The Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation
Côtes du Rhône Villages and Côtes du Rhône Villages with geographical name.
Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC
The Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation area is spread over 95 communes in four departments in the south of the wine region: Ardèche, Drôme, Gard and Vaucluse.
Key figures
-
1967
Recognition in AOC by the I.N.A.O.
-
8 721 HA
Production surface area in 2023
-
293 983 HL
Total production in 2023
-
94% Red
Production
-
1% Rosé
Production
-
5% White
Production
Soils
- Sandy
- Limestone
- Clay
- Rocky
Climate
- Mediterranean influenced by Mistral wind.
Grape varieties
24 en 2024
The blend of AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages wines is based on a palette of 24 grape varieties.
Palate
- Elegant
- Genrous
- Balance
- Freshness
Aromas
- Spices
- Fruity notes
- Floral notes
Côtes du Rhône Villages with geographical name
Discover the 22 named villages
Within the Côtes du Rhône appellation area, a classification has been set up to promote the qualities and specificities of certain terroirs.
This AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages, based on the soil-climate association, is officially regulated.
22 geographical names can be indicated on the label, these are the Côtes du Rhône Villages with geographical name. The requirements of the appellation give them a certain distinction and a lot of personality.
Chusclan
This vineyard, which covers the Cèze valley and climbs the surrounding hillsides, constitutes the Côtes du Rhône Villages Chusclan. It was recognized within the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages in 1967 for the rosés and in 1971 for the reds.
Gadagne
Recognized in 2012 within the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages, Gadagne is the southernmost of all the Named Villages.
Located on the left bank of the Rhône a few kilometers from the capital of the Côtes du Rhône, Avignon, Châteauneuf-de-Gadagne is a hilltop village built in an amphitheater.
Laudun
Recognized in 1967 within the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages, Laudun is one of the most important named villages in terms of surface area. 30% of its production is white, while the average for Named Villages is around 4%.
Massif d'Uchaux
The Massif d’Uchaux is a hidden corner of the Côtes du Rhône producing enchanting wines. Recognized in 2005 within the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages, Massif d'Uchaux produces red wines that are unlike any other in the region.
Nyons
Recognized in 2020 within the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages, Nyons is one of the highest villages in terms of altitude. Its vines are cultivated between 200 m and 500 m above sea level. Nyons is at the heart of the foothills of the Baronnies mountains.
Plan de Dieu
The Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan de Dieu have been recognized within the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages since 2005. A vast plain terrace covered with vines as far as the eye can see, this is the denomination where the most wine is made compared to other Named Villages.
Puyméras
The vineyards of Puyméras have been recognized within the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages since 2005.
They are one of the most beautiful and pastoral of the Côtes du Rhône denominations. Located at altitude, the land is cooler, and the rolling vineyards are interspersed with olive trees and lavender fields.
Roaix
A small village completely surrounded by vineyards, it has been recognized within the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages since 1967. It is also known to walkers for its hiking trails.
Rochegude
The Côtes du Rhône Villages Rochegude vineyard has been recognized within the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages since 1967.
The history of the Rochegude vineyard began 2,000 years ago with mentions of it by Emperor Domitian as early as the 1st century AD.
Rousset-les-Vignes
Recognized within the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages in 1969, the Rousset-les-Vignes vineyard is clinging to the Lance mountain range.
It is one of the northernmost villages of the southern Côtes du Rhône.
Sablet
Since 1974, Sablet wines have been recognized within the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages.
Located at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, the village of Sablet is known for the bell tower of its church dominating the roofs in the middle of the village.
Saint-Andéol
Recognized within the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages in 2017, Saint-Andéol is one of the youngest of the Nominated Villages. It is also one of the smallest in terms of surface area.
Saint-Gervais
Located on the west bank of the Rhône, Saint-Gervais was recognized within the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages in 1974.
Due to its small size and almost confidential location, Saint-Gervais now has only a few producers but produces vibrant wines that attract winemakers established further afield who wish to experiment with this terroir.
Saint-Maurice
The Côtes du Rhône Villages Saint-Maurice vineyard was recognized within the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages in 1967.
The village of Saint-Maurice is in the heart of a south-facing hillside overlooking the Aygues. It is in the northern part of the southern Côtes du Rhône.
Saint-Pantaléon-les-Vignes
Elevated to the status of Named Village in 1969, Saint-Pantaléon-les-Vignes can produce in all three colours, but concentrates on red wines.
Set at the foot of the Lance mountain between lavender and olive trees.
Sainte-Cécile
Among the most recent of the named villages, Sainte-Cécile was recognized in 2016. The name does not only include the commune of Sainte-Cécile-les-Vignes but also 4 other departments located in Vaucluse and Drôme.
Séguret
Recognized as part of the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages in 1967, Séguret is also one of the most beautiful villages in France. It sits proudly at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, a famous mountain spur of the Côtes du Rhône. Its name comes from the Provençal word meaning "safe".
Signargues
Recognized within the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages in 2005, Signargues is the southernmost of all the Named Villages on the west bank of the Rhône. These vineyards are dug over a meter before reaching the clay and sand under the pebbles.
Suze-la-Rousse
Recognized within the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages in 2016, this village in the Drôme Provençale only produces red wines.
The castle of Suze-la-Rousse dominates the village from its height and from its turrets you can observe the extent of the AOC vineyards.
Vaison-la-Romaine
Recognized within the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages in 2016, the village of Vaison-la-Romaine is a succession of rolling hills located in the eastern part of the Côtes du Rhône.
Valréas
Recognized within the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages in 1967, Valréas is the third largest Named Village on the east bank of the Rhône.
The Côtes du Rhône Villages Valréas vineyard is a veritable green oasis.
Visan
Visan was recognized within the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages in 1967. Nestled in the northern part of the southern Côtes du Rhône, it is one of the largest Nominated Villages in size on the east bank of the Rhône.