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The Côtes du Rhône Villages with commune name

Cairanne

Vineyards: at the foot of the mountainside village of Cairanne, in the Vaucluse department, the vineyards have extended since the fifteenth century towards the Plan de Dieu and the Plaine de l ’Aigues.

Soil types: red earth on sandstone, argillaceous terraces, stony skeletal soil much of which is sandy molasse.

Climate: typical Mediterranean climate.

Background: the vineyards were developed in the Middle Ages firstly under the aegis of the Knights Templars, then the Hospitaliers of Saint-John-of-Jerusalem. Cairanne has been named C ôtes du Rhône Cairanne since 1953 and became Côtes du Rhône Villages Cairanne in 1967.

Area under cultivation*: 818 hectares, yearly production: 29438 hl ; basic yield: 36 hl/hectare.

* Source: harvest statement 2001.

Grape Variety mix:

for the reds, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other Appellation grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum.

For the rosé, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum, white grape varieties 20% maximum (Grenache, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc and Viognier).

For the whites, Grenache white, Clairette white, Marsanne white, Roussanne white, Bourboulenc white, Viognier white, other white grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum.

Minimum alcoholic strength: for the red 12.5%, for the rosé and whites 12%.

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Chusclan

Vineyards: they straddle 5 communes: Chusclan, Codolet, Orsan, Saint-Etienne-des-Sorts, Bagnols-sur-C èze, in the French Department of the Gard.

Soil types: gravely slopes and terrace with some sandy areas.

Climate: typical Mediterranean affected by the Mistral.

Background: Chusclan wines have been renowned for a great many years. Olivier de Serres boasted of their virtues in the eighteenth century, and they were highly fashionable during the reign of Louis XIV thanks to a recipe invented by the Mar échal de Grammont: ‘Lapins d’Arbousset’. Chusclan was known as Côtes du Rhône Chusclan as early as 1947 and went on to be consecrated Côtes du Rhône Villages Chusclan in 1967 for the rosé and in 1971 for the red.

Area under cultivation*: 468 hectares, yearly production: 18007 hl ; basic yield: 38 hl/hectare.

* Source: harvest statement 2004.

Grape Variety mix:

for the reds, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other Appellation grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum.

For the rosé, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum, white grape varieties 20% maximum (Grenache, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc and Viognier).

For the whites, Grenache white, Clairette white, Marsanne white, Roussanne white, Bourboulenc white, Viognier white, other white grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum.

Minimum alcoholic strength: for the red 12.5%, for the rosé and the whites 12%.

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Laudun

Vineyards: they straddle 3 communes: Laudun, Saint-Victor-la-Coste and Tresques in the French Department of the Gard.

Soil types: stony or gravely slopes, arid skeletal soils.

Climate: typical Mediterranean affected by the Mistral.

Background: Although these vineyards have been in existence since Roman times it was not until the 17th Century that they became well known. Lauden was one of the famous and traditional “Côte du Rhône Gardoise” wines. A report made by a panel of experts on the Laudun Appellation's terrain and wines enabled the Tribunal d ’Uzés to define, from 1947 onwards, both the area and production conditions relating to this wine, and was, in 1967, consecrated C ôtes du Rhône Villages Laudun.

Area under cultivation: 411 hectares, yearly production: 16183 hl; basic yield: 39 hl/hectare.

* Source: harvest statement 2004.

Grape Variety mix:

for the reds, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties of the Appellation tolerated 20% maximum

For the rosé, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum, white grape varieties 20% maximum (Grenache, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc and Viognier).

For the whites, Grenache white, Clairette white, Marsanne white, Roussanne white, Bourboulenc white, Viognier white, other white grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum.

Minimum alcoholic strength: for the red 12.5%, for the rosé and the whites 12%.

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Massif d'Uchaux

Vineyards: it spreads out over 5 communities : Lagarde-Paréol, Mondragon, Piolenc, Sérignan du Comtat and Uchaux .

Soil types: Since the end of the Secondary era , they are principally composed of siliceous sandstone and calcareous sandstone .

Climate: Mediterranean , woody hillsides between 100 and 280 metres in altitude .

Background: This vineyard , cultivated by the Romans with the famous Roman Way going through it (the Via Agrippa) connecting Lyon with Arles , is situated on the well-exposed hills of the Uchaux Massif . In 1290, the sale of this wine was authorized in the community of Mondragon. In the XVth century the first taxation of wine appeared.

