🇫🇷FRANCE–Southern Rhone

SOUTHERN RHONE IS–  AOC.- 19     IGP– 6      @Avignon

  • BLANC= Bourboulenc, Clairette Rose, Grenache Gris, Marsanne, Muscat Blanc a Petits Grain, Picaridin, Picpoul Blanc, Picpoul Gris, Roussanne, Ugni Blanc, Rolle AKA=Vermentino, Viognier
    • –International– Grenache Blanc, Ugni Blanc
  • ROUGE= Syrah 15%, Calitor, Caragnan, Cinsaut, Clairette, Counoise, Mecle de Bourgoin, Muscardin, Picpoul Noir, Terret Noir, Vaccarese AKA=Brun Argente
    • –International– Grenache AKA=Garnacha 31%, Mourvedre AKA=Monastrell 12%, Zinfandel

GEOGRAPHY– France(South-Central), REGION-Southern Rhone Valley

  • BORDERS-Northern Rhone Valley(North), Provence(South), LATITUDE: 44.44°‘N’– 43.83°‘N’
  • DEPARTMENTS-Ardeche, Drome, Gard, Isere, Vaucluse
  • Sub-Zones/ AOC.’s– Beaunes de Venise AOC., Cairanne AOC., Chateauneuf du-Pape AOC., Clairette de Bellegarde AOC., Costieres de Nimes AOC., Coteaux Pierrevert AOC., Cotes du Luberon AOC., Cotes du Rhone AOC., Cotes du Rhone Village AOC., Cotes du Ventoux AOC., Cotes du Vivarais AOC., Duche d’Uzes AOC., Gigondas AOC., Grignan-Les-Adhemar AOC., Lirac AOC., Rasteau AOC., Tavel AOC., Vacqueyras AOC., Vinsobres AOC.
    • IGP’s– Ardeche IGP., Cevennes IGP.,  Coteaux des Baronnies IGP. Drome IGP., Gard IGP., Mediterranee IGP., Vaucluse IGP.

TOPOGRAPHY– 

  • FEATURES- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Valley(Rhone)”
    • SLOPES/ Dentilles de Montmirail, +Altitude(98mt.- 450mt.)
  • TOPOGRAPHIC EVENTS-
    • Rhone Valley is the Convergence of Massif Central In the West and Alps In the East.  The Rhone Valley Also Has Great Influence In the Last Ice Age When Rhone Glacier Carved the Rhone Valley.
  • The Rhone River Valley
    • Geography- The Rhone River Valley Which Drains Much of the Western Alps Starts as Run-Off  From the Rhone Glacier In the Saint-Gotthard Massif at Its “Source/ Head-Waters” of the Upper Rhone Valley In the Canton of Valais, Switzerland at 2,208 mt.  The 813 km. River Flows Through Valais, Lake Geneva, Savoie, the Rhone Valley and Provence Before Entering the Mediterranean Sea. The Rhone River Has Always Been an Important Highway/ Trade Route Since the Times of the Greeks and Romans.

SOILS–  “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Gallet, Sand, Red Sand-Stone, Limestone

  • Top-Soil- Schist, Gneiss, Limestone, Clay Deposits
  • Sub-Soil- Granit, Drift Boulders, Sand
  • Gallet-(Pudding Stones)- Rolled River Stones That Go 10 Meters Deep In Some Places Before Soil Below.
    • These Gallets Were Formed by the Weight of Glacier’s Movement, Then Rounded and Polished by the Flow of Water as the Ice Melted.

CLIMATE– “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences

  • *Summers– Hot/ Heat, Dry   |   *Winters– Cold, Wet, Not Extremely Severe
  • +WINDS~~Le Minstral~
    • Origins… Begin In the Massif Central of Central France and Blow South Through the Rhone Valley and Into the Mediterranean Sea.
  • ~Sirocco~ Origins… From the South.

VITICULTURE–  

  • CHALLENGES– Fog…Mold, Mildew, Frost…Kill Budding Fruit, Coulure
    • +WINDS~ ~Le Mistral~…Can Blow Off Grapes, Leaves, Branches
  • Vine Training- Echalas(Staked Vine) Trellis System-  The Crown of the Young Vine is Developed In a Bush Vine Shape to Start.  The Shoots Are Then Tied to the One Pole. (No Wires Are Used.)  
    • Benefits– This Trellis Style Allows Bunches to Ripen In Mini-Microclimates That Are Well Aerated Allows Sun to Enters the Canopy In “Dapple Light” From All Directions.  Echalas is Also Good In Steep Slopes Vineyards and In High Wind Areas.
  • Epic Vinetages- 2010, 2016

VINICULTURE– (97% Red/ 3% White), Rose,  Sparkling,  Late Harvest,  Botrytis

  • Vins Doux Naturels-(2)– Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise, Rasteau
  • WINE BARRELS~ ~Demi-Mudi~ 225 Liters (Chateauneuf-du-Pape)
  • ATTRIBUTES Of The GSM BLEND
    • Grenache- Brings– Fruit, Juiciness, Acidity, Higher In ABV., Pale In Color
    • Syrah- Brings– Color/Darkness, Tannin, Spice, Minerality, Lower In Acidity
    • Mourvedre- Brings– Tannin, Structure, Earthiness, Ageworthiness

HISTORY–

  • 500 BC. @Rhone Valley– Greek Planted First Grapes.
  • 200 BC. @Rhone Valley– Romans Introduce and Establish Quality Viticulture and Reputation For Wine.
  • 1936 @Chateauneuf-du-Pape– AOC. Established. (First Official French Wine Appellation.)

CULTURE–

  • “Monks & Monasteries”  ~Rhone Valley~
    • Benedictine of @Cornas/ St. Peray
    • Benedictine of @Gigondas
    • Carthusian of @Chateauneuf-du-Pape
    • Cistercian of @Vacqueyras
    • Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Roman @Costieres de Nimes
    • Cistercian Abbey of Franquevaux @Costieres de Nimes
  • PIONEERS~ ~Pope John XXII~ Promotion of Viticulture the Southern Rhone.
    • ~Louis Gambert de Loche~ Pioneer of the French Appellation System.
    • ~Jean-Pierre Perrin~ Winemaker/ Owner of Perrin & Tablas Creek.
    • ~Philippe Cambie~ “Rhone Valley/1960-2021”, “God of Grenache”.
      • Consulting Winemaker For Dozens of Chateauneuf-du-Pape Estate.
  • GASTRONOMY… Pike Dumplings With Crawfish Sauce, Chicken Liver Salad
      • Grilled Steak With Bone Marrow, Lamb Shanks/ Rack of, Baby Goat With Herbs
    • CHEESE… St. Marcellin(Goat)   |   DESSERT… Apple, Ice Cream With Calvados

GOING THERE

  • WINE ROUTES~ ~Cote du Rhone~ Series of Traveling Routes Between Vienna and Avignon That Allow For Wine Tourism in Different Section of the Rhone Valley.
    • ~Route du Septentrion~ (Northern Rhone)
    • ~Route de la Drome~ (Vinsobres/ Cote-du-Rhone Villages)
    • ~Route des Dentelles de Montmirail~ (Beaumes-de-Venise, Gigondas, Rasteau, Sablet, Seguret, Vacqueyras)
    • ~Route de l’Ardeche a la Ceze–
    • ~Route de la Cote du Rhone Gardoise~ (Lirac, Tavel)
    • ~Route des Papes~ (Chateauneuf-du-Pape & Surrounding Communes)

