The Côtes du Rhône are committed to reducing their environmental impact and recycling as much of their waste as possible by optimizing each step of the wine making and packaging process in order to conserve the ressources. There are more and more environmental certifications : High Environmental Value Label (HVE), Engaged winegrowers, organic, biodynamic label…The winemakers choose the way of working that they feel best suits their own vineyards, in order to preserve the terroir.

Here are some examples of initiatives taken by Côtes du Rhône to preserve the region’s biodiversity. Bat nesting boxes : Bats contribute to fight against grape worms and butterfly pests of the vines. Beehives near the vines : Pollinating insects participate in nearly a third of the fertilization of crops intended for our food. Wild or domestic pollinators such as bees are essential to biodiversity.

Mission accomplished in the Côtes du Rhône with one of the largest cooperative wineries in Vaucluse which has recently planted 1,200 meters of hedge in order to restore the balance of ecosystems. Launched in 2014, the Côtes du Rhône environmental landscape charter focuses on flowered fallow lands, hedges, jujube or almond trees and other endemic species. Lavender is one of the plants used in juice or decoction to naturally heal and strengthen the vines.

The Rhône Technical Institute is conducting research to anticipate societal expectations on environmental issues in the vineyards. A Research & Development program is paying particular attention to low residue wines. More and more women occupy position of responsibility in the vineyards. now women represent half of all sommeliers and a third of all vineyard managers and oenologists.

CÔTES DU RHÔNE WINES CONTAIN UP TO 13% OF ALCOHOL.