News: As early as 1937, part of the Uchaux Massif obtained the Côtes du Rhône Appellation, in 1983 the Côtes du Rhône Villages Appellation and in 2005 the Uchaux Massif was consecrated Côtes du Rhône Villages (Named Villages)

Area under cultivation* 1rst harvest : 136 hectares , annual production : 3,869 hectolitres ; average yield : 28 hectolitres per hectare ; potential of production : 750 hectares / 30,000 hectolitres.

*Source of information : official declaration of harvest 2004

Grape Variety mix: Black Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and/or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties authorized by the Appellation 20% maximum.

Minimum alcoholic content : 12.5°

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Plan de Dieu

Vineyards: it spreads out over 4 different communities: Camaret-sur-Aigues, Jonqui ères, Travaillan and Violès.

Soil types: Vast terraces of alluvial soil from the Riss, on these, calcareous gravel from the Quarternary era. The gravel lies either on blue clay (Pliocene), or on sandstone cobalt, which allows for an appreciable amount of moisture in the soil during the summer period.

Climate: classical Mediterranean climate along with the influence of the Mistral wind

Background : the vineyard was established during the Middle Ages in particular under the influence of the Templar Knights. Chapels, religious communities were established all around the Plan de Dieu. The religious cultivated the vines under the protection of God, and as a sign of God or as a benediction, these wines rapidly developed a certain reknown for their quality.

News: the vineyard was consecrated in 2005 as a Côtes du Rhône Villages (Named Villages) wine.

Area under cultivation* (1rst harvest) : 371 hectares ; annual production : 14,404 hl ;

Average yield : 39 hl/ hectare ; with a potential of production of 60,000 hl and 1500 hectares.

*Source of information : official declaration of harvest 2004

Grape Variety mix: (AC red only) Black Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and/or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties authorized in the appellation 20% maximum.

Minimum alcoholic Strenght: 12.5°

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Puyméras

Vineyards: it spreads out over 5 different very hilly communities (220 to 600 metres in altitude) : M érindol les Oliviers, Mollans sur Ouvèze ( in the Drôme county), Faucon, St. Romain en Viennois and Puyméras (in the Vaucluse county).

Soil types: Stony terraces with rounded and /or sharp pebbles with soft soils, red sandy stones.

Climate: Mediterranean but a bit cooler (due to the Mont Ventoux with its 1,912 metres in altitude).

Background: The sparse appearance of several rows of olive trees and fruit trees among the vines are vestiges of what used to be a very diversified farming area, but which suffered the consequences of heavy frost in 1956. Only the vines remain.

News: Classified as a Côtes du Rhône Villages Appellation in 1979, the vineyard was consecrated in 2005 as a Côtes du Rhône Villages (named Villages).

Area under cultivation (1rst harvest)* : 117 hectares ; yearly production : 4,683 hl ;

Average yield : 40 hl/hectare ; Potential of production : 324 hectares /13,440 hl

*Source of information : official declaration of harvest 2004

Grape Variety mix: (A.C Red only) Black Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and/or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties authorised by the Appellation 20% maximum.

Minimum alcoholic strenght : 12.5°

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Rasteau

Vineyards: they form the majority of the village's terrain located in the French Department of the Vaucluse.

Soil types: brow and calcareous, skeletal soil on marl and red soil on sandstone.

Climate: Mediterranean, the slopes have a Southern exposure and are slightly protected from the Mistral.

Background: the vineyards of Rasteau were, in the 17th Century, some of the largest in the Vaucluse and were known mainly for their fortified wines. Little by little, economic considerations forced the C ôtes du Rhône Villages to adopt the conditions of the Appellation, and they were consecrated C ôtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau in 1967.

Area under cultivation*: 781 hectares, yearly production: 29,175 hl; basic yield: 37 hl/hectare.

* Source: harvest statement 2004.

Grape Variety mix:

For the reds, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties of the Appellation tolerated 20% maximum.

For the rosé, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum, white grape varieties 20% maximum (Grenache, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc and Viognier).

For the whites, Grenache white, Clairette white, Marsanne white, Roussanne white, Bourboulenc white, Viognier white, other white grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum.

Minimum alcoholic strength: for the red 12.5%, for the rosé and whites 12%.

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Roaix

Vineyards: nestling between the vineyards of Rasteau and Séguret, Roaix's vineyards are spread throughout the entire commune, located in the French Department of the Vaucluse.

Soil types: "Ouvèze" stony terraces and decalcified red clay slopes.

Climate: typical Mediterranean affected by the Mistral.

Background: in the 12th Century the Order of the Knights Templar built a residence for its Grand master at Roaix and vines were cultivated on its lands.