RHONE VALLEY WINE CLASSIFICATION

  • Cote du Rhone-(171)– Communes- General Appellation
  • Cotes du Rhone Village-(95)– Communes With Minimum Requirements
  • Cotes du Rhone Villages-(22)– Village Name
    • Chusclan, Gadagne, Laudun, Massif d’Uchaux, Plan de Dieu, Roaix, Rochegude, Rousset-Les-Vignes, Sablet, Sinargues, St.-Maurice-Sur-Eygues, St.-Panteleon-Les-Vignes, Vaison la Romaine, Valreas, Vinsobres
  • Grand Cru-(17)- Most Demanding Level of Quality and Distinction
    • 17 Named Appellation Are Allowed to Be Recognized by Their Village Without the Mention of Cote Du Rhone On Label
    • Southern Rhone–(9)– Beaumes de Venise AOC., Cairanne AOC., Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC., Diois AOC., Gigondas AOC., Lirac AOC., Rasteau AOC., Tavel AOC., Vacqueyras AOC., Vinsorbes AOC.
    • Northern Rhone–(8)– Chateau-Grillet AOC., Condrieu AOC., Cornas AOC., Cote-Rotie AOC., Crozes-Hermitage AOC., Hermitage AOC., Saint-Joseph AOC., Saint Peray AOC.

**Southern Rhone Wine Map Images Courtesy of Delong Maps, Purchase Maps at Delongwine.com

COTES Du VIVARAIS AOC.    @Saint-Montan

  • BLANC= Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne
  • ROUGE= Grenache, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Southern Rhone Valley(North-West), LATITUDE: 44.44°‘N’
    • (AOC. Laps)Cote Du Rhone AOC.(South-East), West of Grignan-Les-Adhemar-City(     km.)
    • DEPARTMENT-Ardeche, Gard
    • COMMUNES-(14)–Bidon, Garn, Gras, Issirac, Labastide-de-Virac, Lagorce, Larnas, Montclus, Orgnac-l’Aven, Saint-Montan, Saint-Privat-de-Champclos, Saint-Remeze, Vinezac Gard
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly”, SLOPES/ Grands Causses, +Altitude(400mt.)
    • ON PLATEAU/~Des Gras~, On~Ardeche/Ceze~Rivers~Tributary~Rhone~River~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Limestone, Marl
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences, +WIND~~Le Minstral~
  • VITICULTURE- 650ha. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- Bel Air, Gallety, Mas de Bagnols, Notre Dame de Causignac
  • VINICULTURE- Blanc,  Rose(60%-80% Grenache),   Rouge
  • CULTURE- 1999– AOC. Officially Established.

GRIGNAN-Les-ADHEMAR AOC.      @Grignan

  • BLANC= Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussane, Viognier
  • ROUGE= Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault, Mourvedre
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Southern Rhone Valley(North), DEPARTMENT-Drome
    • South of Montelimar-City(28km.), East of Cotes Du Vivarais AOC.(10km.), LATITUDE: 44.41°‘N’
    • COMMUNES-(21)-
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling”, +Altitude(?), On~Rhone~River~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Limestone, Clay, Sand, Quaternary Sediment
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences, +WIND~~Le Minstral~
  • VITICULTURE- 2,600ha. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- Andre Aubert, Bigard, Grangeneuve, Montine, Saint Luc
  • CULTURE- 1973– AOC. Officially Established.
    • After a Accident at Tricastin Nuclear Power Plant Change Name From Coteaux du Tricastin AOC. to Grignan-Les-Adhemar.

VINSOBRES AOC.     @Vinsobres

  • ROUGE= Grenache 45%, Carignan, Cinsault, Mourvedre,  Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Southern Rhone Valley(North-East), LATITUDE: 44.33°‘N’
    • DEPARTMENT-Drome, In Cote Du Rhone(North-East), North-East of Orange(30km.)
    • Sub-Zones- Les Collines, Le Coteau, Le Plateau, La Terrasse,
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”, SLOPES/ ?, +Altitude(25mt.- 450mt.)
    • On~Le Coriancon/La Moye/Le Rieu/Rivers~Tributaries~L’Aygues~River~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Clay, Sand, Limestone
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences, +WIND~~Le Minstral~
  • VITICULTURE- 1,385ha. Planted
    • *Vinsobres is Considered 1 of 9 Cru-Level Regions/ Wines of Southern Rhone.
    • Estate/ Producers- L’Ancienne Ecole, Chaume-Arnaud, Constant-Duquesnoy, Famille Perrin, Gramenon, Jaume, De Montine, Montplaisir, La Pâquerette, Rouanne(62ha.), Serre Besson(4ha.), Vallot-Le Coriancon
  • VINICULTURE- Wine Must Be +50% Grenache/ +25% Syrah to Be Labeled AOC.
  • CULTURE- 1937- AOC. Cotes du Rhone Established.
    • 1957- AOC. Cotes du Rhone Village Established.
    • 2006- AOC. Vinsobres Established.
  • SUB-ZONES Of VINSOBRES
    • LES COLLINES– 
      • Geography- Southern-Rhone, In Vinsobres AOC.
      • Topography- +Altitude(300mt.- 450mt.), Soils- Clay, Sand
      • Lieux-Dits/ Vineyards– Les Andronniers, Chabrier, Chatelain, Chevalet, Le Colombier, Combaud, Les Cornuds, Les Deux Doigts, Gareu, Gareu et Blancharde, Les Gises, La Grande Vigne, Meynard et Lorie, Pastoir, Les Piallats, Pied Court, Plan de Chaix, Plan de Chaix et Meynard, Les Pommiers, Pre Neuf
    • LE PLATEAU– 
      • Geography- Southern-Rhone, In Vinsobres AOC.
      • Topography- +Altitude(350mt.- 450mt.), Soils- Large Pebbles, Silt, Red Clay
        • On~L’Herein~River~
      • Lieux-Dits/ Vineyards– Balifier et Serre de Vialle, Buissillon, Brunet et Chaudebrie, Les Chauvets, Combe de Mege, Crose et Brunet, Devant Vialle, Les Escoulaires, Fresquet et Tonillon, Les Grands Preaux, Les Plaines, Les Preaux, Vivarais
    • COTEAU–
      • Geography- Southern-Rhone, In Vinsobres AOC.
      • Topography- +Altitude(250mt.- 350mt.), Soils- Clay, Sand, Pebbles, Limestone
      • Lieux-Dits/ Vineyards– La Conche, Les Cotes, Les Louardes, Les Parizots, La Plan, La Plan de la Moye, Reveuge, Rouanne et les Crotes, St. Jacques, St. Pierre, Serre Besson, Veronne
    • PRIMIERE TERRASSE–
      • Geography-Southern-Rhone, In Vinsobres AOC.
      • Topography- +Altitude(200mt.- 250mt.), Soils- Alluvial
      • Lieux-Dits/ Vineyards– Barnier, Hauterives, La Maria, Le Moulin, Paroir, Plan de Guerin, Les Ratiers, St. Vincent

DUCHE D’UZES AOC.     @Uzes

  • BLANC= Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Viognier
  • ROUGE= Carignan, Cinsaut, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Clairette
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Southern Rhone Valley(West), DEPARTMENT-Gaud
    • BORDERS-Cote Du Rhone AOC.(East), Costieres de Nimes AOC.(South)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”, SLOPES/ ?, +Altitude( ? mt.)
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences, +WIND~~Le Minstral~
  • VITICULTURE- 282ha. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- Barton & Guestier, Chabrier, Mathilde Chapoutier, Mas des Volques, Philippe Nusswitz
  • VINICULTURE- Blanc,  Rose(60%-80% Grenache),   Rouge
  • CULTURE- 2012– AOC. Officially Established.

