Pierrevert

France · AOC · Rhône Valley

Styles

Natural factors

Vineyard spread across 19 communes, in a north–south band approximately 20 km × 4 km, on the western flank of the Val de l'Allier and the Sioule.
Plots between 250 m and 350 m elevation, on east- or south-east-facing slopes or on the alluvial terraces of the Sioule and the Allier.
Geological origin: dislocation of the crystalline basement during the Tertiary era, forming a rift graben (Limagne) subsequently filled with sediments and incised by the Allier.
Degraded continental climate: approximately 700 mm of rainfall per year, even drier during the growing season, with a foehn effect from westerly airflows.

Human factors

Vineyard probably established since the 6th century; sacy B, known locally as Tressallier, was replanted following the phylloxera crisis.
Cooperative cellar founded in 1952 in the aftermath of the post-war crisis; accounts for approximately two-thirds of volumes produced as of 2010.

Product characteristics

Whites: fruity notes (white-fleshed fruits, exotic fruits, citrus), sometimes floral or mentholated; lively acidity combined with body and breadth.
Reds: deep colour, red and black fruits (cherry, blackcurrant) and spices (pepper, coriander); estimated ageing potential of 2 to 4 years.

Terroir / wine link

Sandy-clay soils with moderate water-holding capacity encourage early vegetative growth and good ripening of the grapes.

Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.