Following the dissolution of the Order, Roaix became papal lands and under this patronage gained new renown, culminating in 1967 when it was consecrated C ôtes du Rhône Villages Roaix.

Area under cultivation*: 103 hectares, yearly production: 3,966 hl; basic yield : 38 hl/hectare.

* Source: harvest statement 2004.

Grape variety mix**:

For the reds, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties of the Appellation tolerated 20% maximum.

For the rosé, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum, white grape varieties 20% maximum (Grenache, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc and Viognier).

For the whites, Grenache white, Clairette white, Marsanne white, Roussanne white, Bourboulenc white, Viognier white, other white grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum.

Minimum alcoholic strength: for the red 12.5%, for the rosé and whites 12%.

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Rochegude

Vineyards: these are located throughout the commune of Rochegude in the South of the French Department of the Dr ôme.

Soil types: red clay; light permeable sandstone with siliceous areas.

Climate: typical Mediterranean affected by the Mistral.

Background: enjoyed as early as Roman times (the wine is referred to in a decree issued by the Emperor Domitian), the Rochegude vineyards have always been reputed for producing fine wines. In the 18th Century, the Marquis of Acqueria introduced a new impetus into the vineyards and improved on quality. This constant striving for quality resulted in Rochegude being awarded the C ôtes du Rhône Villages Rochegude label in 1967.

Area under cultivation*: 178 hectares, yearly production: 6618 hl; basic yield: 42 hl/hectare.

* Source: harvest statement 2001.

Grape Variety mix: for the reds, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties of the Appellation tolerated 20% maximum.

For the rosé, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum, white grape varieties 20% maximum (Grenache, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc and Viognier).

For the whites, Grenache white, Clairette white, Marsanne white, Roussanne white, Bourboulenc white, Viognier white, other white grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum.

Minimum alcoholic strength: for the red 12.5%, for the rosé and whites 12.

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Rousset les vignes

Vineyards: they are located throughout the commune of Rousset-les-Vignes in the French Department of the Dr ôme.

Soil types: the upper hillsides are sandstone and stony.

Climate: typical Mediterranean, protected from the Mistral by the neighbouring uplands.

Background: clinging to the side of the Lance mountain, the village is dominated by a Renaissance castle that belonged to the House of Poitiers. Vines have been cultivated on this land for centuries and the 15th century land registry records the quality of the wines coming from various vineyards, a unusual phenomenon for the period and evidence of a long standing concern for quality.

It was consecrated Côtes du Rhône Villages Rousset-les-Vignes in 1969.

Area under cultivation*: 72 hectares, yearly production: 2852 hl; basic yield: 40 hl/hectare.

* Source: harvest statement 2004.

Grape Variety mix:

For the reds, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties of the Appellation tolerated 20% maximum.

For the rosé, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum, white grape varieties 20% maximum (Grenache, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc et Viognier).

For the whites, Grenache white, Clairette white, Marsanne white, Roussanne white, Bourboulenc white, Viognier white, other white grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum.

Minimum alcoholic strength: for the red 12.5%, for the rosé and whites 12%.

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Sablet

Vineyards: all the vineyards come within the commune of Sablet, and are situated alongside those of the Gigondas vineyards in the North of the "Dentelles de Montmirail".

Soil types: sandy decalcified red clay, along with gravel and shingle and red sandstone areas.

Climate: typical Mediterranean affected by the Mistral.

Background: the Sablet vineyards were first developed under the aegis of the Counts of Toulouse to whom the property once belonged. In the 14th Century, this wine making activity was confirmed by the Avignon Popes under whose control the region had by then passed. Sablet was awarded the classification C ôtes du Rhône Villages Sablet

in 1974.

News: Sablet is famous for its one day Book Fair held in July which brings together writers, booksellers, book binders, illustrators and wine makers. Combining books and wine is an interesting initiative providing a moment of distraction, a time in which to exchange ideas and sample the special wines created by the Sablet winemakers for the occasion.

Area under cultivation*: 219 hectares, yearly production: 8184 hl ; basic yield: 37 hl/hectare.

* Source: harvest statement 2004.

Grape Variety mix:

For the reds, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties of the Appellation tolerated 20% maximum.

For the rosé, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum, white grape varieties 20% maximum (Grenache, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc and Viognier).

For the whites, Grenache white, Clairette white, Marsanne white, Roussanne white, Bourboulenc white, Viognier white, other white grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum.

Minimum alcoholic strength: for the red 12.5%, for the rosé and whites 12%.

