Grignan-les-Adhémar: The Rebirth of an Appellation

In the heart of the Rhône Valley, an AOC has been making a slow but remarkable comeback for just over five years now. This is the Grignan-les-Adhémar appellation, a 1,800-hectare vineyard known until 2010 as the Côteaux du Tricastin.

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The Revival of the Côteaux du Tricastin

In an effort to restore the appellation’s image, the winemakers have joined forces to give the Grignan-les-Adhémar AOC a second chance. Henri Bour, president of the appellation, confirmed this to us yesterday during a press luncheon attended by winemakers, industry professionals, and the Parisian press: “All signs are pointing in the right direction for us today, provided that the winemakers maintain the enthusiasm, conviction, and drive that have been driving us since late 2010.”

Indeed, the Grignan-les-Adhémar vineyard enjoys an ideal location: winters are mild, with a light breeze, and summers are hot and dry, with cool nights. The soils are varied: pebbles, sand, clay, and limestone.

All the conditions are in place to produce high-quality grapes and distinctive, well-balanced wines. And that’s the word that keeps coming up in our conversation with Henri Bour: “balance.” A winemaker at Domaine de Grangeneuve for 20 years, he mentions two wines that have left a lasting impression on him:

• The “Vieilles Vignes 2011” vintage from his estate—Domaine de Grangeneuve—is, for him, synonymous with pleasure and balance. With a well-balanced blend of Grenache Noir and Syrah, it is a simple wine that isn’t overly tannic.
• For Henri Bour, Domaine Jaboulet ’s “La Chapelle” vintage perfectly embodies balance and elegance, while retaining the wine’s power.

And it is this desire to produce and share balanced, high-quality wines that drives him today to represent the Grignan-les-Adhémar appellation. And they’re doing well, as exports of Grignan-les-Adhémar wines nearly tripled in 2015. The leading importer of wines from the appellation is the United Kingdom, followed closely by Belgium, the Netherlands, China, and Denmark.

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What should we eat with Grignan-les-Adhémar wines?

In Drôme Provençale—to put it somewhat simplistically—there’s lavandin, wine, a bit of grain, and… truffles. So it’s only natural that when Henri Bour is asked what food-and-wine pairing he recommends, he immediately turns to a local product: the truffle.

A rare and precious ingredient, the aromas of truffles can easily be overshadowed if care isn’t taken in choosing the wine and accompaniments. Henri Bour has a slight preference for raw truffles and recommends pairing them with a white wine (avoiding Viogners, which are too rich). For a dish featuring cooked truffles, opt for a more robust white wine, or you can even try a red—just avoid reds that are too fruity or too oaky. To put it simply:

• Go for a white wine
• Keep in mind that truffles don't like fruit!

Never forget that the truffle reigns supreme, and that both the chef and the wine must pay it due respect!

A taste of our favorite wines

Our team of experts had the chance to taste three wines from Grignan les Adhémar, and they were completely won over. These are real gems! We love them, which is why we’re introducing them to you!

Domaine du Chardon Bleu, Brigand BIO, red: The nose is rich and indulgent, with pronounced notes of red berries. The attack on the palate is supple and fresh, with the fruit gradually coming to the fore. The wine reveals notes of mild spices and pepper. The tannins are supple and provide good structure.

Château de la Robine, Mille Écus d’Or, white, 2019: We love this wine, which transports us straight to the Rhône Valley! The wine has a brilliant color with golden highlights. The nose is explosive, with aromas of peach, apricot, and honey. On the palate, it’s extraordinary—this wine has an elegant balance where the Clairette refreshes the intense aromatics of the Viognier.

Domaine du Chardon Bleu, Ritournelle BIO, Rosé, 2021: We’re proud to present this rosé that we love so much! The Ritournelle is a rosé that’s both dry and smooth. On the nose, this wine stands out for its rich, fruity character! On the palate, it’s fresh with lovely citrus notes.