2013 Domaine Gourt de Mautens

Southern Rhône

95% of the roughly 60,000 hectares of vineyard area in the Rhône wine region are located in the southern Rhône, which begins below the city of Montélimar, known among other things for its delicious nougat. Compared to the northern Rhône, the landscape here becomes flatter and more Mediterranean-Provençal in many places. Following the A7 from Lyon southward, one can understand its beautiful nickname “Autoroute du Soleil” (Motorway of the Sun). One can also strongly feel the presence of the Mistral wind, which brings the cool breeze so important for viticulture. Up to the former papal residence of Avignon, the AOC regions of Coteaux du Tricastin, Côtes du Vivarais, Côtes-du-Rhône, and Côtes-du-Rhône Villages, Gigondas, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Lirac, Tavel, Vacqueyras, Côtes du Ventoux, Côtes du Luberon, Rasteau, and Beaumes-de-Venise line up. Except for Châteauneuf-du-Pape, cooperatives dominate bottling in the southern Rhône. They account for a significant 70% of total production. Traditionally, the renowned trading houses of the northern Rhône also buy grapes here for their blends. While only Syrah is permitted in the northern Rhône, Grenache dominates in the southern Rhône. It appears four times more frequently than Syrah. A variety of grape varieties are allowed in the blends, but Mourvèdre, Carignan, and Cinsault are commonly found as partners in the cuvée. Mourvèdre was widely spread before the phylloxera epidemic. The grafting process doesn’t suit this grape variety well, which is why it was replaced by other varieties in many areas. For white wines, Ugni Blanc dominates, and Grenache is often used as the base for the delicious rosés.