AOC Grignan-les-Adhémar
Planted on land long famed for its truffles, amid fields of lavender and thyme interspersed with olive groves, the Grignan-les-Adhémar vines soak up the scents and flavours of Provence, distilled by the Drôme sunshine... The beauty of its architectural heritage only serves to enhance the appeal of this region. Châteaux, chapels, fortifications, historic lavoirs and statues.
The wines of Grignan les Adhémar show a fine balance between the easy-drinking flavours of Grenache and the power of Syrah. Their style has evolved over the years, and now more than ever, they deserve their reputation as wines of instant, lasting appeal.
Informations
Climate: Mediterrannean influenced by the Mistral
Soils: Clay / Rocky / Sandy
Website appellation: https://www.grignan-adhemar-vin.fr/
Key figures
Production surface area in 2023: 1 228 HA
Total production in 2023: 44 706 HL
Average annual yeld: 36 HL/HA
Export: 13%
Recognition in AOC by the I.N.A.O.: 1973
Communes : The area of Grignan-les-Adhémar is between Montélimar and Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux.
Grape varieties
Main grape varieties
- Bourboulenc,
- Clairette,
- Grenache noir,
- Syrah
Secondary grape varieties
- Bourboulenc,
- Carignan,
- Cinsaut,
- Clairette,
- Grenache blanc,
- Marsanne,
- Marselan,
- Mourvèdre,
- Roussanne,
- Viognier
To know
History
Vines were first planted in Grignan-les-Adhémar by the Phoenicians in the 5th century BC. The area was then further developed by the Romans,
becoming one of the most prosperous winegrowing areas in ancient and medieval Gaul. The presence of the Rhône played an essential part in its success, both as a means of communication and a shipping route.
The vineyards made something of a comeback in the 1960s. In 1964, as Vins Délimité de Qualité Supérieure (VDQS), the vineyards covered only
365 hectares, compared to 2,500 just a century earlier. On July 27, 1973, they were awarded AOC status under the name Coteaux du Tricastin, and became Grignan-les-Adhémar in 2010.
Climate
Largely Mediterranean, influenced by the Mistral wind.
Soils
Geologically speaking, the area is very diverse, giving rise to an infinite variety of wines.
Subsoils comprise mainly clay/limestone or sand, but topsoil composition changes from area to area. There are four main geological formations:
• Rounded pebbles, rolled and worn smooth by the Rhône. The wines from these areas are distinctive for their complexity, generosity and richness of expression.
• The high terraces of the Rhône (150 - 200m), with their clay/limestone soils, surrounded by lush green hills. These geological features give the wines elegance, smoothness and strength.
• Very stony soils or gravel deposits. These clayrichsoils give firm structure and a deep colour.
• Alluvial terraces on the banks of the Rhône. Wines grown in these soils show suppleness and elegance on the palate.
Geography
The Grignan-les-Adhémar appellation area lies along the left bank of the Rhône, between the Dauphiné and Provence regions between Montélimar and Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux.
Varieties and flavours
Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Marselan has recently been added to the list of authorised varietals, adding fruity, spicy flavours.
Colours range from vibrant ruby-red to dark red with a gleam of purple, while aromas include spices, red and black berry fruit, liquorice and garrigue. Some also show floral, oaky, toasty scents. Ageing potential is good - up to ten years for wines made mostly from Syrah. Rosés, made from Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Mourvèdre and Cinsault, are elegant on the nose with red fruit aromas, a touch of freshness and warmth and good length on the palate.
Whites are made from Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, Clairette, white Grenache and Viognier. When young, they have a lovely fresh character, developing minerality as they age.
Associated appellations
