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, which has stretched out since the 15th century towards Plan de Dieu and the Aigues plain. The vineyards developed particularly during the Middle Ages under the influence of the Knights Templar and then 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 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 named Côtes-du-Rhône-Cairanne in 1953, then Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages-Cairanne in 1967.

Overlooking the small Aigue valley, Cairanne is a charming wine-growing town. What are the specific characteristics 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 show you.

Located on a basin where the Aigue and Gayère rivers meet, covering 877 hectares, the hillsides of Cairanne 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.

The 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 cleanses it.

The Cairanne AOC flourishes on stony terraces, laid on clay and sand bases, around the mineral-rich Ventabren mountain. It is this unique terroir that gives Cairanne wines their complexity.

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

Grenache and Carignan thrive on dry, stony soils based on red clay. Syrah flourishes better on white clay hillsides with good southern exposure.

The Cairanne AOC produces a dry red wine, characteristic of the still wine category. These red wines are distinguished by their spicy bouquets of red and even black fruits. With their deep color, they are elegant and complex wines with a distinguished tannic note.

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

The sandy subsoil and well-ventilated hillsides, which benefit from alluvial deposits from nearby rivers, produce a fresh and light white wine.

The white wines of the Cairanne AOC give a sensation of freshness on the palate. They are lively and light. On tasting, they leave flavors of white fruits, such as pear, but also flowers, such as violet, on the palate.

Since 2016, Cairanne AOC wines have been clearly distinguished from Côtes-du-Rhône AOC wines. In fact, since 2018, they have also benefited from the European Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). Their annual production represents around 29,500 hl, or nearly 4 million bottles. Its terroir and sunshine have shaped its distinctive characteristics, which will appeal to lovers of elegant wines with personality.