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Saint-Gervais

Vineyards: these are spread throughout the commune's territory which is located in the French Department of the Gard.

Soil types: sandstone on red clay slopes; gravel an stony soil layer on the plateau.

Climate: typically Mediterranean.

Background: For many centuries the land was mainly dedicated to mixed farming until little by little vine cultivation began to take over, starting at the base of the valley and working upwards to the plateau that overlooks the C èze valley, to culminate, over the last thirty years; in an unending search for quality. It is the success of this search that was reflected in Saint-Gervais being classified C ôtes du Rhône Villages Saint-Gervais in 1974.

Area under cultivation*: 132 hectares, yearly production: 5182 hl; basic yield: 39 hl/hectare.

* Source: harvest statement 2004.

Grape Variety mix:

For the reds, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties of the appellation tolerated 20% maximum.

For the rosé, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum, white grape varieties 20% maximum (Grenache, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc and Viognier).

For the whites, Grenache white, Clairette white, Marsanne white, Roussanne white, Bourboulenc white, Viognier white, other white grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum.

Minimum alcoholic strength: for the red 12.5%, for the rosé and whites 12%.

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Saint Maurice

Vineyards: the vineyards are spread over the entire area of Saint-Maurice-sur-Eygues, which is located at the gateway to the "nyonsais" region, in the French Department of the Dr ôme.

Soil types: argillaceous limestone with varying gravel content and areas of lighter sandstone.

Climate: typical Mediterranean with North-South exposure and protected from the Mistral.

Background: vines were being grown here in the 14th Century when the area was the property of the “Dauphins”, the heirs to the French throne, and by the 18th Century, the wines of Saint-Maurice had already achieved a high reputation. In 1953, Saint-Maurice was classified as a C ôtes du Rhône Saint-Maurice-sur-Eygues and in 1967 it was consecrated Côtes du Rhône Villages Saint-Maurice-sur-Eygues.

News: a footpath has been created between Rousset-les-Vignes and Saint-Pantaléon-les-Vignes, by which, on taking a stroll along it you can discover an area of vines under cultivation and a wine making site with information relating its history, its climate and its culture.

Signs in bottle format have replaced the traditional signposts thus drawing visitors further into a winemaking environment.

Area under cultivation*: 138 hectares, yearly production: 5118 hl ; yield de base: 37 hl/hectare.

* Source: harvest statement 2004.

Grape Variety mix:

For the reds, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties of the Appellation tolerated 20% maximum.

For the rosé, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum, white grape varieties 20% maximum (Grenache, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc and Viognier).

For the whites, Grenache white, Clairette white, Marsanne white, Roussanne white, Bourboulenc white, Viognier white, other white grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum.

Minimum alcoholic strength: for the red 12.5%, for the rosé and whites 12%.

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Saint-Pantaléon les vignes

Vineyards: these are located entirely within the commune of Saint-Pantaléon which is in the in the Southern part of the French Department of Drôme, and on the road to Nyons

Soil types: argillaceous limestone slopes, sandy lower sloes and stony terraces.

Climate: Mediterranean, protected from the Mistral by neighbourin.

Background: vine cultivation had predominated in this village for over two centuries until, in 1918, the town council asked to have the words “les vignes” added to the name of the commune and in 1969, Saint-Pantaléon-les-Vignes was consecrated Côtes du Rhône Villages Saint-Pantaléon-les-Vignes.

Area under cultivation*: 64 hectares, yearly production: 2497 hl; basic yield: 39 hl/hectare.

* Source: harvest statement 2004.

Grape Variety mix:

For the reds, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties of the Appellation tolerated 20% maximum.

For the rosé, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum, white grape varieties 20% maximum (Grenache, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc and Viognier).

For the whites, Grenache white, Clairette white, Marsanne white, Roussanne white, Bourboulenc white, Viognier white, other white grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum.

Minimum alcoholic strength: for the red 12.5%, for the rosé and whites 12%.

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Séguret

Vineyards: these are located throughout the commune of Séguret, which is situated at the foot of the "Dentelles de Montmirail", in the French Department of the Vaucluse.

Soil types: stony soils on argillaceous limestone slopes and terraces.

Climate: typical Mediterranean affected by the Mistral.

Background: Séguret’s destiny as a wine producing area has been developed since the 13th Century, first under the control of the Counts of Toulouse, then followed by the Princes of Orange. In 1685 a wine "Confr érie" or brotherhood was created and most astonishingly for the period, was led by a female local "landlord". S éguret's winemakers revived their "Confrérie" in 1985 under the name, the "Confrérie des Chevaliers du Gouste-Séguret Compagnons de Saint-Vincent". The vineyards were consecrated Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret in 1967.

