Côtes du Vivarais AOC

Viticulture in the Vivarais stretches back more than 2,000 years, with the Helvian Gauls cultivating vines long before Roman influence. Pliny the Elder documented vines growing in the region of Helvie, and winemaking expanded significantly during the Middle Ages. The 16th-century agronomist Olivier de Serres praised the wines as 'so precious and delicate that there is no reason to look elsewhere.' Modern plantings of traditional Rhône varieties took hold in the second half of the 20th century, and the appellation gained VDQS recognition in 1962 before achieving full AOC status from INAO in 1999.

• Vines cultivated in the region for over 2,000 years
• Pliny the Elder documented vines in Helvie
• VDQS status granted in 1962; upgraded to AOC in 1999
• Olivier de Serres praised the wines in the 16th century

Côtes du Vivarais sits on the west bank of the Rhône, straddling the Ardèche and Gard departments. The appellation is bisected by the dramatic Ardèche Gorges and encompasses the Plateau des Gras, which rises from approximately 250 to 400 metres above sea level. Soils are predominantly shallow marly and limestone over Jurassic limestone bedrock, with some parcels on Urgonian limestone and gravel zones. The Mediterranean climate, tempered by continental influences and the Mistral wind, delivers hot, dry summers and mild winters, ideal for ripening Grenache and Syrah.

• Plateau des Gras sits at 250 to 400 metres altitude
• Shallow marly and limestone soils over Jurassic limestone bedrock
• Mediterranean climate with continental influences and Mistral wind
• Notable geological landmarks include Pont d'Arc and Aven d'Orgnac caves

Red wines, built primarily on Grenache Noir and Syrah, dominate the appellation with 80% of production. They deliver black berry fruit and spicy flavours with robust tannins and notable freshness. Rosé wines, at 15% of production, are deep pink and intensely flavoured, with Grenache character at the fore. White wines are rare at only 5% of production and rely on Grenache Blanc and Marsanne to deliver fresh, floral profiles with mineral character. Other permitted varieties include Cinsault, Marselan, Viognier, Roussanne, and Clairette.

• Grenache Noir and Syrah are the primary red varieties
• Grenache Blanc and Marsanne anchor the white wine blends
• Reds are characterised by black fruit, spice, and fresh tannins
• Whites show floral and mineral qualities from limestone soils

The appellation counts 149 wine producers in total: 138 growers, 22 small private wineries, and 11 cooperative wineries. Those cooperatives are responsible for approximately 90% of all wine produced under the AOC, making them the dominant force in the appellation. Domaine Gallety stands out as the most recognised private estate. With annual production of around 20,648 hectoliters, Côtes du Vivarais remains a modestly sized appellation by Rhône Valley standards.

• 11 cooperatives produce roughly 90% of appellation wine
• 149 producers total, including 138 growers and 22 private wineries
• Domaine Gallety is the leading private estate
• Total annual production is approximately 20,648 hectoliters