Côtes du Vivarais

The vineyards ofthe Côtes-du-Vivarais AOC stretch on both sides of the Ardèche Gorges on the Plateau des Gras, at an elevation of 250 meters. The appellation covers the territory of 14 municipalities, 9 of which are located in the Ardèche department and 5 in the Gard department.The grape varieties authorized forthe Côtes-du-Vivarais AOC are, for red wines: Grenache and Syrah; for rosé wines: Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault; and for white wines: Clairette, White Grenache, and Marsanne. The AOC’s red wines feature aromas of dark fruit and spices, fairly robust tannins, and a lovely freshness. They derive their character from Grenache, which provides structure, and their liveliness from Syrah. The various vintages vary in color (deep red, purple-red) and aroma.  The fresh rosés, made from the same grape varieties as the reds, display deep color and intense aromas, thanks to the presence of Grenache. The Marsanne and Grenache grape varieties lend the appellation’s white wines a surprising minerality and freshness.