Côtes d'Auvergne
Styles
Principal grape varieties
Accessory grape varieties
Terroir
Natural factors
- Soils are highly varied: marls, basalts, volcanic colluvium, granites, and gneiss — all with low water-holding capacity.
- Semi-continental climate: a foehn effect from the chaîne des Puys/massif du Sancy blocks moisture-laden air masses moving in from the west.
Human factors
- A local selection of Gamay N known as 'gamay d'Auvergne', with loose clusters and late bud break, identified as early as the 19th century.
- AOC status granted in 2011, following VDQS classification in 1951; five sectors (Boudes, Chanturgue, Châteaugay, Corent, Madargue) form its core.
Product characteristics
- Whites: citrus, exotic fruits, and ripe pear, which can develop toward toasty aromas, with freshness, breadth, and richness on the palate.
- Reds: deep colour, fruit-forward (blackcurrant, redcurrant) evolving toward ripe jammy fruits, morello cherry, or spice (pepper).
Terroir / wine link
- The foehn effect, generated by the chaîne des Puys, limits rainfall (~600 mm/year) and ensures optimal grape ripeness.
Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.
Sources
- Product specification (BO Agri, PDF), JORF 19 janvier 2024
- Official INAO text (show_texte)
- INAO product entry
- Official trade body site — InterLoire