• Respect the terroirs and preserve resources

Searching for resistant grape varieties

The Côtes du Rhône appellation has 23 authorised grape varieties (also known as varietals). Their cultivation varies according to the climate and the soil, which is referred to as the “terroir effect".

Over the centuries, the AOC's winemakers have selected these grape varieties for their taste qualities and the finesse they add to the blends, resulting in well balanced, harmonious wines. The Côtes du Rhône region's grape varieties are governed by a set of specifications. The main grape varieties used for the production of AOC red wines are Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. They represent at least 70% of the grape varieties planted. For the whites, the varieties are Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussane and Viognier, representing at least 80% of the white varieties planted.

Variété des cépages et règles d'assemblage

So I hear this is set in stone?

Yes, and no actually. In order to combat climate change and disease, the AOC has authorised, under certain conditions, the planting of new varietals resulting from crossings. These new varietals are Caladoc, Marselan and Couston.

The Syndicat des Vignerons des Côtes du Rhône continues to participate in a programme to select those grape varieties that are resistant to certain diseases in order to use less treatments in the vineyards, while preserving the typical character of the AOC’s wines.

In 2021, 6 promising grape varieties, resulting from natural crossings between the Syrah and Grenache, were planted at the Lycée Viticole in Orange. Selected by the Syndicat des Côtes du Rhône, they show a good potential with regard to climate change and in particular a high tolerance to drought.

The Côtes du Rhône are committed to respect the terroirs and preserve resources

More information

You may also be interested in...

Protéger la faune et la flore

Protecting fauna and flora

La biodiversité recouvre l’ensemble des formes de vie sur la planète et les relations qui existent entre elles. À une période ou elle est menacée, nous savons que les espaces naturels les plus diversifies sont ceux qui résistent le mieux aux perturbations, d’où une volonté forte de mettre en place des mesures de protection de la faune et de la flore.

Read the article
Des sites naturels exceptionnels

Exceptional natural sites

La vallée du Rhône est émaillée de sites naturels exceptionnels, qui attirent les visiteurs mais font aussi office de véritables réservoirs de biodiversité, tout au long de l’aire d’appellation des côtes du Rhône et côtes du Rhône villages.

Read the article
Le rôle de la coopération dans l'aide à la reprise d'exploitations

Passing on vineyards and wineries

Lorsqu’un jeune agriculteur s’installe il peut prétendre à la dotation jeune agriculteur (dja) destinée à financer ses investissements.

Read the article