AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Valréas
Legend has it that whilst travelling one day, an exhausted Pope John XXII drank a glass of Valréas and it restored his health and energy. He was certainly a fan – so much so that he annexed the land to ensure he’d never run out.
Today, the vineyards of Valréas stretch out for miles in all directions around the town itself, making this the third largest Named Village on the east bank of the Rhône. This verdant oasis in the northern reaches of the Côtes du Rhône is protected all around by hills and mountains. Its northerly location makes for relatively cool conditions, and the vines are further freshened by air currents that spill down from the surrounding peaks.
It might be relatively cool here, but the summer sun burns brightly enough to ripen the Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Mourvèdre that make up their vibrant, energetic reds. Rosé is rare, but white wines are on the up, blending Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne with that wonderfully lush southern white, Grenache blanc. Like the reds, the whites benefit from a piercing freshness and joyful drinkability.
Drink a glass if you need a pick-me-up – some wine lovers swear by it!
Informations
Climate: Mediterranean under the influence of the prealps
Soils: Limestone / Rocky / Sandy
Website appellation: https://www.cotesdurhone.com/
Key figures
Production surface area in 2023: 466 HA
Total production in 2023: 14 392 HL
Average annual yeld: 31 HL/HA
Year of recognition within the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages: 1967
Commune: Valréas
Grape varieties
Main grape varieties
- Bourboulenc,
- Clairette,
- Grenache blanc,
- Grenache noir,
- Marsanne,
- Mourvèdre,
- Roussanne,
- Syrah,
- Viognier
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 (ou Vermentino),
- Roussanne,
- Terret noir,
- Ugni blanc,
- Vidoc,
- Viognier
À savoir
History
The area around Valréas has been settled since Gallo-Roman times, as evidenced by fragments of sculptures and the remains of tombs found nearby.
Valréas was founded in the 9th century, just as Charlemagne was ascending the throne. A winegrower named Valère planted a wine estate on the banks of the Couronne where the town now stands. In time, his sizeable estate was joined to the neighbouring priory dedicated to St Vincent, patron saint of vines, to create the first village.
Pope John XXII bought the estate from Humbert de Montauban in 1317. Legend has it that Pope John XXII, returning from Lyon after his election and feeling very weary, took a glass of Valréas wine and was restored to full health. He annexed the land that had produced this miraculous wine, so he would have permanent access; he later also took possession of Richerenches and Visan. This
became the Papal Enclave, and Valréas remained the capital until the French Revolution. The vineyards were awarded Côtes du Rhône Villages Valréas status in 1967.
Climate
Mediterranean climate, influenced by Alpine winds.
Soils
Terraced slopes of red clay with varying amounts of pebbles.
Geography
The vineyards lie in the commune of Valréas in the Vaucluse département.
Varieties and flavours
Valréas red wines show flavours of red berry fruit (raspberry, redcurrant and blackcurrant); they are smooth, elegant and fresh, and have an ageing potential of ten years or more.
Whites are full-bodied and aromatic, and are based on Grenache blanc, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc and Viognier. They are fresh wines, made to be enjoyed young. Rosés have a wealth of fruity flavour and are also composed with a majority of Grenache noir, Syrah and/or Mourvèdre.
Associated appellations