COTES-Du-RHONE AOC.    

  • BLANC= Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Gri, Marsanne, Picpoul, Roussanne, Ugni Blanc, Viognier
  • ROUGE=Carignan, Cinsault, Clairette Rose, Counoise, Grenache, Marselan, Mourvedre, Muscardin, Picpoul, Syrah, Terret Noir
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Southern Rhone Valley(Central)
    • Plus a Couple Satellite/ “Non-Contiguous(3)”, Areas South of St.Peray
    • “Multi-Appellation”, (AOC. Laps)Cote Du Rhone Villages AOC.
    • AOC.s– (Located Within Cote-du-Rhone AOC.) Chateauneuf du Pape AOC., Gigondas AOC., Liras AOC., Rasteau AOC., Tavel AOC., Vacqueyras AOC., Vinsores AOC.
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”, On~Rhone~River~(Left & Right Banks)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences, +WIND~~Le Minstral~
  • VITICULTURE- Negociant Influenced/ Co.-Op.s
  • VINICULTURE- Blanc,  Rose,  Rouge
    • Estate/ Producers- Cellier de Dauphins, E. Guigal, Fontbonau, Gramenon(Nat.Pro.), Janasse Trignon, Jaume, J-L Chave Selection(Negociant), Joncier(Nat.Pro.), St. Cosme, Saint Laurent(40ha.)
    • Vineyards– Champauvins
  • CULTURE- “Côtes du Rhone”…+Pronounced…“Coat-doo-Rone”
    • UNESCO. WORLD HERITAGE SIGHT~ ~Avignon~
      • Awarded For– The Historic Center of Avignon(Papal Palace, Episcopal Ensemble, Avignon Bridge)

“A Well Made Cotes du Rhone, From a Thoughfully Farmed Vineyards Will Inspire More Than a Poorly Produced Chateauneuf-du-Pape”

COTES-Du-RHONE-VILLAGES AOC.     

  • BLANC= Grenache Blanc
  • ROUGE= Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvedre, Syrah
    GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Southern Rhone Valley(Central)

    • DEPARTMENT-Gard, (AOC. Laps)Cote Du Rhone AOC.
    • VILLAGES-(21)- Chusclan, Gadgne, Laudun, Massif d’Uchaux, Plan de Dieu, Puymeras, Roaix, Rochegude, Rousset-les-Vignes, Sablet, Seguret, Signargues, St. Maurice, St. Pantaleon, Ste.-Cecile,  St. Gervais, Suze-la-Rousse, Vaison-la-Romaine, Valreas, Visan
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”
    • On~Eygues-Aigues/ Tave/ Ouveze~Rivers~Tributary~Rhone~River~
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences, +WIND~~Le Minstral~
  • VITICULTURE- 3,380ha. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- Les Aphillanthes(50ha.)
  • VINICULTURE- +YIELDS/ 42 hl./ ha. vs. 52 hl./ ha. (Cotes du Rhone)
  • CULTURE- ~Cote-Du-Rhone Villages~
    • An Appellation Title Given to the 22 Communes or Villages Across the Southern Rhone Valley. These Villages Produce Wines That Are Considered a Step Up In Quality From the General Regional Cotes-Du-Rhone Wines.

Villages West of Rhone River

    • GEOGRAPHY– France, REGION-Southern Rhone Valley(Central)
      • DEPARTMENTS–Drome, Gard, Vaucluse
    • TOPOGRAPHY– “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly”
      • On~Ceze/Tave~River~Tributary~Rhone~River~(Left Bank/ West)
  • St-Gervais     @St. Gervais
    • GEOGRAPHY- Cote du Rhone-Village(West), DEPARTMENT-Gard
    • VITICULUTRE- 103 ha. Planted
      • Estate/ Producers- Chabal & Chartreux, Chapelas, Clavel, Sainte-Anne
    • CULTURE- 1974- AOC. St.-Gervais Village Officially Established.
  • Chusclan     @Chusclan
    • GEOGRAPHY- Cote du Rhone-Village(West), DEPARTMENT-Gard
    • TOPOGRAPHY- On~Ceze~River/ Tributary~Rhone~River~
    • VITICULTURE- 150 ha. Planted
      • Estate/ Producers- La Baraniere, La Romance, Signac
    • CULTURE- 1967- AOC. Chusclan Village Officially Established.
  • Laudun     @Laudun
    • GEOGRAPHY- Cote du Rhone-Village(West), DEPARTMENT-Gard
      • COMMUNES-Laudun, St. Victor la Coste, Tresques
    • TOPOGRAPHY- On~Tave~River/ Tributary~Rhone~River~
    • VITICULUTRE- 450 ha. Planted
      • Estate/ Producers- Allegret, , Courac, Ferraton, Pelaquie, St. Maurice
    • CULTURE- 1967- AOC. Laudun Village Officially Established.
  • Signargues     @Signargues
    • GEOGRAPHY- Cote du Rhone-Village(South-West), DEPARTMENT-Gard
      • COMMUNES-Domazan, Estezargues, Rochefort-du-Gard, Saze
    • VITICULUTRE-  420 ha. Planted
      • Estate/ Producers- Font de Michelle, Michel Collomb, Pierre-Henri
    • CULTURE- 2005- AOC. Signargues Village Officially Established.

