserve their ideal and healthy condition, leading to the optimal development of the grapes.
The vineyards are located on steep slopes with vines planted on terraces. Thus, the soils are generally influenced by rolled pebbles and stones. This geological feature allows the heat accumulated during the day to be retained and released at night, thus providing a superb ripening of the grapes. In other places, the soil is dominated by loess, a form of calcareous silt, and sand.
Côtes du Rhône wines are made from a wide variety of grape varieties. The two most emblematic grape varieties are undoubtedly Grenache Noir and Syrah, which produce superb red and rosé wines. Mourvèdre is also present in this appellation. As for the white wines, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc and Viognier are all planted in the Côtes du Rhône.
All these characteristics contribute to defining the style of the Côtes du Rhône wines: sun-drenched and generous wines that boast rich nuances offered by the great variety of terroirs.
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