Cairanne

The vineyards of the Cairanne Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) are located in the Vaucluse department, at the foot of the hilltop village of Cairanne, and have extended since the 15th century toward Plan de Dieu and the Aigues plain. The vineyards expanded significantly during the Middle Ages under the influence of the Knights Templar and later the Knights Hospitaller of Saint John of Jerusalem. Since 2016, Cairanne has also been the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) for the wine produced there. The AOC was first known as Côtes-du-Rhône-Cairanne in 1953, then as Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages-Cairanne in 1967.

Cairanne is a village in the Vaucluse department. Since 2016, it has also been the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) for the wine produced there. The AOC was first known as Côtes-du-Rhône-Cairanne in 1953, then as Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages-Cairanne in 1967.

Overlooking the small Aigue Valley, Cairanne is a charming wine-growing town. What are the unique features of its terroir and climate? What are the characteristics of the red and white wines of the Cairanne AOC? That’s what we’re going to help you discover.

Located on a basin where the Aigue and Gayère rivers meet, covering 877 ha, the Cairanne hillsides benefit from the alluvial deposits of both rivers. The town is 20 km north of Orange. It enjoys a Mediterranean climate that is dry, warm, and sunny.

Wind plays a significant role in the vineyard: the mistral, with an average speed of 90 km/h throughout the year, dries out the vegetation and keeps it healthy.

The Cairanne AOC thrives on stony terraces, set on a base of clay and sand, surrounding the rocky Ventabren mountain. It is this unique terroir that gives Cairanne wines their full complexity.

Red wines account for 95% of the Cairanne AOC appellation. The primary grape variety is Grenache, at 60%. The other varieties include Syrah at 16%, Carignan at 15%, and Mourvèdre at 6%.

Grenache and Carignan thrive on dry, stony soils with a red clay base. Syrah flourishes best on white clay slopes with good southern exposure.

The Cairanne AOC produces a dry red wine, typical of the still wine category. These red wines are distinguished by their spicy aromas of red—and even black—fruits. With their deep color, they are elegant and complex wines, featuring a refined tannic profile.

5% of the Cairanne AOC consists of white wines. They are made from a blend of 30% Clairette, 20% Grenache Blanc, and 20% Roussanne. These are complemented by Picpoul, Marsanne, Viognier, and Bourboulenc.

The sandy subsoil and well-ventilated slopes, enriched by alluvial deposits from nearby rivers, make it possible to produce a fresh, light white wine.

White wines from the Cairanne AOC offer a refreshing sensation on the palate. They are lively and light. On the palate, they reveal flavors of white fruits, such as pear, as well as floral notes, such as violet.

Since 2016, wines from the Cairanne AOC have been clearly distinguished from those of the Côtes-du-Rhône AOC. In fact, since 2018, they have also held the European Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. Annual production totals approximately 29,500 hl, or nearly 4 million bottles. The region’s terroir and sunshine have shaped its distinctive characteristics, which will appeal to lovers of elegant wines with personality.