Costieres de Nimes Wine: French Wine Merchants

The Costières de Nîmes appellation is located in the south of France. There is a rich history of winemaking dating back to over 2,000 years ago. It is said that towns in the surrounding areas were the primary suppliers of wines to Popes while Romans settled in Nîmes.

While Costières de Nîmes was formerly part of the Languedoc, it is now part of the Rhône Valley. It is the southernmost appellation within the Rhône with the coolest climate. The wines are spectacular. If you have not yet tried Costières de Nîmes wines, it is never too late!

Wine Production

The Costières de Nîmes appellation was established in 1986, originally as Costières du Gard. While the appellation geographically lies within the Languedoc, the growers’ organisation petitioned for the appellation to belong to the Rhône Valley. Costières de Nîmes wines are very similar in style to the wines of the Rhône Valley. Growers wanted to be a part of a wine region that reflected, showcased, and celebrated their bold, full bodied, Rhône-style blends. The appellation has been part of the Rhône Valley since 2004.

Most of the wine produced in the region is red wine. Rosé production is fairly high as well. Approximately one quarter of wines produced in the region are white wines.

The Mediterranean climate of Costières de Nîmes lends itself well to lovely fruit ripening of warm climate grape varieties. Costières de Nîmes is made up of both plateaus and hills. The soils of Costières de Nîmes are referred to as ‘gress’ which are rounded pebbles mixed with sand. These soils lie on top of clay in the region. Costières de Nîmes is well-suited to growth of grape varieties typically included in Southern Rhône blends.

Wine Style

Costières de Nîmes wines are bold, warm climate wines in the elegant style of Rhône Valley wines. Similar to Rhône Valley, it is common to blend grape varieties to produce wine in Costières de Nîmes. They blend the same grape varieties that you would see in the Rhône: Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah. These blends are used to produce red and rosé wines.

White wines in Costières de Nîmes are fruity, fragrant, and fuller bodied. They are also more similar in style to Rhône Valley whites as they are typically a blend of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, and Roussane.

Costières de Nîmes belonged to the Languedoc region, which is more commonly known for producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and rosé blends. These wines are more likely to be single varietal wines. The region is also slightly cooler or more moderate. As a result, Languedoc wines are generally higher in acidity or fresher on the palate. Given these significant differences in wine style, the growers of Costières de Nîmes petitioned to join the Rhône wine region where the wines are more reflective of their style.

Grape Varieties

Still red, rosé, and white wines are produced in the Costières de Nîmes appellation.

Red wines are made primarily from a minimum of 60% Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah. At least 20% must be Syrah and Mourvèdre. Secondary blending varieties include Carignan, Cinsault, and a maximum of 10% of Marselan.

Rosé wines are made from the same grape varieties as red wines from this appellation. However, rosé wines may be produced with a maximum of 20% white wine grape varieties as well.

The principal white wine grape varieties are a minimum of 50% Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, and Roussane. Accessory varieties include Bourboulenc, Macabeu, Vermentino, Clairette, and a maximum 20% of Viognier.

Buy Costières de Nîmes AOC Wine from Hourlier Wines

We at Pierre Hourlier Wines are proud to be partnering with Domaine de Poulvarel and showcasing their wonderful selection of Costières de Nîmes wines.

Le Bouquet Rouge

A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Merlot, Marselan, and Cabernet Sauvignon, this still dry red wine expresses beautiful aromas of wild berries and mint. Enjoy as an aperitif or with tapas and grilled meats.

Le Bouquet Rosé

This rosé is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Mourvèdre. It’s creamy and tangy with aromas of cherry, strawberry, and raspberry. This wine pairs beautifully with poultry, salads, and lighter fare.

Le Bouquet Blanc

This white wine is a blend Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, and Muscat with notes of apple, pear, vanilla, rose petals, lime, and grapefruit. Serve as an aperitif. It pairs well with goat cheese and seafood.

FAQ

What do Costières de Nîmes Wines taste like?

Costières de Nîmes wines are classic warm climate wines that are rich in ripe fruits, full bodied, and warm on the palate. The reds are typical Rhône blends of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre which express black and red fruit aromas and baking spices. The white wines are crisp with yellow fruit and citrus fruit aromas. The rosés are tangy with red berry notes.

Which food groups pair well with Costières de Nîmes AOC wine?

Costières de Nîmes red wines pair well with grilled red meats and game. The rosés and white wines are excellent aperitif wines. They also pair well with light poultry, salads, cheeses, seafood, and lighter fare.

Costières de Nîmes Wine Guide