OUR TERROIR

Southern Ardèche is very hilly

with many peaks and valleys which give the region different climates and a great variety of landscapes. Each sector has its own natural assets but all are home to vines. Depending on the environment, the vines grow alongside lavender, olive trees, pine trees or chestnut trees.

RHÔNE VALLEY
The hill slopes and ledges overlooking the Rhône valley are covered by spontaneous vegetation gripping the hillsides, except where the nature of the soil offer the possibility of exploitation (quarries) or cultivation (vines).

VIVARAIS
This zone is made up of a vast expanse of limestone plateaus furrowed by the Gorges of Ardèche which form the physical limit of the south of the department. The Mediterranean influence is evident in the low Vivarais to the south, with a climate favouring the growth of olive trees. It is home to many popular touristic sites linked to the renown of the Gorges of Ardèche.

CÉVENNES
The Cévennes landscape, with its southeast-facing hill slopes, many terraces, and very steep slopes, contrasts with the rest of the winegrowing region. This generously open nature keeps secret just a few narrow and impenetrable valleys. This area is characterised by houses made of granite stone, as well as its pine forests and terraced vineyards.

COIRON
This enclave of the Massif Central in Mediterranean territory is a real foundation of basalt. Coiron is a high and vast rolling plateau around Villeneuve-de-Berg, edged by abrupt slopes covered by forest or villages perched on the hilltops, like a natural fortress overlooking rich plains and surrounding valleys. The basalt, which is very rich in trace elements and silica, makes for excellent soil and gives the characteristic Syrah wines real freshness.

LOWER ARDÈCHE
To the far south of the department, bordering Gard, the landscape is one of gentle knolls covered with vines or fragrant garrigue scrubland. Some chalky taluses (called "gravettes") have gathered at the foot of the hills.

THE HALLMARKS OF QUALITY

Thanks to its variety of exceptional terroirs, Southern Ardèche is the birthplace of wines as different as the landscapes in which they grow. To tell them apart, there are various labels associated with strict requirements which guarantee the quality and origin of the wines for consumers.

OUR TERROIR

Southern Ardèche is very hilly

THE HALLMARKS OF QUALITY

THE PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION

(IGP)

It designates wines from a specific geographical zone. From the harvesting of the grapes through to the end of the winemaking process, all the operations take place in the geographical zone concerned. This indication highlights a territory, as well as the know-how or distinct quality associated with the origin.

THE DESIGNATION OF PROTECTED ORIGIN

(AOP)

It refers to the name of a region or a given area and contains a link to a terroir (geographical environment, natural and human factors). An AOP wine is made in the geographical zone concerned, solely from grapes belonging to a specific list of varietals from this same geographical zone. The quality and characteristics of the wine are closely linked to the geographical environment in which the grapes are grown.

THE ORGANIC AGRICULTURE LABEL

(AB)

Organic Agriculture is a method of production which combines practices that respect the environment and biodiversity and preserve the natural resources.

Rhône Valley
The hill slopes and ledges overlooking the Rhône valley are covered by spontaneous vegetation gripping the hillsides, except where the nature of the soil offer the possibility of exploitation (quarries) or cultivation (vines).

Vivarais
This zone is made up of a vast expanse of limestone plateaus furrowed by the Gorges of Ardèche which form the physical limit of the south of the department. The Mediterranean influence is evident in the low Vivarais to the south, with a climate favouring the growth of olive trees. It is home to many popular touristic sites linked to the renown of the Gorges of Ardèche.

Cévennes
The Cévennes landscape, with its southeast-facing hill slopes, many terraces, and very steep slopes, contrasts with the rest of the winegrowing region. This generously open nature keeps secret just a few narrow and impenetrable valleys. This area is characterised by houses made of granite stone, as well as its pine forests and terraced vineyards.

Coiron
This enclave of the Massif Central in Mediterranean territory is a real foundation of basalt. Coiron is a high and vast rolling plateau around Villeneuve-de-Berg, edged by abrupt slopes covered by forest or villages perched on the hilltops, like a natural fortress overlooking rich plains and surrounding valleys. The basalt, which is very rich in trace elements and silica, makes for excellent soil and gives the characteristic Syrah wines real freshness.

Lower Ardèche
To the far south of the department, bordering Gard, the landscape is one of gentle knolls covered with vines or fragrant garrigue scrubland. Some chalky taluses (called "gravettes") have gathered at the foot of the hills.

Some winegrowers in Southern Ardèche are also committed to other approaches which may or may not be associated with a list of requirements and which you will be able to discover during tastings: Vins de France (Wines of France), Vins Biodynamiques (Biodynamic Wines) and Vins Naturels (Natural Wines).