Villages East of Rhone River

    • GEOGRAPHY– France, REGION-Southern Rhone Valley
      • DEPARTMENTS-Drome/ Vaucluse
    • TOPOGRAPHY– “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly”, On~Rhone~River~(Right Bank/East)
  • Gadagne      @Gadagne
    • GEOGRAPHY- Cote du Rhone-Village(South)
      • COMMUNES-Caumont-sur-Darance, Chateauneuf-de-Gadagne, Morieres-les-Avignon, St. Saturninles-Avignon, Vedene
    • VITICULTURE-   87 ha. Planted
      • Estate/ Producers- Du Bois de St. Jean, De la Chapelle, Le Clos des Saumanes, Demazet, Des Pentelines, Quilex
    • CULTURE- 2012- AOC. Gadagne Village Officially Established.
  • Massif d’Uchaux      @Massif d’Uchaux
    • GEOGRAPHY- Cote du Rhone-Village(Central)
    • VITICULTURE-   ? ha. Planted
      • Estate/ Producers- La Cabotte, Cellier Dauphins
  • Plan de Dieu       @Plan de Dieu
    • GEOGRAPHY- Cote du Rhone-Village(Central)
    • VITICULTURE-  ?  ha. Planted
      • Estate/ Producers- Les Aphillanthes, L’Arnesque, Bastide, Gabriel Meffre, Pasquiers
  • Puymeras     @Puymeras
    • GEOGRAPHY- Cote du Rhone-Village(East)
    • VITICULTURE-  ? ha. Planted
      • Estate/ Producers-
  • Roaix      @Roaix
    • GEOGRAPHY- Cote du Rhone-Village(East)
    • VITICULTURE-  ? ha. Planted
      • Estate/ Producers- Pique-Basse(89 ha.)
  • Rochegude      @Rochegude
    • GEOGRAPHY- Cote du Rhone-Village(North-Central)
    • VITICULUTRE– 178 ha. Planted
      • Estate/ Producers-
  • Rousset-les-Vignes      @Rousset-Vignes
    • GEOGRAPHY- Cote du Rhone-Village(North-East)
    • VITICULUTRE- 58 ha. Planted
      • Estate/ Producers-
  • Sablet      @Sablet
    • GEOGRAPHY- Cote du Rhone-Village(East)
    • VITICULTURE-  180 ha. Planted
      • Estate/ Producers- Pasquiers, Du Piaugier
  • Seguret     @Seguret
    • GEOGRAPHY- Cote du Rhone-Village(East)
    • VITICULUTRE- 222 ha. Planted
      • Estate/ Producers- L’Amandine, Chamfort, Maimont
  • St-Maurice      @St. Maurice
    • VITICULUTRE- 170 ha. Planted
      • Estate/ Producers-
  • St-Pantaleon     @St. Pantaleon
    • GEOGRAPHY- Cote du Rhone-Village(North-East)
    • VITICULUTRE- 63 ha. Planted
      • Estate/ Producers-
  • Ste-Cecile     @Ste-Cecile
    • GEOGRAPHY- Cote du Rhone-Village(Central)
    • VITICULTURE- ? ha. Planted
      • Estate/ Producers-
  • Suze-la-Rousse     @Suze-la-Rousse
    • GEOGRAPHY- Cote du Rhone-Village(North-Central)
    • VITICULTURE- ? ha. Planted
      • Estate/ Producers- LePlan-Vermeersch(25ha.)
  • Vaison-la-Romaine     @Vaison-Romaine
    • GEOGRAPHY- Cote du Rhone-Village(East)
    • VITICULTURE- ? ha. Planted
      • Estate/ Producers- Eric Texier, La Grange Vieille, La Roche Buissiere(18ha.)
  • Valreas      @Valreas
    • GEOGRAPHY- Cote du Rhone-Village(North-East)
    • VITICULUTRE- 373 ha. Planted
      • Estate/ Producers- Clos Bellane, La Decelle, Gramenon, Meulieres, Du Seminaire
  • Visan      @Visan
    • GEOGRAPHY- Cote du Rhone-Village(North-East), COMMUNE-Visan
    • VITICULUTRE- 390 ha. Planted
      • Estate/ Producers- De la Bastide, Coste Chaude, La Florane, Gassier, Olivier Cuilleras, La Prevosse, Roche-Audran

CAIRANNE AOC.      @Cairanne

  • BLANC= Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Roussane
  • ROUGE= Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah
    • –International– Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Southern Rhone Valley, DEPARTMENT-Vaucluse
    • In Cotes du Rhone AOC., BORDERS-Rateau(East), North-East of Orange(20km.)
    • Sub-Zones- Les Terrassses de L’Aygues(West), Les Coteaux du Miocne(North), Les Garrigues
    • +Latitude(44.12°‘N’ to 44.15°‘N’)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”, On~Aigues~River~
    • On Large Hummock(Knoll/ Mound), +Altitude(98mt. to 339mt.)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Marl, Limestone
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences, +WIND~~Le Minstral~
  • VITICULTURE– 1,088 ha./ 140 ha. Planted
    • *Cairanne is Considered 1 of 9 Cru-Level Regions/ Wines of Southern Rhone.
    • Estate/ Producers- A. Berthet-Rayne, Alary(30ha.), Des Amadieu, Belvedaire, Boisson, Boutinot, Brunely, Brusset, Cave de Cairanne(Co.Op.), Les Chemins de Seve, Les Coteaux du Rhone, De Dionysos, Des Espiers, Fond Croze, De Galuval, Gonnet, Les Grands Bois, Haute Cances, Juliette Avril, Lucien Tramier, Marcel Richaud, Martin, De l’Oratoire, Pierre Amadieu, , Rabasse Charavin, Roche, Romain Duvenay
    • Lieux-Dits/ Vineyards– Le Banvin, Les Beauchieres, Beauregard, la Beraude, Bon Clos, La Bosquettte, Le Bridge,, Bruneau, Caffeine, Chantal, Col du Debate, Les Combes, Combes de la Pauline, La Couranconne, La Daurelle, Galuval, Les Garrigues, Le Grand Alcyon, Les Gres, La Grand Chene, Julian, Laugh Thor, Mood, L’Oratoire, Paligot, Le Plaisir,  Read Bruns,, Le Rouzet, Les Sabliers, Saint Andeol, Saint Martin, Sepps, Sous Ville, La Vitalis
  • CULTURE- 1953- AOC. Cotes du Rhone Established.
    • 1967- AOC. Cotes du Rhone Village Established.
    • 2016- AOC. Cairanne  Established.
  • SUB-ZONES Of CAIRANNE
    • Les TERRASSES DE L’AYGUES– 
      • Geography- Southern-Rhone, In Cairanne AOC.(West)
    • Les COTEAUX Du MIOCENE– 
      • Geography- Southern-Rhone, In Cairanne AOC.(North)
    • Les GARRIGUES– 
      • Geography- Southern-Rhone, In Cairanne AOC.(South)

RASTEAU AOC.     @Rasteau

  • BLANC= Bouboulenc, Clairette, Marsanne, Picpoul, Viognier
  • ROUGE= Grenache 60%, Carignan, Cinsault, Counoise, Mourvedre, Syrah, Terret Noir
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Southern Rhone Valley, DEPARTMENT-Vaucluse
    • In Cotes du Rhone AOC., COMMUNE-Rasteau, In Cote Du Rhone(East-Central)
    • CITIES– Cairanne, Rasteau, Seguret
    • Sub-Zones- Bedarrides, Courthezon, Orange, Sorgues, BORDERS-Cairanne(West)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling/ Valley, Ridge”
    • SLOPES/ Dentelles de Montmirial, +Altitude(200mt.- 320mt.)
    • On~Ouveze~River~Tributary~Rhone~, On Large Hummock(Knoll/ Mound)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Sandstone, Galets, Marl(Grey/ Yellow/ Blue), Clay, Limestone
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences, +WIND~~Le Minstral~
  • VITICULTURE– 946 ha. Planted,  (5% Blanc/ 95% Rouge)
    • *Rasteau is Considered 1 of 9 Cru-Level Regions/ Wines of Southern Rhone.
    • Estate/ Producers- Alain Jaume, Des Amadieu, Beau Mistral, Des Banquettes, Brusset, La Colliere, Combe Juliere, Caves de Rasteau, Elodie Balme(17ha,), Des Escaravailles, Gabriel Meffre, Gramiller(22ha.), Lavau, La Luminaille(15ha.), Mikael Boutin(2.5ha.), Purviti, Rabasse Charavin, La Soumade, Tardieu-Laurnet, Du Trignon, De Verquiere, Wilfried(20ha.)
      • Co.-Ops’s- Cave de Cairanne Maison Camille Cayran, Cave de Vignerons de Rasteau, CAve des Vignerons de Roaix-Seguret
    • Lieu-Dit/ Vineyards- Blauvac, Les Bordels, La Chevaliere, Le Clos Saint Louis, La Combe de l’Eoune, La Combe Drieu, La Dague, Les Encostes, Les Esqueirons, Ferme Boubal, Garriguette, Les Geaux, Les Girards, Les Girasols, Les Grand Vallat, Grange Blanche, Le Grangeon des Gardes, Grenouiller, Le Jas, Les Marcels, Les Marcs, Le Montagnard, Pisan, Saint-Aliman, Saint-Antoine, Saint-Martin
  • VINICULTURE- Vin Doux Naturel(Fortified During Fermentation With ?)
    • +252 G./RS. Per L. & 15% Potential Alcohol, +ABV.- 15%- 21.5%
      • *STYLES/ White,  Rose,  Red,  Hors d’Age(+Aged– +5 yr.),  Rancio
    • Wine Must Be +50% Grenache to Be Labeled Rasteau AOC.
    • White Grapes Grown In Rasteau AOC. Are Labeled and Sold as Cotes du Rhone.
  • CULTURE-
    • 1944- AOC. For Vin Doux Naturel Established.
    • 1966- Awarded Cotes-du-Rhone Village Status.
    • 2010- AOC. Officially Established.

