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Cairanne

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Cairanne

Discovering AOC Cairanne wines

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.

The Ventabren mountain, clay soil and Mediterranean climate

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.

Cairanne: a dry, still red wine

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.

Cairanne: a fresh, light white wine

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.

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Camille Cayran - Cairanne Grande Réserve rouge 2023

93/100 James Suckling

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92/100 Decanter

(Notes vintage 2022)
concentrate
grilled meat
quality-price

"The pleasure of getting together with a good meal and a fine red Cairanne!"

On a beautiful terroir facing the Dentelles de Montmirail and Mont Ventoux, this Cairanne red is a deep red color with violet highlights. Powerful, with concentrated fruit (black cherries, blackcurrants) and spices (pepper, cinnamon, licorice) on the nose, it reveals great structure on the palate. Full-bodied and concentrated, with lovely aromas of fruit and spices. The finish is long and round, typical of the Cairanne appellation.

Camille Cayran - Cairanne Grande Réserve blanc 2024

15/20 Jancis Robinson

(Notes vintage 2023)
floral
freshness
cod accras

"The white one to have in reserve this summer!"

Like its red namesake, this cuvée benefits from the lovely terroir of Cairanne. A straw-yellow white with green highlights. It opens with a floral nose, followed by notes of white-fleshed fruit. After a fresh attack, floral and honeyed notes dominate, with a round finish and long-lasting aromas.

Domaine Martin - Cairanne 2022

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4/5(1 avis)

90/100 Jeb Dunnuck

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15/20 Jancis Robinson

accessible
coated tannins
beef tenderloin

" " A classic that has it all" (Hachette 2024) "

“The 2022 Cairanne is a very classic wine that displays notes of spice, limestone minerality, raspberry, and Provençal flowers in a medium-bodied, elegant, and pretty profile with fine tannins. A blend of 65% Grenache and 35% Syrah, it will drink pleasantly for 5 to 7 years.” (Jeb Dunnuck 2025)

Xavier Vignon - Cairanne Arcane La Tempérance

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4/5(37 avis)

93/100 James Suckling

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93/100 Bettane & Desseauve

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92/100 Robert Parker

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92/100 Gilbert & Gaillard

grenache
powerful
concentrate
peppery

"How to resist it?"

"This astonishing blend of four vintages (2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018) produces a fat, rich, spicy wine, long and full of sap. The whole is perfectly mature, generous and fragrant, ready to drink. Intense length." (Le Guide Bettane + Desseauve). With Cairanne Arcane La Tempérance, Xavier Vignon has sought to preserve the purity of the wine through innovative vinification and ageing methods.

Domaine Brusset - Cairanne Vieilles Vignes 2023

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4/5(1 avis)

93/100 Decanter

-

16/20 Jancis Robinson

syrah
grenache
approved
guaranteed fun

"A Cairanne that really has it all!

"Nose of black olive tapenade, olives, anchovies and olive oil. Ripe, mouth-coating tannins, well-integrated acidity, great purity and a long finish. This is a very pleasant, expressive Cairanne that transports you to Provence". (Decanter 2024)

Domaine Richaud - Cairanne L'Ebrescade 2022

92/100 Decanter

complex
to be penned
deep

"The estate's great cuvée, concentrated and full-bodied, with a silky touch".

"Tart nose of violets and elderberries, fresh and velvety on the palate. Lively, with a slight rise in volatile acidity. Expressive, vibrant and playful, with slightly leathery tannins." (Decanter 2023). This parcel selection perfectly reflects the expression of its distinctive terroir. A fine bottle to cellar for 10 years or more!

Domaine Richaud - Cairanne rouge 2023

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5/5(1 avis)

93/100 RVF

-

93/100 James Suckling

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16,5/20 Jancis Robinson

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91/100 Decanter

(Notes vintage 2022)
juicy
character
Gem

"Domaine Richaud's flagship cuvée, combining finesse and structure".

Domaine Richaud's flagship cuvée, this juicy Cairanne is full-bodied and fleshy, with a fine balance of structure, richness, black fruit and freshness. This red Cairanne comes from a variety of terroirs, giving it real personality and harmony!

Domaine Alary - Cairanne Tradition 2021

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3.5/5(4 avis)

3*Coup de Coeur Hachette

aromatic
delicate
daube provençale

"A most enchanting Cairanne!

