Translation missing: en.ARDECHE: ARDECHE

LOCATION:
Ardeche is an IGP title that covers red, white and rosé wines made in the southern French Ardèche department and in 11 communes in the very north of the Gard. The Ardèche sits on the western banks of the Rhône river and covers an important part of the northern Rhône vineyards while also bridging into the western side of the southern Rhône. The department lies approximately 50km south of Lyon and 100km north of the Mediterranean, between the Rhône river to the east and the Massif Central plateau to the west.

TERROIR:
The soils of Ardeche are dominated by limestone and sandstone. Pebbly, thin soils in the main vineyard areas drain freely and stress the vines, leading to ample concentration in the grapes. The Mediterranean climate of mild winters with hot, dry summers makes this ideal for viticulture with minimal disease pressure. The strong northerly Mistral winds that are felt throughout the Rhône are also prominent here in Ardeche.

VARIETIES:
The main white grape varieties in Ardeche are Chardonnay and Viognier. Red grapes dominate here due to the warmer dry climate. In the Cévennes district, Gamay is planted at altitude. In the lower lying vineyards, the typical Rhône red grapes of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and the indigenous Chatus as well.

PRODUCERS:
Herve Souhaut, Louis Latour, Pierre Gonon, Martin Texier, Mas de Libian,
Anders Frederik Steen