Vineyards: they are located throughout the commune of Rousset-les-Vignes in the French Department of the Drôme.
Soil types: the upper hillsides are sandstone and stony.
Climate: typical Mediterranean, protected from the Mistral by the neighbouring uplands.
Background: clinging to the side of the Lance mountain, the village is dominated by a Renaissance castle that belonged to the House of Poitiers. Vines have been cultivated on this land for centuries and the 15th century land registry records the quality of the wines coming from various vineyards, a unusual phenomenon for the period and evidence of a long standing concern for quality.
It was consecrated Côtes du Rhône Villages Rousset-les-Vignes in 1969.
Area under cultivation*: 72 hectares, yearly production: 2852 hl; basic yield: 40 hl/hectare.
* Source: harvest statement 2004.
Grape variety mix:
For the reds, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties of the Appellation tolerated 20% maximum.
For the rosé, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum, white grape varieties 20% maximum (Grenache, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc et Viognier).
For the whites, Grenache white, Clairette white, Marsanne white, Roussanne white, Bourboulenc white, Viognier white, other white grape varieties tolerated 20% maximum.
Minimum alcoholic strength: for the red 12.5%, for the rosé and whites 12%.
