Laudun

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Accessory grape varieties

Terroir

• The geographical area forms a broadly open basin sloping eastward, drained by the Tave river, which flows into the Cèze near its confluence with the Rhône.
• The northern and southern limits of the basin are formed by calcareous and calcareo-sandstone massifs of Cretaceous origin rising above 260 metres in elevation, wooded at their summits and planted with vines on their slopes.
• The soils, derived from calcareous to sandstone formations, outwash plains, or ancient Rhône alluvial terraces with rounded pebbles, offer good drainage capacity and a moderate yet sufficient water-holding reserve.
• The Mediterranean climate delivers mean annual rainfall of approximately 750 mm, with a marked peak in early autumn following a long and pronounced summer water deficit.
• The Mistral, the dominant wind from the north-north-west, is blocked by the southern relief and channelled eastward, limiting excessive temperatures, spring frost risk, and fungal disease pressure.

• The agronomist Olivier de Serres cites the wines of Laudun among the finest white wines of France in his Théâtre de l'Agriculture et mesnage des champs, published in 1600.
• From the eighteenth century onwards, the consuls published harvest proclamations prohibiting picking before the grapes reached full ripeness, a practice that continued into the nineteenth century despite the revolutionary spirit of the age.

• The red wines of Laudun are built on the predominance of Grenache, blended with Syrah and other grape varieties in smaller proportions.
• The red wines display a deep, vibrant red robe ranging from purple to garnet, with aromas of ripe or jammy small red and black fruits, spice, and liquorice.
• The white wines are produced from a blend of Grenache blanc and Clairette, accompanied by Roussanne and/or Viognier, with other grape varieties in smaller proportions.
• The white wines are bright, pale yellow in colour with green to golden highlights, with frequent aromas of exotic fruits, white peach, apricot, and/or white flowers.

• The nature of the various soil types ensures a regular, moderate, and non-excessive water supply to the vine, guaranteeing berry ripening throughout the summer period.
• The local soil conditions have allowed Syrah to be planted in greater proportions than in the surrounding vineyards, giving it a more pronounced role in the blending of the red wines.

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 21 novembre 2024, JORF 21 novembre 2024
• Official INAO text (show_texte)
• INAO product entry
• Official trade body site — Inter Rhône