Discovering the Natural Wines of the Côtes du Rhône

 

Our beautiful region of the Rhône Valley is renowned for its rich wine heritage and the exceptional quality of its wines. Among the diversity of cuvées offered by the Côtes du Rhône, natural wines are gaining in popularity.

This growing notoriety in recent years reflects a global trend towards more organic and environmentally friendly viticultural practices.

 

What is a natural wine? 

The natural wines, also called "natural wines", are made with minimal intervention both in the vineyard and in the cellar. This means that the grapes are grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, then harvested by hand.

In the cellar, the winemaking process avoids additives and relies on indigenous yeasts for fermentation. The result is a wine that many consider to be a purer expression of the terroir, the unique environment in which the grapes are grown.

The Côtes du Rhône region offers a perfect canvas for natural winemaking. Its diverse terroirs (rich limestone soils in the north to sandy and stony soils in the south) provide a variety of microclimates ideal for the cultivation of grape varieties such as Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre. These conditions allow winemakers to create wines that are not only complex and flavorful but also reflect the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region.

 

Is it necessarily a certified organic wine?

The term "natural wine" is not officially regulated, unlike "organic wine" which meets strict criteria defined by European regulations.

A organic wine is produced from grapes grown without pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic chemical fertilizers, and the winemaking must comply with a specification that limits the use of certain additives and treatments. In contrast, a natural wine often goes beyond these requirements, with winemakers striving to minimize human interventions and inputs even further, including sulfites, which are often used in reduced quantities or not at all in natural wines.

However, it is essential to note that not all natural wines are certified organic. Although most natural wine producers are committed to environmentally friendly practices and terroir, which align with organic farming, the absence of an official specification for natural wines means that there is no systematic guarantee that the grapes are grown according to organic standards.

At the Terra estate, we practice natural winemaking with all the love and respect for the environment that our plots in Saint Alexandre offer us. Aware that lovers of natural wines place importance on organic certification, we are in the process of certification. Indeed, this does not change our processes, which are already in compliance with the standards and rules imposed by certification.

 

What makes natural wine from the Côtes du Rhône unique? 

One of the key aspects of natural wines The Côtes du Rhône is a reflection of the history and culture of the region. The winemaking traditions of the Rhône Valley date back to antiquity, having a significant influence from the Romans on the development of viticulture. The wines of the region were already celebrated in Roman times and were further highlighted by the popes of Avignon throughout the Middle Ages.

It's in 1737 that the term "Côtes du Rhône" was officially recognized as a designation for wines produced in this geographical area, establishing a regulatory system that has evolved over the centuries.

 

Today, the natural wine movement in the Côtes du Rhône is supported by a community of passionate winemakers dedicated to preserving the integrity of their land and the authenticity of their wines. Just like Martin, in our estate in Saint Alexandre, these artisans often prioritize small-scale production.

Where to taste a good natural wine Côtes du Rhône? 

Epicurean enthusiasts can discover natural wines directly from the terroir in several ways:

• Ordering from an online wine store
• By discovering excellent wines at a wine merchant or a wine bar (here are the places where you can taste our natural wines)
• Visiting a domain in the Rhône Valley to discover the subtleties of this environmentally friendly design and taste different varieties. For this option, our domain located in Gard will showcase the extent of its expertise.
• When requesting a tasting at a restaurant.

 

Conclusion

The natural wines of the Côtes du Rhône represent a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. They offer a unique tasting experience, a pleasure for the palate, but also a testament to the winemakers' commitment to sustainability and respect for nature. With the growing interest in natural wines, the Côtes du Rhône region stands as a beacon for those seeking authenticity and quality in their wine choices. Whether you are an experienced wine lover or a new curious one, the natural wines of the Côtes du Rhône will inspire you.