Five main soil types are found in the Côtes du Rhône. The shingle clay soil, the stony “argilo-calcaireous” and the soils containing layered stone (on the mountain slopes) provide the vines with a regular source of water and at night give off heat that has been stored up by the stones throughout the day.
These types of soil are especially appropriate for producing wine for laying down. Alternatively, loess and sandy soils offer a more irregular supply of water and are more suitable for producing white, rosé and lighter red wines. Area under cultivation : 40,326 hectares and 6,000 wine makers.
Cinsault is the bearer of finesse and is ideal for making rosé and fruity first year wines. White wines, which are fresh and aromatic, are the result of blending together several grapes, such as Bourboulenc, Grenache white, Roussanne, Marsanne, Clairette, and / or Viognier.
Information on Wines of the Rhone Valley
Les Vins de la Vallée du Rhône
www.vins-rhone-tourisme.com
www.vins-rhone.com






