A CLIMATE CONDUCIVE TO VINE-GROWING
Vignoble des Cévennes is located in the south of France, close to its namesake, the Cévennes mountain range. This geographical position confers many advantages on winegrowing: it benefits from the northerly wind and significant thermal amplitudes, which contribute greatly to the quality and ripeness of the grapes!
This climate allows us to produce 3 types of wine with unique characteristics. Red wines combine aromatic power and refinement, while white and rosé wines are synonymous with sweetness and freshness, much appreciated during the hot summer months!
THE CEVENNES TERROIR: A CONSTELLATION OF COLORS
Vines are grown on 4 types of soil: schist, clay-limestone, acid and the alluvial plain of Piedmont.
Schist soils are composed of rock that is generally brown in color, with shades varying from green to red, creating a magnificent mosaic of colors!
Clay-limestone soils contain minerals as well as clay and organic matter, and are highly prized by winemakers.
Clay-limestone soils easily retain rainwater and heat!
Alluvial soils originate from river floods or strong torrents that have deposited various sediments. As a result, they are rich and ideal for growing vines.
THE DIFFERENT GRAPE VARIETIES: AGE-OLD KNOW-HOW
The wide temperature range and intense, irregular rainfall in this area give the grape varieties an aromatic intensity and liveliness, especially the black varieties (merlot, cabernet-sauvignon, grenache and cinsault), which are matured in oak barrels. White grape varieties are traditionally Grenache and Clairette, which have quickly been enriched by new varieties such as Sauvignon, Viognier and Chardonnay.
PROHIBITED GRAPE VARIETIES
These are very hardy American plants that arrived in France in the 19th century: clinton, isabelle, noah, othello, jacquez and herbemont. They are not included in the Cévennes PGI, as they have been banned, although they are still grown on private plots for domestic use.
Key figures
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60 Private cellars
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20 Cooperative wineries
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80,000 Hectolitres
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80% of sales are local
The Protected Geographical Indication(PGI) refers to an agricultural product whose characteristics, quality or reputation are linked to the geographical area in which it is produced or processed. In the wine sector, the stages from grape harvest to wine creation must be carried out in the defined geographical area.
Choosing the Indication Géographique Protégée is no accident! The IGP is perfect for the Cévennes wine industry. The wines must meet a number of criteria, and follow control procedures carried out by an independent body approved by the Institut National de l'Origine et de la Qualité.
AN AREA RICH IN DISCOVERIES!
Over the years, the region's tourism economy has really taken off! The territory's wine tourism offering has become more varied, earning the destination the Vignobles et Découvertes label in 2017.
Throughout the year, the Cévennes vineyards organize numerous wine tourism events to promote and enhance their territory and heritage.