LIRAC AOC.     @Lirac

  • BLANC= Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Marsanne, Picpoul, Roussanne, Ugni Blanc, Viognier
  • ROUGE= Carignan, Cinsault, Counoise, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Southern Rhone Valley(West), DEPARTMENT-Gard
    • In Cotes du Rhone AOC., LATITUDE: 44.03°‘N’
    • North-East of Avignon-City(15 km.), BORDERS-Tavel AOC.(South)
    • COMMUNES-Lirac, Roquemaure, Saint-Génies-de-Comolas, Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly”, SLOPES/ ?, +Altitude(200mt.)
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences, +WIND~~Le Minstral~
  • VITICULTURE- 755 ha. Planted
    • *Lirac is Considered 1 of 9 Cru-Level Regions/ Wines of Southern Rhone.
    • Estate/ Producers- D’Aqueria, Alain Jaume, D’Arbousset, Boucarut, Cantegril, Carabinier, Clos du Sixte, Coudoulis, Famille Brechet, Du Joncier, La Loyane, Maby, Marks & Spencer, Montfaucon, Mont Redon, Mordoree, Ogier, Pelaquie, Segries, St. Roch, Vignobles Assemat
  • VINICULTURE- Blanc,  Rose,  Rouge(Grenache+40%)
  • CULTURE- 1947- AOC. Officially Established.

TAVEL AOC.     @Tavel

  • BLANC= Bourboulenc, Clairette, Picpoul
  • ROUGE= Grenache, Cinsaut, Calitor, Carignan, Mourvèdre, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Southern Rhone Valley(Central), In Cotes du Rhone AOC.
    • DEPARTMENT-Vaucluse, BORDERS-Lirac AOC.(North), LATITUDE: 44.01°‘N’
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”, SLOPES/ ?, +Altitude( ? ), On~Rhone~River~(Right Bank/ East)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”
    • Chalk, Fluvial Sand, Clay, Limestone, Slate, Galets Roule, Gravel
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences,  +WIND~~Le Minstral~
  • VITICULTURE- 930ha. Planted
    • *Tavel is Considered 1 of 9 Cru-Level Regions/ Wines of Southern Rhone.
    • Estate/ Producers– Anglore, Aqueria(70ha.), Des Carabiniers, Lafond, Le Mas Duclaux, Maby, Manissy, De la Mordoree, Moulin-la-Viguerie, Segries, Terre Davau
  • VINICULTURE- Rose🌹, *Generally– ABV.+11%(Min.)/ Macerated 10-30 Hours
    • **Vinification of Tavel Rose is a Well-Guarded Secret and Signature of Appellation.
    • Wine Must Be -60% Grenache, -15% Cinsaut to Be Labeled Tavel AOC.
  • CULTURE- 1936- AOC. Officially Established.
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Syndicat Viticole de l’Appellation Tavel~

CHATEAUNEUF-Du-PAPE AOC.     @Chateaneuf du-Pape

  • BLANC= Boubelenc, Clairette Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Picpoul Blanc, Picardan, Rousanne
  • GRI= Clairette Gris, Grenache Gris Picpoul Gris
  • ROUGE= Cinsaut, Counoise, Grenache, Mourvedre Muscardin, Syrah, Terret Noir, Vaccarese AKA=Bru Argente
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Southern Rhone Valley(Central), In Cotes du Rhone AOC.
    • DEPARTMENT-Vaucluse, North of Avignon-City(15 km.), (15 km. Long & 6 km. Wide)
    • COMMUNES-(5)-Bedarrides, Chateauneuf du-Pape, Couthezon, Orange, Sorgues
    • LATITUDE: 44.05°‘N’
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling/ Plateau(La Crau)”, +Altitude( ? )
    • On~Rhone~River~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Gallet, Sand, Red Sand-Stone, Limestone
    • Gallet-(Pudding Stones)– Rolled River Stones That Go 10 Meters Deep In Some Places.
    • Cretaceous Limestone | Miocene Sandstone/ Molasse | Sandy Clay(Coarsely &Finely Fragmented)
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences
    • +WIND~~Le Minstral~, Vines Trained Low to Ground For Protection.
  • VITICULTURE- 3,200ha. Planted,  Max 3,000 Vines Per Hectare
    • Less Than 35 Hectoliters per Hectare, No Irrigation June 15th.
    • Vine Training– Gobelet, Cordon Royal, Guyot.
    • *Chateauneuf-du-Pape is Considered 1 of 9 Cru-Level Regions/ Wines of Southern Rhone.
    • Estate/ Producers- Alain Jaume, Banneret(4ha.), Barabiniers, La Barroche, Beaucastel, De Beaurenard(32ha.), Bois de Boursan, Brunier, Cabrieres, Cailloux, Chante Gigale, Chante-Perdrix, De la Charbonniere, Clos du Caillou, Clos du Mont-Olivet, Clos des Papes, Clos St. Jean, De Cristia, Crois St.-Martin, Duseigneur, De la Font du Loup, Fortia, Les Gailloux, Du Galet des Papes, De la Gardine, Guillaume Gonnet, Henri Bonneau, Janasse, Marcoux, Mas de Boislauzon, Mont-Redon, Nalys(Guigal/ 148ha.), La Nerthe, Des Papes, Pegau, Perrin, Des Pines Roches, Rayas, Raymond Usselglio & Fils, Roger Sabon, Sixtine, De la Solitude, Saint Galet, Santa Duc, St. Siffrein, Télégraphe(E./56ha.), Vieux Donjon, Vieux Lazaret
    • Lieux-Dits/ Vineyards-(134)– Arnesque, Barbe d’Asne, Barnouine, Barratin, Bas Serres, Bedines, Bertaude, Beau Renard, Bigote, Blacquieres, Boilauzon, Bois Boursan/ Dauphin/ Senechaux/ La Vieille, Bosquets, Boucon, Bourguignons, Brusquieres, Cabane St. Jean, Cabrieres, Camsaud, Cansaud, Cassanets, Castelas, Cerise, Chapouin, Charbonnieres, Chemin de Chateauneuf/ Courthezon/ Sorgues, Clos, Colombia, Combes d’Arnevel/ Masques/ Les, Coste Froide, Coteau de l’Ange/ Saint Jean, Coudoulet, Coulaire, Coulets, Crau East/ North/ West, Cristia North/ South, Croix de Bois, Crousroute, Croze, Deves d’Estouard, Duvet, Escondudes, Esqueirons, Etange, Fangueiron, Farquerol North/ South, Font de Michelle/ Loup/ Pape, Fortiasse, Four a Chaux, Galimardes, Gardine, Gardiole, Garriuese, Grand Deves/ Pierre/ PLantier, Grandes Gualiguieres/ Serres, Grenade, Gres, Guigasse, Janasse, Jacquinoote, Lac, Limas, Lionne, Marines, Marron, Mascarrons, Mont Redon, Montolivet, Mont Pertuis, Moulin a Vent, Mourre Gaud/ Perdrix, Nerte, Palestor, Pakistan, Parrans, Patouille, Petit Bastide/ Serres, Pialons, Pied Baut, Pierre a Feu, Pegeoulet, Pignan, Pointu, Plagnes, Pradel, Ras Cassa, Rayas, Remanges, Revciores, Reves, Roquette, Roumiguieris, Saint Georges, Saint Joseph, Saintes Vierges, Saumades Sauvines, Les Sinards(2.5ha.), Terres Blanches, Terre Ferme, Tresquous, Valoiri, Vaudieu
  • VINICULTURE- GSM./ Cote Du Rhone/ Chateauneuf Du-Pape, +ABV.- +12.5%.(Min.)
      • General Term Used For the Blends In Southern Rhone Valley.
    • BLANC= Boubelenc, Clairette, Clairette Rose, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Picardan, Picpoul Blanc, Picpoul Gris,, Roussanne
    • ROUGE= Cinsaut, Counoise, Grenache, Mourvèdre Muscardin, Picpoul,  Syrah, Terret Noir, Vaccarese
    • Chareaneuf-du-Pape is a Possible Blend of 2 Up to 13 Grapes, Up to 18 Depending On Whether or Not You Count the Different Varieties as Clones/ Mutations and Color Version of Grenache(Blanc/ Gris), Picpoul(Blanc/ Gris) and Clairette(Rose) as One Grape or Multiple Grape.
    • *Generally– Grenache 30%, Mourvedre 30%, Syrah 10%, Counoise 10%
    • Only 3 Chateaux Use All 13 Grapes In Blend. (Beaucastel, Montredon, Clos de Papes)
    • Attributes of the GSM Blend
      • Grenache- Brings– Fruit, Acidity…
      • Syrah- Brings– Color, Spice, Minerality…
      • Mourvèdre- Brings– Tannin, Structure…
  • HISTORY/ Back-Story-
    • 1309 @Chateauneuf-du-Pape– Pope Clement 5th. Transferred the Papacy From Rome to Avignon.
      • After His Death Pope John XXII Establish a Summer Residence In a Small Village In What Was to Be Known as Chateaneuf-du-Pape. In 1317 He Ordered the Construction of a Castle at the Top of the Hill Above the Village. Seven Successive Popes From 1309 to 1423.  He Also Gets Credit For Planting the First Papal Vineyards and Promoting the Wine In the Region.
    • 1936 @Chateauneuf-du-Pape– AOC. Established (First Official French Wine Appellation.)
  • CULTURE-
    • “Monks & Monasteries”, Carthusian of @Chateauneuf-du-Pape
    • BOTTLE STYLES~ ~Chateaueuf-du Pape~ As a Guarantee of Authenticity In 1937 Wines Have Been Branded and Embossed Bottles Designated by the Papal Tiara Coat of Arms. If the Producer is Estate Grown and Located Within the AOC. Boundaries the Keys of St. Peter From Medieval Times is Behind Papal Coat of Arms.
    • WINNER “Worlds Best”~ DtheV.com Awards “France’s Best AOC.”  (3rd. Place)
      • **Refer to “WINE CULTURE/ Derek’s Top 6 List” For Detailed Information.
  • GOING THERE- BIKE ROUTE~ ~ViaRhona Cycle Route~
    • TAKE A HIKE~ Visit the the Ruined Chateau at the Top of the Village.