News: Several times a year, in co-operation with the winemakers, Séguret's restaurants, as members of the Terrain de Séguret Charter, organise free wine tastings of the village's best blends for their customers, events which are both instructive and very convivial!

Area under cultivation*: 250 hectares, yearly production: 9236 hl; Basic yield : 37 hl/hectare.

* Source: harvest statement 2004.

Grape Variety mix:

For the reds, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties of the Appellation tolerated 20% maximum.

For the rosé, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum, white grape varieties 20% maximum (Grenache, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc and Viognier).

For the whites, Grenache white, Clairette white, Marsanne white, Roussanne white, Bourboulenc white, Viognier white, other white grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum.

Minimum alcoholic strength: for the red 12.5%, for the rosé and whites 12%.

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Signargues

Vineyards : It is the furthest south of the Côtes du Rhône Villages Appellation bearing its geographical name and it spreads out over 4 different communities : Domazan, Est ézargues, Rochefort du Gard and Saze.

Soil types: terraces of rounded pebbles on sand or Pliocene clay, reddened by rust.

Climate: with an average altitude of 150 metres above the Rhone River, it is Mediterranean, warm and dry bearing the influence of the Mistral wind.

Background : the terroir of Signargues is well known to historians going from the occupation of the area by the Romans to the battles of Charles Martel, from the Popes in Avignon to the cult of Bacchus. Vestiges still exist, such as the double faced statue of Bacchus and Ariane which can be seen in the Louvre Museum, found by an archaeologist on the land.

News: in 2005, the vineyard was consecrated as a Côtes du Rhône Villages (Named Villages).

Area under cultivation* : (1rst harvest) : 450 hectares ; yearly production : 18,000 hl ;

basic yield : 40 hl/hectare ; potential of production : 600 hectares / 25,000 hl.

* Source of Information : Official Declaration of the Harvest 2004

Grape varieties : (A.C red only) Black Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and/or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties authorized by the Appellation 20% maximum.

Minimum alcoholic Content : 12.5°

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Valréas

Vineyards: they straddle the commune of Valréas in the French Department of the Vaucluse.

Soil types: red clay slopes and terraces containing vary degrees of stone.

Climate: typical Mediterranean and subject to Alpine winds.

Background: Capital of the Papal Enclave from the 14th Century up to the French Revolution, the history of Valr éas is closely tied up with the Avignon Papacy. Legend has it that on returning exhausted from a visit to Lyon, a Pope regained his health and vigour thanks to drinking Valr éas wine. As a result, the Pope decided to make the land that provided this miracle a Papal demesne.

The vineyards were consecrated Côtes du Rhône Village Valréas in 1967.

Area under cultivation*: 458 hectares, yearly production: 17193 hl; basic yield : 37 hl/hectare.

* Source: harvest statement 2004.

Grape Variety mix:

For the reds, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties de l’Appellation tolerated 20% maximum.

For the rosé, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum, white grape varieties 20% maximum (Grenache, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc and Viognier).

For the whites, Grenache white, Clairette white, Marsanne white, Roussanne white, Bourboulenc white, Viognier white, other white grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum.

Minimum alcoholic strength: for the red 12.5%, for the rosé for whites 12%.

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Visan

Vineyards: all the vineyards come within the commune de Visan, in the French department of the Vaucluse (papal enclave).

Soil types: stony red argillaceous limestone.

Climate: Mediterranean and affected by the Mistral.

Background: originally own by the Knights Templars, Visan became Papal land in 1317. One of the chancel arches in the 12th century chapel of Notre-Dame des Vignes bears the inscription “posuerunt me custodem in vinoe”... “I have been placed here , the custodian of their wines...” It would appear that the destiny of the village was decided from an early date!

Visan was classified Côtes du Rhône Villages Visan in 1967.

Area under cultivation*: 390 hectares, yearly production: 16233 hl; basic yield : 37 hl/hectare.

* Source: harvest statement 2004.

Grape Variety mix: For the reds, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties of the Appellation tolerated 20% maximum.

For the rosé, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum, white grape varieties 20% maximum (Grenache, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc and Viognier).

For the whites, Grenache white, Clairette white, Marsanne white, Roussanne white, Bourboulenc white, Viognier white, other white grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum.

Minimum alcoholic strength: for the reds 12.5%, for the rosé and whites 12%.