Vineyards: they straddle the commune of Valréas in the French Department of the Vaucluse.
Soil types: red clay slopes and terraces containing vary degrees of stone.
Climate: typical Mediterranean and subject to Alpine winds.
Background: Capital of the Papal Enclave from the 14th Century up to the French Revolution, the history of Valréas is closely tied up with the Avignon Papacy. Legend has it that on returning exhausted from a visit to Lyon, a Pope regained his health and vigour thanks to drinking Valréas wine. As a result, the Pope decided to make the land that provided this miracle a Papal demesne.
The vineyards were consecrated Côtes du Rhône Village Valréas in 1967.
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Area under cultivation*: 458 hectares, yearly production: 17193 hl; basic yield : 37 hl/hectare.
* Source: harvest statement 2004.
Grape variety mix:
For the reds, Grenache 50% minimum, Syrah and / or Mourvèdre 20% minimum, other grape varieties de l’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 and 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 for whites 12%.
