IGP Ardèche
Since 2011
in the region
IGP Ardèche :
Rooted and Future-Focused wines
The Ardèche Protected Geographical Indication embodies a promise: wines produced exclusively from our territory, reflecting a strong identity and recognized expertise. Through the freshness of its aromatic profiles and the boldness of its varietal choices, IGP Ardèche demonstrates its dynamism and capacity for innovation.
Quality, proximity, creativity: these are the values that make this IGP a strategic asset for a committed viticulture, adapted to climate challenges and consumer expectations.
Local designation
The expression of a territory and a guarantee of quality
The geographical area covers the department of Ardèche and 3 cantons in the Gard area. The majority of production is concentrated in southern Ardèche. The Protected Geographical Indication (IGP) replaced the "Vins de Pays" designation (Country Wines) in 2009, acknowledging the qualitative improvement of these wines through European and national recognition of winemakers' expertise.
From vine cultivation to bottling, production follows rigorous specifications and undergoes control procedures implemented by an independent organization. Tasting panels composed of professional judges certify the wines to guarantee this quality.
Ardèche, shaped by a rich geological history, numerous rivers, and volcanic episodes, offers a mosaic of unique soils and terroirs conducive to viticulture. Terraced vineyards on sandstone sit alongside limestone sinkholes, clay-limestone hillsides, volcanic or alluvial plots, and land covered with rounded pebbles. All of this, surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation such as chestnut trees, olive trees, and lavender, creates exceptional diversity.
Geology:
the identity foundation of IGP wines
The viticultural terroir of IGP Ardèche rests on an exceptional geological mosaic, inherited from over 500 million years of history. This diversity of soils shapes the aromatic profiles of the wines, their freshness, structure, and typicity.
Crystalline and metamorphic rocks (gneiss, granite) in the Cévennes: they bring tension and finesse to white wines.
Limestone and sandy-clay soils on plateaus and valleys: favor roundness and aromatic expression in reds and rosés.
Alluvial terraces and volcanic deposits in recent zones: support the maturity of early-ripening varietals and varietal innovation.
A complex and structuring geological history
Hercynian chain heritage (Carboniferous period): formation of the ancient bedrock with gneiss, schist, and granite visible in the Cévennes.
Erosion and sedimentation during the Permian and Triassic: deposits of sandstone, red clays, and conglomerates, evidence of a hot, dry climate.
Tertiary volcanic activity and Cévennes uplift: basaltic flows, pronounced relief, valley incision.
Formation of river valleys (Ardèche, Chassezac, Beaume): terraces rich in alluvium, conducive to varied and expressive viticulture.
The pedological diversity of the IGP Ardèche territory constitutes a central asset for viticulture, enabling a wealth of varietal expressions—Syrah on granite, Viognier on limestone, Merlot on clay—and offering vectors of evolution in the face of climate challenges, thanks to soil diversity.
The geology of Ardèche is not merely a backdrop: it is a fundamental player in the quality and singularity of IGP wines. It offers producers a terrain of multiple expression, between tradition and audacity.
Landscapes
A vineyard of multiple nuances, here terraced vines (the faïsses) on sandstone soils, or there hillsides on clay-limestone gravels... a mosaic of plots arranged in tiers, neighboring chestnut trees, pine forests, holm oaks and junipers, olive trees, lavender... Here, no uniformity but difference, and this difference has been a valuable asset for optimally adapting grape varieties to soils and climate varying with altitude.
We are in accordance with Olivier de Serres, who so aptly defines the importance of adapting grape varieties to the characteristics of different plots:
"Climate and terroir give wine its taste and strength"
Olivier de Serres
And our Ardèche lands lend themselves remarkably well to the agronomist's recommendations.
Territory
Reflecting a deep attachment to its land, the grape production and winemaking zone is strictly delimited. This is a non-relocatable production that holds significant importance for the territory's economic and rural development.
The semi-continental climate with Mediterranean influences, combined with varied soils, contributes to the diversity and quality of the wines. The geographical area covers the department of Ardèche and 3 cantons in the Gard area. The majority of production is concentrated in southern Ardèche.
Grape varieties
The diversity of Ardèche's viticultural terroirs is reflected in the richness of grape varieties cultivated under the IGP Ardèche designation. Red varieties such as Syrah, Grenache Noir, and Merlot find their expression on limestone hillsides and sunny terraces, offering supple, fruity, or more structured wines. White varieties such as Viognier, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc flourish in the cooler valleys, bringing finesse and aromatic freshness.
This varietal palette, adapted to the territory's geological and climatic contrasts, enables winemakers to craft distinctive, accessible wines with a strong Ardèche's identity.
Winegrowers
IGP Ardèche Producers
Today, women and men unite their strengths, expertise, and passion around IGP Ardèche wines. They cultivate the vine with exacting standards, vinify with creativity, to give birth to wines that are accessible, original, and faithful to their territory.
The Wines
IGP Ardèche wines combine quality, proximity, freshness, and audacity in a creative expression of accessible and original wines.
IGP Ardèche produces red, white, and rosé wines. They distinguish themselves through their diversity and quality, reflecting the richness of the region's terroirs.
These wines are produced in a semi-continental climate influenced by the Mediterranean, on varied soils ranging from sandstone to limestone, including volcanic and alluvial terrain. This diversity allows great adaptability of grape varieties and a unique aromatic richness.
- RED wines
Often fruity and supple, although certain grape varieties such as Chatus bring structure that can provide more pronounced tannins. Aromas range from red fruit to spicy notes, and colors vary from raspberry red to deep garnet. - ROSÉ wines
These wines are fresh and balanced, with intense aromas of red fruits, citrus, and sometimes flowers. Colour vary from salmon grey to bright pink. - WHITE wines
They are characterized by their freshness and fruity aromas. Grape varieties such as Chardonnay and Roussanne bring floral and mineral notes.
Did You Know?
In the Ardèche Cévennes, a native grape variety was rediscovered in the 1990s: Chatus Noir. Its cultivation had been wiped out by phylloxera in 1880. It has now been revived, which is fortunate because this grape variety produces powerful, tannic, well-characterized wines.
The Protected Geographical Indication (IGP)
IGP showcases the territorial anchoring of wines, originating from strictly delimited and non-relocatable production zones, which is significant for the economic and rural development of territories. Replacing the "Vins de Pays" (Country Wines) since 2009, it marks official recognition of winemaking expertise and an improvement in quality. In France, 74 PGI zones cover all wine-growing regions. Each wine is produced according to precise specifications, controlled by an independent organization, with final certification ensured by professionals to guarantee quality.
Key Figures
Vineyard
Production area 2024:
6 655 HA
Average yield:
55 HL/HA
Main grape varieties: Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Viognier for whites. Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah for rosés and Merlot, Gamay, Syrah for reds.
Production
Total production in 2024:
366 954 HL
Export share:
10%
Territory
The department of Ardèche. The geographical area concerns both the production zone and the product elaboration zone.
Winegrowers
82 producers including 14 cooperative wineries, 59 private cellars, 9 negociants
A successful launch for IGP Ardèche Wines — Highlights from Wine Notes
The very first event dedicated to IGP Ardèche wines, held in the lush park setting of Vals-les-Bains, was met with great success. In a convivial and festive atmosphere, visitors were able to discover the richness of local cuvées, engage with producers, and immerse themselves in the Ardèche wine world.