Caladoc
This grape variety made its appearance relatively recently in the Rhône appellations: it was added to the AOC Côtes du Rhône specifications in 2019, at the same time as Couston. Caladoc is a black grape variety, a crossing made in 1958 between Grenache noir and Côt (Malbec).
Informations
Origin: France (INRA Montpellier)
Location within the Rhône Valley: Côtes du Rhône
Plantings within the Rhône Valley AOCs: About 250 hectares
In the vineyards
Bunch and berries: Medium to large bunches, relatively loose. Medium size berries.
Maturity: Mid-ripening
Characteristics: Caladoc is resistant to coulure and botrytis, and not very sensitive to downy mildew.
In the cellars
Characteristics: Caladoc produces very colorful and very tannic wines, with good structure and good balance. In rosé, with direct pressing, it produces fresh, clear, aromatic and balanced rosés.
Wine styles: Still dry red wines, still dry rosé wines
Fun facts
Caladoc is described by nursery growers as “a Grenache (noir) without coulure”.
Caladoc takes its name from Lac du Galabert, in Bouches-du-Rhône, near which it was planted: a C replaced the G, and the name was shortened (source: P. Galet).