Rhône

Appellation in the southern section of the Rhône wine-growing region in France, it has been classified as a Cru vineyard site since 1971. It has a long wine-growing tradition going back more than 2.000 years. Remarkable wines were produced here in the 16th century, and exported from the port of Roquemaure to Paris, England and Holland. The origin was certified by the magisterial officials burning the initials „C d R� on to the barrels. The region was one of the first to be struck by phylloxera in 1863, when the owner of a château imported vines from America. Famous lovers of the local wines included popes John XXII. (1244-1334), Clemens V. (1264-1314) as well as the author Marquise de Sévigné (1626-1696). The vineyard area totals more than 700 hectares in the four communes of Lirac, Roquemaure, Saint-Geniès-de-Comolas and St-Laurent-des-Arbres in the département Gard. The red wine is a blend of Grenache Noir (minimum of 40%), Syrah and Mourvèdre (together a minimum of 25%), Carignan (up to 10%) and Cinsault. The regulations for rosé are similar. The white wine is a blend made from Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanche (a maximum of 60% each), Ugni Blanc, Picpoul, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier (a maximum of 25% each). Well-known producers include Château d´Aqueria, Château Boucarut, Château Bouchassy, Domaine Cantegril, Domaine de Devoy, Domaine la Fermade, Domaine les Garrigues, Domaine du Joncier, Domaine Maby, André Méjan, Domaine de la Mordorée, Domaine de la Pelaquié, Château de Ségriès, Domaine Sabon and Château Saint-Roch.