Southern Ardèche Vineyards: Between Wine and Water (Video)

The appellations of Southern Ardèche

In southern Ardèche, the vineyards produce wines bearing the Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages, and Côtes du Vivarais appellations. They benefit from diverse terroirs and spectacular landscapes shaped by water.

Landscapes Shaped by Water

All around us, the flow of water has patiently carved the rock over the past 15,000 years. This has created cavities, sinkholes, and other caves, some of which are true wonders that visitors can explore. This soil, composed of both limestone and minerals, gives Ardèche wines their distinctive character.

In the south, the Ardèche River shapes the landscape. It winds its way for over 22 kilometers and gently flows into gorges with slopes covered in holm oaks and limestone cliffs. Here, it’s the outdoor enthusiasts who take over the area. The vineyards, meanwhile, remain set back and apart, basking in the sun on limestone soil.