AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Visan
Why is it that some of the finest wines in the world come from the most beautiful places? It’s certainly the case with Visan.
Take a stroll through the village in the cool of the morning and the air is perfumed with the white jasmine that climbs the sandstone walls of ancient houses. You’ll pass their carved wooden doors and glimpse verdant gardens through ornate metal gates. The only sound is the song of the cicadas.
This is one of the more sizeable Named Villages on the east bank of the Rhône, tucked up in the northern part of the southern Côtes du Rhône. Vineyards have surrounded the village for centuries, they spread across the plain below and climb up behind the village to find the best exposed sites.
Until fairly recently, this land was dedicated to their fine, vibrant reds. More recently, however, winemakers have discovered how well white varieties perform, producing succulent white wines scented with peach and apricot.
They’re making more and more rosés too.
A combination of a northerly site, vineyards at altitude and cooling winds bring the all-important freshness – to all three colours. Until you can visit, taste the beauty in the wines.
Informations
Climate: Mediterranean influenced by Mistral wind
Soils: Sandy / Limestone / Rocky
Website appellation: https://www.cotesdurhone.com/
Key figures
Production surface area in 2023: 580 HA
Total production in 2023: 18 477 HL
Average annual yeld: 32 HL/HA
Year of recognition within the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages: 1966
Commune: Visan
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
Evidence of life in Gallo-Roman times has been found at Visan, demonstrating that the area was already occupied during that period. Vines were first planted by Emperor Probus and his men in the third century.
Visan had its own communal grape-press as early as 1250. Having once belonged to the Knights Templar, Visan became Papal territory in 1344.
The Confrérie des Vignerons de Visan was the first winegrowers’ guild in the region, and one of the first in France. It was established in 1475 and remained active until 1792, then revived many years later in 1978 to coincide with Visan’s first Wine Festival. During their summer session, Confrérie members process to the church of Notre-Dame-des-Vignes for the blessing of a vine stock which is then solemnly burned on Place Marot, while locals dance the “Souco,” a local dance whose name derives from the Provençal word for vine.
In 1966, Visan was awarded Côtes du Rhône Villages Visan status.
Climate
Mediterranean climate, heavily influenced by the Mistral wind.
Soils
Pebbles, with marl and sand.
Geography
The vineyards are located in the commune of Visan in the Vaucluse département.
Varieties and flavours
The appellation’s red wines are characterised by the full-bodied power of Grenache, the fruitiness of Syrah and Mourvèdres excellent persistence of flavour. Visan reds have excellent ageing potential.
Rosés are appealingly fruity and peppery, and are based on Grenache noir, supplemented with Syrah and/or Mourvèdre. These are wines for
enjoying young.
Whites have a delightful citrussy flavour. Grenache blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier are the main varieties.
Again, these wines are best drunk in their early years, although experience shows they will age well for several years.
Associated appellations
