Côtes du Forez is a wine-growing region in France, included within the larger region of the Loire Valley. It is located specifically in the department of Loire, towards the eastern central area of the country. It holds the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) status, making it a legally defined and protected geographical indication used to identify where the grapes for a wine are grown.
The region is known for producing predominantly red wines, made mostly from the local Gamay Noir grape variant. The area's vineyards are located on the slopes of the Forez Mountains and benefit from a mix of volcanic and granite soil which lends a unique characteristic to the wines produced there.
It has a continental climate with strong variations in temperature, which means that the grapes grown here generally enjoy plenty of recovery after the cold winter and a slow maturation in autumn, creating balanced red wines.
Côtes du Forez wines are often characterized by their fruity, light and sometimes spicy flavors. The region also produces a small amount of rosé and an even smaller quantity of white wines. It's a relatively small wine region, so wines from here may be harder to find in international markets compared to others, but they're certainly worth seeking out for mavens always seeking to try lesser-known wine styles.
