Côtes de Toul

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Accessory grape varieties

Terroir

• The vineyard extends along a north-south-oriented cuesta for 20 kilometres west of Toul, formed by the erosion of sedimentary layers of the Paris Basin.
• The cuesta's slope is developed on Jurassic marls of the Oxfordian, covered by limestone scree mixed with clays resulting from their weathering.
• This slope formation contains coarser elements towards the upper part of the slope, reflecting a textural variation in the soils according to altitude on the hillside.
• The east- and south-facing hillsides, sheltered from the prevailing winds, overlook the Moselle on its left bank, at an altitude of between 245 and 380 metres.
• The temperate continental climate brings cold, dry winters with infrequent spring frosts, summers with few storms, and often very sunny autumns.

• An ordinance of 1355 set out the method of cultivation to be used for the vines, and that of 16 April 1666 banned intercropping, as part of a Lorraine wine-growing code.
• The appellation d'origine vin délimité de qualité supérieure "Côtes de Toul" was recognised by an order of 1951, after producers federated into a growers' defence syndicate.
• A collective research effort undertaken from 1991 on the vinification of vin gris made it possible to reintroduce Pinot noir as the second main grape variety in the blend.
• The appellation d'origine contrôlée "Côtes de Toul" was recognised by decree of 31 March 1998, following investment and research work on vin gris.

• Vin gris, produced by white-style vinification through draining or immediate pressing of the fresh harvest, has a bright salmon colour and a fresh-fruit nose.
• White wines made from the local Auxerrois grape variety show a nose that can develop citrus notes and a palate that is rather floral, broad on the attack, structured and long.
• Red wines, made solely from the Pinot noir grape variety, are finely tannic, full-bodied, yet rounded and refined.

• East- and south-facing orientations and the topography provide shelter from the prevailing winds and ensure sunshine, which is essential for this northern vineyard.
• The clay-limestone and stony soils provide both the necessary water reserve and good drainage, aided by the natural slope of the hillsides.

Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the source.

All appellations in France

Sources

• Product specification (BO Agri, PDF) — approved 2 septembre 2026, JORF 5 septembre 2026
• Official INAO text (show_texte)
• INAO product entry