GIGONDAS AOC.     @Gigondas

  • BLANC= Bourboulenc, Clairette, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Marsanne, Picuepoul, Viognier
  • ROUGE= Grenache 70%, Syrah 20%, Mourvedre 5%, Cinsault, Counoise, Muscardin, Terret Noir
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Southern Rhone Valley(Central), DEPARTMENT-Vaucluse
    • In Cotes du Rhone AOC., LATITUDE: 44.16°‘N’
    • BORDERS-Vacqueyras AOC.(South-West), Beaumes des Venise AOC.(South-East)
    • Sub-Zones– Pont des Papes Alluvial Fan(Middle Terraces & Low Terraces)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Terraces”
    • SLOPES/ Dentilles de Montmirail, +Altitude(100mt.- 530mt.), On~Ouveze~River~Tributary~Rhone
    • Terraces Below, Plateau Limestone Formation, ON FAULT LINE/ ?
    • Gigondas is a Gigantic Ramp Which Starts at the Ouveze River to the Benchland Terraces Above and On to the Hillside and the Limestone Peaks of the Dentilles de Montmirail.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Limestone Over Alluvial Fan, Marl, Clay
    • Miocene Calcareous Sand
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences,  +WIND~~Le Minstral~
  • VITICULTURE-  1,230ha. Planted, By 200+Growers
    • Estate/ Producers- Bosquets(*1376/27ha.), Bouissiere, Brusset, Clos du Joncuas, Croix des Pins, Espiers, Fontavin, Font Sarade, La Fourmone, Gabriel Meffre, Les Haut Montmirail, Jaboulet, Jaume, De Longue Toque, Mas des Restanques, Montirius, Moulin de la Gardette*, La Nerthe((78ha.), Les Pallieres, Perrin(9ha.), De Piaugier, Pierre Amadieu(E./130 ha.), Pradas, La Roubine, Raspail-Ay, Santa Duc, St. Cosme(E./20ha.), St. Damien, St.-Gayan, Du Terme, Tourade, Trignon
    • Lieux-Dits/ Vineyards-(73)- Les Basses Garrigues, Beau Champ, La Bergine, Les Blaches, Bois de Monge, Les Bosquets, Les Carbonnieres, Caveau, Le Cayron, Chateau des Eaux, La Clapis, Col d’Alsau, Le Colombier, Combe Sauvage, Les Cremades, La Daisse, Derriere Vieille, Les Escarcieres, Font Sane, La Fouille et les Florets, Four Danuga, Le Fournas, La Gardette, Le Graminier, Grand Montmirail, Grande Bouissiere, Hameau de la Beaumette, Le Goujar, Le Goujar et Plane, Les Grames, Les Hautes Garrigues, Jardinieres, Le Joncuas, Josio, Lencieu, La Louisiane, La Machotte, La Maurelle, La Moutte, Norte-Dam des-Pallieres, Paillere et Pied Gu, Pallieres, Pallieroudas, Le Pesquier,La Pause, Petit Montmirail, Pied Gu, Peirre Amadieu, Les Pigieres, Plaine du Diable, Le Poste, Pot de Bary, Le Pourra, Les Pres, Les Rocassieres, Romane, Les Routes, Saint-Andre, Saint Cosme, Saint-Jean, Santa Duc, Souiras, Souteyrades, Les Terres, Teste Vieille, Teyssonnieres, La Tour, La Tourade, Trepana, Le Trignon, Les Troix Yeux, Le Village
  • VINICULTURE- Rose🌹, Blend
    • *Gigondas is Considered 1 of 9 Cru-Level Regions/ Wines of Southern Rhone.
    • Wine Must Be 50%+ Grenache For Labeling AOC.
    • White Gigondas Must Be +70% Clairette to Be Labeled Gigondas AOC.
    • Other Whites Labeled Cote du Rhone AOC.
  • CULTURE- 1971- AOC. Officially Established.
    • ~Etymology~ From “Jocunditas” Meaning Great Pleasure and Enjoyment.
    • BOTTLE STYLES~ ~Gigondas-Bottle~ Unique Gigondas Coat of Arms Embossed On Bottles Designated by the Papal Coat of Arms.

