Vignerons Ardechois “Gravettes” Chardonnay 2022

Vignerons Ardechois is a unique pool of 14 wineries located in Southern Ardèche since 1967. On a 6000-hectare vineyard, spread out over a mosaic of terroirs, a thousand families of winegrowers work the vineyard with passion, respecting Humanity and Nature. Following in the footsteps of countless generations, with knowledge and expertise being passed down from Successor to Sucessors. Methodical pruning in the harshness of winter, vineyard grassing to preserve the life of the soil, green harvest to maintain small yields so that each bay can give its full potential. Followed by the meticulous blending, vine after vine. Time and again, searching for this fine balance between the hand of man and the expression of soil to bring together a wine translating all the facets of our terroirs.  

Côtes du Rhône vineyards are located on the banks of the Rhône River. The soil and the geographical conditions are very heterogeneous in the northern and southern parts of the region therefore the valley is divided in two parts - Northern Rhône and Southern Rhône. Vines in Northern Rhône are mainly grown on so-called "terraces" - steep granite and slate slopes. Winemakers are often not very fond of the harsh mistral wind because of its low temperature. The unusual climate causes the vines to produce small yields, but at the same time provides an intense flavour that has given the wines of Northern Rhône worldwide fame. Syrah is the mainly used grape for red wines - it produces deep wines with hints of pepper that are suitable for long aging. Viognier is the queen of white wines, but Marsanne and Rousanne are also always close by. Some appellations allow white grapes to be added to red wines to smoothen the roughness of Syrah and enrich the wines with floral aromas. The landscapes of Southern Rhône are very different from the northern part - the vineyards are located along the river on low hills and plains and the weather is much friendlier. The grapes ripen in the hot summer sun and obtain a high sugar level resulting in rich and mouth-filling wines. The main grape used is Grenache, but 12 other varieties are allowed in the region - interestingly some wines even combine all of them.