Ardeche

History of Ardèche

The rugged terrain of the Ardèche Valley was home to early Palaeolithic tribes thousands of years ago. It also became the capital of a prominent Gaulish tribe. After a turbulent mediaeval period — during which the Kingdom of Burgundy contested the area, later the Counts of Toulouse — the Vivarais, as the region is also known, gained a degree of independence under the French crown.

When it comes to wine, although the region has produced a variety of styles since antiquity, it only gained its own IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée, a classification indicating the wine comes from a specific area) designation in 2009. Today, Ardèche winemakers focus on quality wine made from some of France’s most popular grape varieties.

The Grapes in Ardèche

Ardèche benefits from several micro-climates that allow for the cultivation of both red and white grapes. Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah are among the best-known red varieties in the area, while local specialties such as Caladoc, Carignan and Cinsault also thrive here.

White grapes in Ardèche include Chardonnay, the local Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne and several others.

Red wine accounts for nearly 45% of the region’s production and is sold either as blends or, more commonly, as single-varietal wines. Rosé makes up around 35% of production, while white wine accounts for the remainder and is almost always made from single grape varieties. Overall, Ardèche combines popular international varieties with native grapes to produce an appealing range of wines to suit every palate.

The Terroir in Ardèche

Terroir refers to the combination of climate and geography that shapes the character of a region’s wine. In Ardèche, terroir is at the heart of its identity.

Up north, the dry sandy-clay soils and harsh continental climate result in structured and complex reds with rustic charm. In the south, the warm Mediterranean breeze encourages elegant rosés and refreshing whites — perfect, thirst-quenching summer wines. This means that Ardèche shares traits with the Rhône Valley and Provence, two regions known for their highly influential terroirs, resulting in wines that are fascinating, to say the least.

Wine Styles in Ardèche

Ardèche IGP is a source of spectacular reds. Nowadays, single-varietal wines are more popular than the more traditional blends in the style of the Rhône. Structured Cabernet, rounded Merlot and spicy Syrah are among the best-selling.

Ardèche is also a source of light, expressive white wines, often made from local varieties and, at times, from more familiar grapes such as Sauvignon. Fuller whites also exist, especially those made with Chardonnay.

Finally, thanks to the area’s similarities to Provence, rosé is a popular style in Ardèche, and you can expect excellent quality at reasonable prices, especially compared with wines made closer to the Mediterranean coast.

Ardèche offers spectacular value. The ancient region is no newcomer to France’s wine scene, but its renewed focus on quality gives it a fresh energy — making it well worth exploring.