Cairanne

History of Cairanne

Cairanne is a historical settlement. It was first mentioned in writing almost 1300 years ago, in 739 CE. Records show that the church helped to develop this and neighbouring towns, in an effort that concluded with Pope Clement V moving into the area in 1309.

Cairanne was one of the most important fortified settlements in the region; it was meant to be home to the Templar Order, and you can still see the stone walls in the old village. The town remained under the protection of the church for centuries, managed by noble families until the French Revolution.

Grape growers have cultivated the hills and plains around Cairanne for centuries, resulting in reputable wine with character and tradition. Côtes du Rhône AOC was created in 1937, and a second appellation for the area’s best wines was drafted in 1966: Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC. Cairanne was amongst the first towns considered for the renowned appellation. A few decades later, it got its own AOP on 25 June 2018. It is now official; Cairanne has Cru status.

The Grapes in Cairanne

Cairanne’s wine laws allow producing red and white wine. However, red wine dominates its output with 94% of the 29,283 hl of wine produced. There are 877 hectares dedicated to grape growing, most of them planted with red Grenache. Producers grow Syrah in colder sub-climates, such as the terraced vineyards near the town, and there’s some Mourvèdre as well, mainly in the warmer plots. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre are all typical and are traditionally blended in well-established percentages to produce wine with a specific profile.

White grapes include Clairette, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne. However, there are also small plots planted with Bourboulenc, Marsanne, Viognier and Picpoul.

The Terroir in Cairanne

Cairanne is located northwest of the Orange, in the Vaucluse department, close to the Enclave des Papes neighbouring the Drome. The area is arid and warm, with limestone and alluvial soils carried by the Aigues River.

Only grapes adapted to the Mediterranean warmth thrive here, including Grenache and Mourvèdre; however, cooler spots allow for planting Syrah. The yields in Cairanne are low, averaging 33hl/ha, meaning the wine is concentrated and flavourful.

Geographically, Cairanne stands out for a southern plateau and hills in the north and northwest, along the foothills of Dentelles de Montmirail’s mountain range.

In short, red grapes ripen beautifully in the area, and there are plenty of sub-climates to produce grapes with varied sweetness and acidity. When blended, the result is wine of spectacular balance and quality.

Wine Styles in Cairanne

White Cairanne is light-to-medium-bodied, fruit-forward and floral. The wine must contain 30% Clairette, 20% Grenache Blanc and 20% Roussanne. Winemakers can use other varietals for the rest.

Clairette has low acidity and sugar but pleasant floral aromatics. Grenache Blanc adds green apple and stone fruit to the blend, while Roussanne is intensely flavourful, often with hints of tea and honey.

Although Cairanne Blanc is attractive, red Cairanne dominates the appellation’s production. Winemakers must use at least 50% Grenache in their wines, blended with a minimum of 20% Syrah and Mourvèdre. Grenache brings the fruit; Syrah adds the body, and Mourvèdre adds the colour and tannins. Previously labelled as Côtes du Rhône Villages Cairanne. Today, you’ll find the region’s wine as Cairanne AOP.

Cairanne wines are excellent-value alternatives with a medium-to-full body, intense red and black fruit aromas and spices, elevated acidity, alcohol and a complex bouquet. Enjoy with rustic meat-based stews and casseroles, grilled meat, roasted poultry, tomato-based dishes and aged cheese.

Cairanne is one of the best mid-priced sources of red wine in the Rhône Valley. When made by quality-minded producers, especially from old-vine fruit, you can expect greatness. These wines will improve for at least a decade, so lay down a couple of bottles for future enjoyment.