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The mountain vineyards of the Diois are some of the highest in France,

rising to altitudes of 400 metres and more (some vines are located 700 m. altitude), and nestling in the foothills of the Vercors on the slopes of the southern Subalpine chains, eroded by the Drôme river and its tributaries.

Vins du Diois

History

1993
1993

Birth of AOC Vins du Diois

Most written evidence agrees that winegrowing in this area dates back to the 2nd century BC. Production reached its peak around the middle of the 19th century, when the vineyards measured some 6,000 hectares. But around 1870, the phylloxera crisis wiped out up to 80% of plantings and only 1,000 hectares remained. In 1910, the area received its first distinction - an Appellation d’Origine, encompassing 41 local villages. In 1942, Clairette de Die was officially recognised as an AOC, but without determining grape varieties, and applicable to all wine styles, still or sparkling. The Châtillon-en-Diois appellation was formalised by decree in March 3rd 1975. In 1993 Crémant de Die was awarded AOC status for its Drôme valley sparkling wines, while the craftsmanship and identity of the region’s still wines were also officially recognised in the AOC status awarded to Coteaux de Die.

Geography

Territory

The appellations for Coteaux de Die and Crémant de Die encompass 30 communes in the Drôme; the Chatillon en Diois appellation vineyards span 12 communes. The slopes, where average altitude is 550 metres, enjoy excellent sun exposure. The vineyards also enjoy a distinctive microclimate, well-suited to winegrowing.

Climate

Mediterranean climate with highland in- fluences from the Vercors mountains.

Soils

A particular geology

The landscape here is very rugged, characterized by the erosion of the Subalpine Chains in the Secondary. High cliff faces surround the area; the soils are made up of matter eroded from these limestone cliffs, combined with black marl formations and chalky clay.

Discover our grape varieties

Rhone wines derive their style, richness and originality from the diversity of the region's grape varieties. Learn all about them…

Discover our appellations

Find out about the Rhone vineyards : terroirs, soils, climate, grape varieties and, of course, flavours… as if you were visiting in person.