AOC Châtillon-en-Diois
The mountain vineyards of the Diois are some of the highest in France, rising to altitudes of 400 metres and more (some vines are located 700 m. altitude), and nestling in the foothills of the Vercors on the slopes of the southern Subalpine chains, eroded by the Drôme river and its tributaries.
Informations
Climate: Mediterranean with influence of the Vercors mountain climate
Soils: Chalky sandstone / Chalky marls
Altitude: average 400 metres
Website appellation: https://Clairette-de-die.com/fr/
Key figures
Production surface area in 2023: 37 HA
Total production in 2023: 1 693 HL
Average annual yeld: 45 HL/HA
Recognition in AOC by the I.N.A.O.: 1975
Communes : 12 communes including only two for black grape varieties
Grape varieties
Aligoté
A rare grape variety in the Rhône Valley Vineyards, Aligoté is only present in the Diois vineyards, and allowed in the blends of Châtillon-en-Diois AOC and Crémant de Die AOC wines.
Chardonnay
There is no white grape variety more famous in the world than Chardonnay. However, few know that it is present in the Rhône Valley. It is cultivated in the Châtillon-en-Diois appellation, producing supple white wines.
Gamay
Gamay, or Gamay noir, is the unique grape variety for Beaujolais red wines. In the Rhône Valley, it flourishes in the Diois vineyard, within the AOC Châtillon-en-Diois, alongside other Burgundian grape variety: Pinot noir.
Pinot noir
Pinot noir doesn't need an introduction! The great black Burgundian grape variety is the source of some of the greatest wines in the world.
Syrah
Syrah is one of the most emblematic red grape varieties of the northern part of the Côtes du Rhône. Due to its rarity, it is only used to produce certain great wines.
To know
History
Most written evidence agrees that winegrowing in this area dates back to the 2nd century BC. Production reached its peak around the middle of the 19th century, when the vineyards measured some 6,000 hectares. But around 1870, the phylloxera crisis wiped out up to 80% of plantings and only 1,000 hectares remained. In 1910, the area received its first distinction - an Appellation d’Origine, encompassing 41 local villages. In 1942, Clairette de Die was officially recognised as an AOC, but without determining grape varieties, and applicable to all wine styles, still or sparkling.
The smaller Châtillon-en-Diois appellation was formalised by decree on March 3, 1975.
Climate
Mediterranean climate with highland influences from the Vercors mountains.
Soils
The landscape here is very rugged, characterized by the erosion of the Subalpine Chains in the Secondary. High cliff faces surround the area; the soils are made up of matter eroded from these limestone cliffs, combined with black marl formations and chalky clay.
Geography
The appellations for Coteaux de Die and Crémant de Die encompass 30 communes in the Drôme; the Chatillon en Diois appellation vineyards span 12 communes. The slopes, where average altitude is 550 metres, enjoy excellent sun exposure. The vineyards also enjoy a distinctive microclimate, well-suited to winegrowing.
Varieties and flavours
Reds and rosés are made from a minimum of 60% of Gamay, supplemented with Syrah and/or Pinot noir. Red wines have very distinctive flavours – fruity with gourmet notes of cherry and spices. Their typical roundness is completed by good tannic structure and minerality on the palate. Rosés are usually pale pink, with aromas of red fruits and a distinctive touch of freshness. White wines are made with Aligoté and Chardonnay, giving fresh dry wines, usually with aromas of white flowers, dried fruits and citrus.
Associated appellations
