AOC Cairanne

History of the AOC Cairanne Appellation

The Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) Cairanne, located in the southern Rhône Valley, is renowned for its robust and spicy red and white wines. Initially recognized as a Côtes du Rhône Village in 1967, Cairanne was granted its status as a standalone AOC in 2016, highlighting the distinctive quality and unique character of its wines.

Climate and Terroir of the AOC Cairanne Appellation

• Climate: Cairanne benefits from a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters, perfect for the full maturation of grapes.
• Soils: The terroir of the AOC Cairanne is diverse, featuring clay-limestone, stony, and marly soils.

Key Grape Varieties of the AOC Cairanne Appellation

The AOC Cairanne offers only blended wines and boasts a wide variety of grape varieties, with the main ones being:

• Grenache (red wine)
• Syrah (red wine)
• Mourvèdre (red wine)
• Cinsault (red wine)
• Carignan (red wine)
• Clairette (white wine)
• Grenache Blanc (white wine)
• Roussanne (white wine)
• Bourboulenc (white wine)
• Viognier (white wine)
• Marsanne (white wine)

Style of AOC Cairanne Wines

Red Wine: The red wines of Cairanne are generally full-bodied, with a rich aromatic palette of ripe red fruits, spices, and hints of garrigue. They are well-structured with a beautiful roundness on the palate. Cairanne red wines often have good aging potential (between 5 to 10 years).

White Wine: Although less common, the white wines of Cairanne are known for their richness and complexity, with notes of white-fleshed fruits, flowers, and sometimes a hint of spices. On the palate, they are round and opulent.

Best Food Pairings with AOC Cairanne Wines

Here are some recommendations for the best food pairings with a bottle from an estate or château in AOC Cairanne:

Red Wine:

• Roasted lamb shoulder
• Stuffed quail ("alouettes sans tête")
• Avignon-style stew ("daube avignonnaise")

White Wine:

• Grilled sea bream
• Scallops
• Shrimp skewers