Côtes du Vivarais is a regional wine appellation in the southern part of France, specifically in the Ardèche and Gard departments. The region was officially granted its appellation status by the National Institute of Appellations of Origin in 1999.
The vineyards of Côtes du Vivarais are situated on the right bank of the Rhône River, spread over limestone plateaus and southern-facing hillsides. The climate here is mediterranean, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
The appellation produces both red and rosé wines, primarily from Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Carignan grape varieties. The red wines from Côtes du Vivarais are often noted for their robust nature with earthy and fruity flavors, while the rosés are usually described as being fresh and fruity.
Despite its relatively recent recognition as an appellation, the region has a long history of winemaking, dating back to Roman times. Today, Côtes du Vivarais is still relatively unknown compared to other French wine regions but is gaining recognition for its quality wines offering good value for money.
