|
The typical characteristics of Côtes du Rhône wines are due to terroir and
grape variety, which by no means underestimates the importance of the human touch
for what concerns the Appellation's reputation and unique personality.
A vineyard's terroir is a combination of climate, soil and grape variety. In
general, the Mediterranean region's climate is characterized by seasons of rain,
warm temperatures and exceptionally sunny periods.
The major exception to the Mediterranean climate in the Rhône Valley is the
famous Mistral wind. The Mistral wind has a major influence on the regional climate
and is actually beneficial to the vine's development. This strong, sometimes violent
wind results from differences in atmospheric pressure between northern and southern
France.
The Rhône River is another important element of the terroir. The Rhône has
left its mark on the sedimentary basin, as it has formed hills and valleys and
has created alluvial deposits which all make for a rich, diverse area that extends
from Vienne to Avignon, from the Cévennes mountains to the foothills of the Alps.
Vines grow on the right bank of the river between Vienne and Valence, in the
Rhône, Loire and Ardèche departments. On the left bank, vines grow from granite
soils on the steep hills of Tain l'Hermitage.
From Livron to Montélimar, vines have been replaced by other forms of vegetation
but further south, after the gorge at Donzère, they are to be found once again,
growing on both sides of the river.
A large vineyard area along the right bank of the river in the Ardèche and
Gard departments extends further south on the left bank between the Drôme and
southern Vaucluse.
Here, the soils are chalky with a top layer of alluvium. The Mediterranean
climate provides dry and warm conditions.
A.O.C. COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES
Terroir:
Vineyard : situated in the heart of an extraordinary tourist region, between
Meynes, Vauvert, Saint Gilles and Beaucaire, Southeast from Nîmes and North from
Camargue, where Occitanie and Provence meet.
Soil:
the Costières hills, dating from the Glacial period, are made from pebble formations
5 to 10 meters deep bound by limestone and clay. The soil allows water to filter
through to nourish the vines, while at night, the pebbles provide the vines with
the heat stored during the day.
Climate:
Typically Mediterranean, very sunny, with an occasionally violent Mistral wind
History :
A favorite of the Greeks and Romans, the Costières de Nîmes wines are related
to several historic monuments , like the Roman Arenas in Nîmes and the Saint Gilles
Abbey, one of the greatest sites of pilgrimage in the Middle ages. The abbey's
wines were delivered to the Popes of Avignon.
Economy:
the Costières de Nîmes wines yielded impressive profits by doubling their sales
(today 200,000 hectoliters) in three years (from 1994 to 1996). No other AOC wine
could claim such a leap in sales in that time period. 75% of the Costières de
Nîmes wines are consumed in France and 25% are exported, principally to the countries
of the European Union, but also to Japan and the US.
Wine-growers
600 wine-growers, of whom 150 are wine merchants, annually produce 200,000
hectoliters of red wine (65%), rosé (30%), and white (5%).
Production
Surface area : the Costières de Nîmes vineyards cover about 15,000 hectares
Grape varieties
Like most Rhône Valley wines, the red and rosé wines are composed of Grenache,
Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Carignan grapes. The white wines are derived from a rich
palette of grape varieties like Bourboulence, Marsanne, Clairette and Ugni blanc.
Other grape varieties are used in the making of these wines which serve to express
their distinct personality and originality.
Getting Acquainted
Red wines : Elegant and balanced, round, generous and fine, the reds
have a pleasing bouquet of berries, plums and cherries. Served at room temperature,
they go perfectly well with red meat in sauce, game, and cheese.
Rosé : Gorged by the sun, the rosés are generous and delicate and have
a bouquet of berries and dried fruit. Light and fresh, these are wines to drink
young and chilled (10° to 12°). They go well with any meal, especially white meat.
White : With a bouquet of flowers and fruit, these wines are lively,
round and supple. Served chilled (10°), they are delicious as an aperatif, and
go well with seafood, grilled fish and goat cheese (especially Pélardon).
For further informations please contact : fugues@club-internet.fr http://www.bonappetit-france.com
|