VACQUEYRAS AOC.     @Vacqueyras

  • BLANC= Bourboulenc, Carignan Blanc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marianne, Picardan, Roussanne, Viognier
  • ROUGE= Grenache 26%, Syrah 20%, Cinsault, Counoise, Mourvedre, Muscardin
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Southern Rhone Valley(Central), DEPARTMENT-Vaucluse
    • In Cotes du Rhone AOC., LATITUDE: 44.13°‘N’, Sub-Zone- Sarrians
    • BORDERS-Gigondas AOC.(North-East), Beaumes des Venise AOC.(South-East)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Plain/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Terraces”
    • SLOPES/ Dentilles de Montmirail, +Altitude(100mt.- 160mt.)
    • ON PLATEAU/ Garrigues(Flat/Elevated), On~Ouveze~River~Tributary~Rhone~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”,  Safres– Sands, Clay, Limestone
  • CLIMATE– “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences, +WIND~~Le Minstral~
  • VITICULTURE- 1,300ha. Planted
    • *Vacqueyras is Considered 1 of 9 Cru-Level Regions/ Wines of Southern Rhone.
    • Estate/ Producers- Alain Jaume & Fils, Arnoux et Fils(24ha.), La Bouissiere, Bouletin, Le Clos de Caveau, Le Colombier, Famille Perrin, La Ferme du Mont, Grandes Serres, La Ligiere, Monardiere, Montmirail, Montirius, D’Ourea, Roucas Toumba(16ha.), Le Sang des Cailloux(17ha.), Semelles de Vent
    • Lieux-Dits/ Vineyards-(28)– Cab Sole, Les Cayrades, Les Cazaux, La Clapere, Le Coombier, Coast of Goa, La Curniere, Font Bonne, Font Example, La Fourmone, Les Gres, Le Joncuas, Les Leques, La Marine, Morna’s, Orange, La Pelatiere, Les Pevouilloses, Pie Ripert, Le Pilom, La Ponche, Pont Neuf, Read Pradets, Les Pres, Les, Ramieres, Les Routes, La Thezanne, Le Tronc
  • VINICULTURE- Rose🌹, Blend
    • Wines Must Be +50% Grenache to Be Labeled Vacqueyras AOC.
  • CULTURE- 1990- AOC. Officially Established.
    • ~Etymology~ Vacqueyras, Meaning Valley of Stones, Referring to Its Soils.
  • SUB-ZONES Of VACQUEYRAS
    • SARRIANS– 
      • Geography- Southern-Rhone, In Vacqueyras AOC.
      • Estate/ Producers- Amouriers, De Chantegut
      • Lieux-Dits/ Vineyards– Amouriers, Barrale, Barres, Baumette, Berlotte, Bertrane, Bethleem, Boilaux, Bouleverte, Brunely, Cabridon, Carelesse, Carnavouses, Carrelesse, Clos, Couroulu, Deves, Epine, Feyssemiane, Figuette, Fontde Sance, Fours a Chaux, Garde, Gens d’Orange, Grandes Roches, Grange Basse, Grones, Jasse, Ligiere, Milord, Moulin, Moutonniers, Pasquiers, Pavane, Petit Roches, Plan, Pres de l’Homme, Rouveyret, Sablons, Saint-Jean, Saint-Joseph, Saint-Privas, Saint-Turquat, Tapiole, Tasque, Toulousette, Tourelles, Tours, Truit, Verde, Vervine, Villelongue

BEAUMES De VENISE AOC.     @Beaumes de Venise

  • BLANC= Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains
  • ROUGE= Syrah, Grenache, Muscat Rouge a Petit Grains
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Southern Rhone Valley(Central), LATITUDE: 44.12°‘N’
    • BORDERS-Vacqueyras AOC.(West), Gigondas AOC.(North), Cotes du Ventoux AOC.(South-East)
    • DEPARTMENT-Vaucluse, COMMUNE-Beaume de Venise, Lafare, La Roque-Alric, Suzette
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”, SLOPES/ Dentilles de Montmirail, +Altitude( ? )
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences, +WIND~~Le Minstral~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Limestone
  • VITICULTURE–  ? ha. Planted
    • *Beaumes de Venise is Considered 1 of 9 Cru-Level Regions/ Wines of Southern Rhone.
    • Estate/ Producers- Bernardins, Durban, Fenouillet, Ligiere, Redortier
  • VINICULTURE- Varietal,  Blends
    • Wine Must Be +50% Syrah to Be Labeled Beaumes de Venise AOC.
  • MUSCAT De BEAUMES De VENISE AOC.     @Beaumes de Venise
    • BLANC= Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains
    • ROUGE= Muscat Rouge a Petit Grains
    • VITICULTURE–  1,200 ha. Planted
      • Estate/ Producers- Bernardins, Coyeux, Durban, Pigeade
    • VINICULTURE- Blends
      • Vin Doux Naturel – Fortified During Fermentation(After Must Reaches +ABV.- 5% ) With Grape Spirit.
        • Final ABV.- 15%/ RS./110 Grams Per Litre
    • CULTURE- 1943- AOC. Officially Established.

COTES Du VENTOUX AOC.     @Carpentras

  • BLANC= Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier
  • ROUGE= Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsaut, Carignan
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Southern Rhone Valley(South-East), @Hw.#D1
    • BORDERS-Beaumes des Venis AOC.(North-West), Cotes du Luberon AOC.(South)
    • DEPARTMENT-Vaucluse, North-East of Avignon-City(40km.)
      • Sub-Zones– Northern(Bowl/ Mountains), Southern(Flatter/ Warmer)
    • COMMUNES-(51)- Apt, Carpentras, Malemort-du-Comtat, Mazan, Mormoiron, Peres-les-Fontaines, Venasque, Villes-sur-Auzon
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley(Luberon)”
    • ON PLATEAU/ Vaucluse, On~Coulon/ Nesque~Rivers~
    •  SLOPES/ Mt. Ventoux +Altitude(700mt.)(Peak/ 1,912mt.), Dentelles de Montmirail, Vaucluse Mountinas
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Limestone, Sand, Clay, Marl, Gravelly Scree
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences, +WIND~~Le Minstral~
  • VITICULTURE- 5,800ha. Planted
  • VINICULTURE- Blanc,  Rose,  Rouge
    • Estate/ Producers- Anges, Aureto, Bon Remede(28ha.), Chene Bleu, Clos de Trias, Colibri, Co.-Op’s(16), Fondreche, Juvenal, Marrenon, La Martinell, Pesquie, Pieblanc, Saint-Jean-du Barroux(19ha.), St. Laurent(Tony Parker), Tix, Unang, Vidal-Fleury, Vintur
  • CULTURE- 1973– AOC. Officially Established.

