AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Saint-Maurice
In the northern part of the Côtes du Rhône, there’s a long, south facing hillside that overlooks the river Aygues. It’s so perfect for growing vines that a number of appellations have staked a claim. There is one Cru, Vinsobres, to the east, and Named Villages like Visan to the west. Sandwiched between these two lies a thin section that goes by the name of Saint-Maurice.
We might be in the Southern Rhône here, but Saint-Maurice has a distinctly northern feel.
The high, hilly vineyards are surrounded by woodland, giving them a shaded, sheltered feel. And the grape varieties also look north. Grenache is king, but Syrah takes up a full third of plantings.
They make a surprising amount of white wine, around 10%, and again the grape varieties have a northern inflection: Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne, with some Grenache blanc giving the blends that unmistakable southern richness. And let’s not forget their crisp rosés.
Considering how few winemakers bottle any Saint-Maurice, the quality is consistently high. Whether red, white or rosé, what marks out these wines is their vibrancy and tension.
Tasting one is like catching sight of a rare bird – suddenly striking, and a moment to cherish.
Informations
Key figures
Production surface area in 2023: 108 HA
Total production in 2023: 3 854 HL
Average annual yeld: 36 HL/HA
Year of recognition within the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages: 1967
Commune: Saint-Maurice-sur-Eygues
Grape varieties
Main grape varieties
- Bourboulenc,
- Clairette,
- Grenache blanc,
- Grenache noir,
- Marsanne,
- Mourvèdre,
- Roussanne,
- Syrah,
- Viognier
Secondary grape varieties
- Bourboulenc,
- Brun argenté (locally known as Camarèse or Vaccarèse),
- Carignan,
- Carignan blanc,
- Cinsault,
- Clairette,
- Clairette rose,
- Counoise,
- Floréal,
- Grenache blanc,
- Grenache gris,
- Marsanne,
- Muscardin,
- Piquepoul blanc,
- Piquepoul noir,
- Rolle (or Vermentino),
- Roussanne,
- Terret noir,
- Ugni blanc,
- Vidoc,
- Viognier
To know
History
Numerous artefacts, including pottery, amphorae and coins, were found by archaeologists during excavations in Saint-Maurice-sur-Eygues in the 19th century. They show the significance of Roman colonisation in this area and its links to winegrowing.
The village winery proudly displays an item unique in the Rhône Valley, a barrel dating from the 13th century. A charter drawn up in 1333 details the freedoms granted to the villagers in return for their feudal rights over the vineyards and their wines. Meanwhile in the early 18th century, the Marquis de La Charce, governor of Nyons, was fulsome in his praise of Saint-Maurice wines.
In 1953, the wines of Saint-Maurice became part of the Côtes du Rhône family, and in 1967 they were awarded Côtes du Rhône Villages with geographical name status.
Climate
The climate is Mediterranean, sheltered from the Mistral wind, with northern and southern exposure.
The vines enjoy maximum sunshine.
Soils
Clay/limestone with varying amounts of gravel; areas of lighter sandstone.
Geography
The vineyards grow in the village of Saint-Maurice-sur-Eygues, close to the Nyons region in the Drôme département.
Varieties and flavours
Red wines are elegant, not overpowering, enveloped in subtle, silky tanins. Red blends must include Grenache noir, supplemented by Syrah and/or Mourvèdre, making up for at least 66% of the final blend. They will keep well for several years.
Rosés should be enjoyed young, while vibrant and refreshing on the palate.
White blends are dominated by Grenache blanc, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc and Viognier. They have aromas of violets and white flowers, and are best enjoyed in their youth.
Associated appellations
