Côtes du Forez
Styles
Principal grape varieties
Terroir
Natural factors
- Vineyards on the eastern edge of the Monts du Forez, between 400 and 600 m in altitude, stretching over 45 km across 17 communes.
- Predominantly granitic and metamorphic soils (schists, gneiss) producing sandy, light decomposed granite (arènes).
- Oceanic climate with continental and mountain influences: an average of 81 frost days per year, warm summers, and moderate rainfall.
Human factors
- Single grape variety: gamay N, vinified as reds (80%) and rosés (20%), harvested by hand or by machine.
Product characteristics
- Reds from basalt soils: deeper colour, mineral and spiced notes, more pronounced tannins, and good ageing potential.
- Classic reds: deep colour with cherry-red highlights, aromas of small red fruits, great suppleness and silky tannins.
Terroir / wine link
- On granitic arènes, gamay yields mineral and spiced nuances; on volcanic basalt, the flavours are more intense and markedly mineral.
Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.