AOP Cairanne

Cairanne is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) located in the Vaucluse department, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Nestled in the heart of the southern Rhône Valley, it is distinguished by its powerful, elegant red wines, made from Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre.

The village of Cairanne, nestled at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, is a charming Provencal village. It's home to a rich heritage, with its medieval castle, Romanesque churches and ancient cellars. Cairanne's vineyards cover 750 hectares of clay-limestone and stony soils. The Mediterranean climate, with its hot, dry summers and mild winters, is ideal for ripening grapes. The proportion of organic production in Cairanne PDO is constantly increasing. In 2023, around 25% of the vineyard area will be certified organic, i.e. around 187 hectares

The Cairanne appellation is very recent:

1967: Creation of the Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Cairanne appellation

2008: Submission of an application to become a Cru des Côtes du Rhône

2016: Official decree creating the Cairanne appellation

2018: Final approval of the Cairanne appellation

The red wines of Cairanne are characterized by their intense ruby color, their complex nose of spices, black fruits and garrigue, and their full, fleshy mouthfeel. They are endowed with great power and a beautiful tannic structure, which enables them to age for many years.

The less common Cairanne white wines are also very popular. They're dry and fresh, with aromas of yellow fruit and white flowers.

The Cairanne appellation is one of the most popular in France.

The Cairanne appellation is a veritable mosaic of family estates, cooperative wineries and négociants. The Cave Coopérative de Cairanne Camille Cayran is highly qualitative. The domaine Richaud and Domaine de l'Oratoire Saint-Martin are among the fine estates in this appellation.

Here are some food and wine pairing suggestions for Cairanne wines:

Red wines: Grilled red meats, Game

White wines: Grilled fish, cheeses

To discover the Cairanne appellation, here are a few events not to be missed:

Les Automnales de Cairanne: an event held every year in October, where you can taste the wines of the appellation's winemakers.

La Fête des Vins: a popular festival held every year in July, featuring tastings, entertainment and concerts.