Cairanne

The Cairanne Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée vineyards are located in the Vaucluse department, at the foot of the high village of Cairanne, which since the 15th century has extended towards the Plan de Dieu and the Aigues plain. The vineyards developed particularly during the Middle Ages, under the influence of the Knights Templar and later the Hospitallers of Saint-Jean-de-Jérusalem. Since 2016, Cairanne 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.

Cairanne is a village in the Vaucluse region of France. 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 commune. What are the specific features of its terroir and climate? What are the characteristics of AOC Cairanne red and white wines? That's what we're going to tell you.

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

The wind plays a significant role in the vineyard: the Mistral, with its average speed of 90 km/h all year round, dries out the vegetation and makes it healthier.

This is how AOC Cairanne flourishes on stony terraces, laid on a foundation of clay and sand, around the mineral mountain of Ventabren. It is this unique terroir that gives Cairanne wines their complexity.

Red wines account for 95% of the AOC Cairanne appellation. Grenache is the main grape variety, accounting for 60%. Other grape varieties include Syrah (16%), Carignan (15%) and Mourvèdre (6%).

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

AOC Cairanne 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, complex wines with a distinguished tannic note.

5% of AOC Cairanne is white wine. They are made from 30% Clairette, 20% Grenache Blanc and 20% Roussanne. Picpoul, Marsanne, Viognier and Bourboulenc complete the range.

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

AOC Cairanne white wines give a sensation of freshness on the palate. They have panache and are light. On tasting, they leave the palate with flavors of white fruit, such as pear, as well as flowers, such as violets.

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