Grignan-les-Adhémar AOC (formerly Coteaux du Tricastin)

Vines were first planted in this corner of the Drôme by Phoenicians in the 5th century BC, later developed under Roman influence. After centuries of viticulture, the modern era began in earnest during the 1960s, when just 365 hectares were under vine in 1964. The appellation earned AOC status on July 27, 1973, under the name Coteaux du Tricastin. In July 2008, a radioactive leak at the nearby Tricastin Nuclear Power Plant triggered a name change, and in 2010 the AOC was officially rebranded as Grignan-les-Adhémar, referencing the historic local château and medieval lords of the region.

• Phoenician viticulture dates to the 5th century BC in this area
• AOC status granted July 27, 1973, as Coteaux du Tricastin
• Renamed Grignan-les-Adhémar in 2010 to distance the appellation from the 2008 nuclear plant incident
• Only 365 hectares were cultivated in 1964; the appellation has since grown to 1,800 hectares

Grignan-les-Adhémar sits at the northern edge of the Southern Rhône, spanning 21 communes of the Drôme department on the left bank of the Rhône between Montélimar and Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux. Vineyards lie at 150 to 200 metres elevation, experiencing a transitional climate between Mediterranean and continental. The Mistral wind is a defining force here, reducing humidity, concentrating flavours in the grapes, and moderating summer heat. The surrounding landscape is characterised by truffles, lavender, and thyme, all of which contribute to the aromatic identity of the wines.

• Elevation ranges from 150 to 200 metres above sea level
• Transitional climate between Mediterranean and continental, shaped by the Mistral
• Located on the left bank of the Rhône between Montélimar and Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux
• Region is renowned for truffles, lavender, and aromatic herbs

The soils of Grignan-les-Adhémar are diverse, encompassing clay and limestone, alluvial deposits, rounded and glacial pebbles, sandstone, and stony gravelly terrain. This variety of soil types supports the range of grape varieties grown across the appellation. Viticulture here is notably environmentally conscious: 71% of all vineyards hold organic or HVE certification. The appellation is home to 324 producers in total, including 307 growers, 49 private wineries, and 13 cooperative wineries.

• Soils include clay, limestone, alluvial deposits, rounded pebbles, sandstone, and gravelly stony terrain
• 71% of vineyards are certified organic or HVE
• 324 producers operate across the appellation, including 13 cooperative wineries
• Diverse soil mosaic supports a broad range of permitted grape varieties

Red wines make up 95% of production, built primarily on Grenache noir and Syrah, with Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Carignan, and Marselan also permitted. The style balances easy-drinking fruit character with genuine power, offering aromas of red and black berries, spice, garrigue, floral notes, and oak. Syrah-dominant wines show the greatest aging potential, with the best capable of developing over up to 10 years. Whites are produced from Grenache blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, Marsanne, Viognier, and Bourboulenc, delivering fresh and crisp profiles. Rosés are also made within the appellation.

• Grenache noir and Syrah are the primary red varieties; Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Carignan, and Marselan are also permitted
• Whites use Grenache blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, Marsanne, Viognier, and Bourboulenc
• Red wines account for 95% of total production
• Syrah-based reds can age up to 10 years; minimum alcohol for all wines is 11%