COTES Du LUBERON AOC.      @Pertuis

  • BLANC=  Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino
  • ROUGE= Grenache 24%, Syrah 17%, Carignan, Cinsaut, Counoise, Gamay, Mourvedre, Pinot Noir
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Southern Rhone Valley(South-East)
    • BORDERS- Cotes du Ventoux AOC.(North), Coteaux D’Aix-en-Provence AOC.(South)
    • DEPARTMENT-Laucluse, East of Avignon-City(25km.)
    • COMMUNES-(36)-Ansouis, Bastidonne, Beaumont-de-Petuis, Bonnieux, Cadenet, Catellet, Cucuron, Goult, Grambois, Lacoste, Lauris, Lourmarin, Maubec, Mirabeau, Puget, Puyvert, Robion, Saigon, Sannes, Taillades, Vaugines
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly”, On~Calavon/ Durance~River~
    • SLOPES/ Montagne du Luberon, +Altitude(200mt.- 450mt.)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Calcareous Marl, Miocene Sand, Limestone Scree, Red Clay
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences, +WIND~~Le Minstral~
  • VITICULTURE- 4,000ha. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- La Canorgue, La Citadelle, Chapoutier, Des Tourettes, Marrenon, Tardieu-Laurent, Val Joanis, William Chase
  • VINICULTURE- +ABV.– +11%,  Rose
    • +BLENDS/ Grenache(+60%), Syrah(+10%), Cinsault(-20%)
  • CULTURE- 1988– AOC. Officially Established.

COTEAUX PIERREVERT AOC.     @Manosque

  • BLANC=  Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino, Viognier
  • ROUGE= Carignan, Cinsaut, Grenache, Pinot Noir, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Southern Rhone Valley, @Hw.#A51/ #D6
    • BORDERS– Luberon AOC.(West), (AOC. Laps)Provence“Region”, “Non-Contiguous(2)”
    • DEPARTMENT-Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
    • COMMUNES-(11)Greoux les Bains, Monosque, Pierrevert, Volx Manosque
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley(Durance)”, SLOPES/ ?, +Altitude(450mt.- 1,000mt.)
    • On~Durance/Verdon~Rivers~
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences, +WIND~~Le Minstral~
  • VITICULTURE– 420  ha. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- De la Blaque, Cave Petra Viridis, De la Madeleine, Petra Viridis, De Regusse, De Rousset, Saint Jean Lez Durance
  • CULTURE- 1998– AOC. Officially Established.
    • Pierreverts Culture, Boundaries and Identity is Divided Between Rhone and Provence.
      • **Refer to “PROVENCE/ Coteaux Pierrevert AOC.” For Additional Information.

COSTIERES De NIMES AOC.    @Nimes

  • BLANC= Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette, Macabeu, Marsanne, Roussanne, Vermentino, Viognier
  • ROUGE= Grenache, Mourvèdre AKA=Plantde Saint-Gilles, Syrah, Cinsaut, Marselan, Carignan
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Southern Rhone Valley(South-West), @Hw.#A9
    • DEPARTMENT-Gard,  BETWEEN- Nimes & Arles, South-West of Avignon(35km.)
    • Sub-Zones- Franquevaux(South), Saint Roman(North), LATITUDE: 43.83°‘N’
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly”, Rhone Delta, On~Gard/ Durance/ Rhone~Rivers~
    • SLOPES/ Massif Central(Highlands of Cevennes), +Altitude( ? )
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences, +WIND~~Le Minstral~
    • Southern Most and Coolest AOC. In Southern Rhone Region.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Galets Roules Over Clay(Red), Limestone
  • VITICULTURE– 2,900 ha. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- Beaubois, De Beck, Bellefontaine, Campuget, Co.-Op.’s(9), L’Ermite d’Auzan, De Fabregues, Galus, Gauls, Gassier, Mas des Bressades, Mas Neuf, De Montfrin, Mourgues du Gres, D’Or et de Gueules, De Rozier, Saveurs du Temps, De Valcombe(*1740), Vessiere, Vieux Relais
  • VINICULTURE- Wines Not Meeting AOC. Standards are Labeled and Sold as Cevennes IGP.
  • HISTORY- 400 BC.- Greeks Planted Vineyards.
    • 1986- AOC. Officially Established.
  • CULTURE- ~Etymology~ Costieres…Meaning…
    • “Monks & Monasteries”, Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Roman
      • Cistercian Abbey of Franquevaux
  • SUB-ZONES Of COSTIERES De MINES
    • SAINT ROMAN–  Geography- Costieres de Nimes AOC.(North)
    • FRANQUEVAUX–  Geography- Costieres de Nimes(South)

CLAIRETTE De BELLEGARDE AOC.   @Bellegrard

  • BLANC= Clairette
  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Southern Rhone Valley(South-West)
    • In Costieres de Nimes AOC.(East) South of Nimes-City(15km.)
    • DEPARTMENT-Gard
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly”, SLOPES/ ?, +Altitude(? mt.)
  • VITICULTURE- 42 ha. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- Mas Carlot, Terre des Chardons
  • VINICULTURE- +ABV.- +11%
    • Wine Must Be 100% Clairette to Be Labeled Clairette de Bellegarde AOC.
  • CULTURE- 1949- AOC. Officially Established.

Areas of the Rhone Valley

  • Northern Rhone
  • Southern Rhone
  • Diois Appellations
  • Clairette de Die
  • Outlining Appellations
    (Tricastin, Ventoux, Luberon Viviaiad, Nimes, Parts of Lanuedoc)

Indication Geographique Protégée IGP. Rhone Valley

  • BLANC= Any White Grapes Varieties Approved For Production In Southern Rhone Valley.
  • ROUGE= Any Red Grapes Varieties Approved For Production In Southern Rhone Valley.
  • VITICULTURE- Wines/ Grapes Produced In “RHONE VALLEY” Non-Conforming to a AOP.

ARDECHE IGP.

  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Southern Rhone Valley, DEPARTMENT-Ardeche
    • (Laps)Northern Rhone Valley, On~Mediterranean~Coast~(Near/ 95km.)
    • COTEAUX De l’ARDECHE– (Southern Ardeche/ Southern Rhone)
    • BETWEEN- Massif Central to River Plains
  • TOPOGRAPHY– SLOPES/ Massif Central/ Cevennes Mountains, +Altitude(? mt.), On~Ardeche~River~
    • On~ArdecheRhone~River~(Left Bank)

COTEAUX Des BARONNIES IGP.

  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Southern Rhone Valley, DEPARTMENT-Drome
    • Near Vinsobes(   km.)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous”, SLOPES/ Baronnies Mountains, +Altitude(1,600mt.)

DROME IGP.

  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Southern Rhone Valley, DEPARTMENT-Drome
    • BORDERS-Vaucluse IGP./ Department(South)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- On~Rhone~River~(Right Bank)

MEDITERRANEE IGP.

  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Southern Rhone Valley, (Laps)Corsica, (Laps)Provence
    • DEPARTMENTS-(10)-
      • Southern Rhone- Bouches-du-Rhone, Drome, Vaucluse
      • Provence- Alpes-Maritimes, Ardeche, Alps de Haute Provence, Hautes-Alpes, Var
      • Corsica- Corse-du-Sud, Haute-Corse

VAUCLUSE IGP.

  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Southern Rhone Valley, DEPARTMENT-Vaucluse
    • BORDERS-Drome IGP./ Department(North)
  • Estate/ Producers- Gourt de Mautens, Houillon, St. Cosme

GARD IGP.

  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Southern Rhone Valley, DEPARTMENT-Gard

CEVENNES IGP.

  • GEOGRAPHY- France, REGION-Souther Rhone, (Laps)Languedoc, DEPARTMENT-Gard(North)
    • Near Coast(35 km.)/ On Coastal Plain
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous”, SLOPES/ Massif Central(Highlands of Cevennes)
  • VINICULTURE- Secondary Catchment For Overlapping Wines of Costieres de Nimes AOC. and Portion of Cotes du Rhone AOC. Not Meeting AOC. Standards.

**Refer to “BIBLIOGRAPHY/ Sources” For Details On Scholarly Works Referenced.