Côtes du Rhône Villages
Styles
Principal grape varieties
BourboulencClairette (Clairette Blanche)Grenache Blanc (Garnacha Blanca)MarsanneRoussanneViognierGrenache (Garnacha Tinta)Mourvèdre (Monastrell)Syrah
Accessory grape varieties
Clairette RoseGrenache Gris (Garnacha Roja)Piquepoul BlancUgni Blanc (Trebbiano Toscano)Brun ArgentéCarignanCinsautCounoiseMuscardinPiquepoul NoirTerret Noir
Varieties of interest
Terroir
Natural factors
- 95 communes across 4 departments (Ardèche, Drôme, Gard, Vaucluse), on both the western and eastern banks of the Rhône
- The Mistral blows for approximately 120 days per year: a desiccating wind that clears the skies, delivering over 2,500 hours of sunshine annually, amplified by the Venturi effect of the Rhône corridor
Human factors
- Planting restrictions dating back to 1615, along with an annual harvest ban ('ban des vendanges'), were established to ensure full grape ripeness.
Product characteristics
- Full, generous reds and rosés, with ageing potential varying by soil type: lighter on sandy soils, richer and more tannic on stony and clay-dominant soils.
- Whites are round on the palate, with notes of spice and vanilla; reds and rosés dominate, accounting for 98% of total production.
Terroir / wine link
- The Mistral, a powerful, cold, and dry wind, protects the vines from fungal diseases and promotes 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 23 novembre 2024
- Official INAO text (show_texte)
- INAO product entry
- Official trade body site — Inter Rhône