AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Saint-Andéol
Established in 2017, Saint-Andéol is one of the newest of the Named Villages. It’s also one of the smallest. But already their results are turning heads – it’s clear that this is a great terroir that produces a very distinctive style of wine.
This is the only Named Village in the Ardèche, at its most southerly tip, where two great rivers meet. They’ve laid down rolling hills of large pebbles that are perfect for growing Grenache and Syrah, with sharp shards of limestone further north.
The appellation is a union of four villages on the west bank of the Rhône that all have a saint in their name: Saint-Marcel, Saint-Just, Saint-Martin d’Ardèche and Bourg-Saint-Andéol.
Some of the estates here are hundreds of years old. But far from being stuck in their ways, this area has always been – and still is – a hotbed of experimentation. Local winemakers have a strong sense of independence, and often a radical, even rebellious, spirit.
Perhaps that’s why it has taken so long for local winemakers stake their claim and create this appellation.
But now they have, Saint-Andéol is a name to watch.
Informations
Climate: Mediterranean under the influence of the Mistral, and strong influence of the Cévennes on rainfall.
Soils : Limestone / Clay / Rocky
Website appellation : https://www.cotesdurhone.com/
Key figures
Production surface area in 2023: 72 HA
Total production in 2023: 2 550 HL
Average annual yeld: 35 HL/HA
Year of recognition within the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages: 2017
Communes : Saint-Marcel, Saint-Just, Saint-Martin d’Ardèche and Bourg-Saint-Andéol.
Grape varieties
Main grape varieties
- Grenache noir,
- Mourvèdre,
- Syrah
Secondary grape varieties
- Bourboulenc,
- Brun argenté (locally known as Camarèse or Vaccarèse),
- Carignan,
- Carignan blanc,
- Cinsault,
- Clairette,
- Clairette rose,
- Counoise,
- Floréal,
- Grenache blanc,
- Grenache gris,
- Marsanne,
- Muscardin,
- Piquepoul blanc,
- Piquepoul noir,
- Rolle (or Vermentino)
- Roussanne,
- Terret noir,
- Ugni blanc,
- Vidoc,
- Viognier
To know
History
The village was formerly known as Bergoïata, a Celtic name referring to its elevated position on a rocky promontory overlooking the Rhône. Its current name dates back to the 15th century, when the village was renamed in honour of Saint Andeolus, a local saint martyred in 208 AD. Historic monuments abound, including 15th century houses and fountains, while religious buildings - chapels, churches and the Bishops’ Palace built for the bishops of Viviers – attest to a significant number of local saints. In the 6th century, the village was designated as a diocese dedicated to St Vincent, one of the first in France. Winegrowing in the area also dates back to ancient times. Archaeologists have found evidence of a significant Roman settlement on the plain of Alba, where, as they worked the land, winegrowers uncovered cut stones and fragments of marble. There are also traces of amphora manufacturing in Saint Just d’Ardèche.
The vessels were used to transport the local wine to Rome, where it was already growing popular. In 2017, INAO promoted the wines of Saint-Andéol to Côtes du Rhône Villages Saint-Andéol status.
Climate
The naturally cool temperatures of the Ardèche protect the grapes’ fruity flavours despite the searing heat of the southern sun. The vineyards are cleansed by the Mistral wind wind, and rainfall is influenced by the Cévennes (the foehn effect).
Soils
Soils feature red and purple-tinged pebbles over a red, iron-rich clay soil horizon. Clay/limestone with red clays from altered Urgonian limestone, with limestone fragments.
Geography
The appellation area spans the 4 communes of Saint-Marcel, Saint-Just, Saint-Martin d’Ardèche and Bourg-Saint-Andéol, just south of the Gorges de l’Ardèche.
Varieties and flavours
Côtes du Rhône Villages Saint-Andéol applies only to red wines. Their blend must include Grenache noir. Along with Syrah and Mourvèdre, these three varieties must represent at least 66% of the finale blend of the wines.
Associated appellations