"Tradition is good with the Alary family, and after an already remarkable 2020, the 2021 takes top honors. Gentle vinification, more infused than extracted, followed by 18 months in vats, have produced this complex, impeccably fresh red, with a refined bouquet of ripe black berries, aromatic herbs (sage) and flint. On the palate, it's velvety, supple and smooth, with chiseled tannins and a long finish of morello cherry, garrigue and spices. Irresistible today, it will be even more so in a few years". (Le Guide Hachette 2025)

Domaine Brusset - Cairanne Les Travers rouge 2023

16,5/20 Jancis Robinson

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91/100 James Suckling

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91/100 Decanter

(Notes vintage 2022)
end
coated tannins
beautiful finish

"A very charming Cairanne

Rediscover this delicious, juicy, fruity Cairanne in the 2023 vintage. Its deep ruby-red color reveals elegant aromas of blackcurrant and elderberry. The full, concentrated attack opens with aromas of blackcurrant and cherry. The tannins are silky, with a peppery, spicy finish.

Domaine Brusset - Cairanne Les Travers blanc 2023

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3/5(1 avis)

Coup de Coeur Terre de Vins

-

90/100 James Suckling

floral
round-tipped
exotic fruits

"A delicate vintage!

"A medium-bodied, juicy and fruity blend of Grenache blanc, Viognier, Roussanne and Clairette, this wine has notes of apples, dried herbs, white peaches and some dried leaves. Well-made, succulent and delicious. Drink now. (James Suckling 2024)

Domaine Richaud - Cairanne blanc 2023

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4/5(1 avis)

92/100 James Suckling

floral
gourmet
aromatic

"A promise of freshness and indulgence".

"A delicious, aromatic, supple white with Mediterranean accents. Notes of fresh lemons, sliced pears, wild herbs and blanched almonds. Medium-bodied with a delicate texture. The center of the mouth is lively and the finish delicious." (James Suckling 2024)

Domaine de l'Oratoire Saint-Martin - Cairanne Haut-Coustias blanc 2021

92/100 James Suckling

fruity
structured
intensity
cep risotto
biodynamics

"A gourmet white

"A fresh, precise white with aromas of white peach, cooked lemon and fennel. Medium-bodied, with poise and vitality. Saline and succulent with a savory finish [...]". (James Suckling 2023). A perfect companion for scallops!

Domaine de l'Oratoire Saint-Martin - Cairanne Haut-Coustias rouge 2020

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4/5(4 avis)

93/100 RVF

-

93/100 James Suckling

-

92-94/100 Jeb Dunnuck

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16/20 Jancis Robinson

spicy
structured
roasted
leg of lamb
biodynamics

"Great wine!"

"The wine is marked by juicy fruit and spice, with perfectly ripe grapes, the most precise of all the reds presented this year. The wine also possesses the most harmonious chewiness and substance. A full-bodied wine with well-integrated tannins". (Le Guide RVF 2024)

Domaine de l'Oratoire Saint-Martin - Cairanne Réserve des Seigneurs blanc 2022

Wine rated 3.5/5Wine rated 3.5/5Wine rated 3.5/5Wine rated 3.5/5Wine rated 3.5/5

3.5/5(2 avis)

16,5/20 Jancis Robinson

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92/100 James Suckling

freshness
gourmet
fish
cheeses
biodynamics

"A fine representation of the whites of the Rhone Valley!"

"Pleasant nose of peaches, white flowers and lemons. Medium body with an oily texture. Round and very textured, with a tasty, comforting finish [...]". A wine to be enjoyed in its youth, with citrus carpaccio of langoustines or grilled fish with coarse salt!

Domaine de l'Oratoire Saint-Martin - Cairanne Réserve des Seigneurs rouge 2021

Wine rated 4/5Wine rated 4/5Wine rated 4/5Wine rated 4/5Wine rated 4/5

4/5(1 avis)

93/100 James Suckling

spicy
generous
gourmet
grilled meat
biodynamics

"A generous vintage

"This superb Cairanne has a wonderful balance of complex Mediterranean herbs, wild blackberry and candied orange peel in a beautifully crafted medium to full-bodied palate. The finish is very long and rich. Made from Demeter-certified biodynamically grown grapes". (James Suckling 2023)