Coteaux de Tricastin is an extensive appellation at the northern edge of the southern Rhone region. According to statistics from the French government, a total of about 2,570 ha (6,350 acres) was devoted to wine production under the AOC Tricastin appellation in 2005, grown by over 320 vine growers. This is several times more than when the appellation was granted in 1973, after nine years spent at the less prestigious VDQS level. The majority of these wines are reds and roses, but there is also a quantity of white wines being produced under the appellation.
The terroirs of the area are dominated by the steep hillsides which line the twisting, turning valleys to the south of the town of Montelimar. The slightly increased altitude of the local vineyards is expressed in the wine style, slightly lighter than most AOC Cotes du Rhone wines. The climate in the area is Mediterranean, with warm dry summers helping the grapes to achieve maximum phenolic ripeness. As is the case up and down the entire length of the Rhone wine region, the best wines come from vineyards located on south-facing slopes, in particular those topographically protected from the cold northerly winds which roll along the river.
AOC Coteaux de Tricastin reds are made predominantly from Grenache and Syrah, although an addition of up to 15% of Carignan, Mourvedre or Cinsaut is permitted, provided that the combined total of these varieties does not make up more than 30% of the final wine blend.
The white wines made under the appellation are a blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier. No single variety may make up more than 60% of these wines, which are fresh and crisp in style, with notes of white flowers and stone fruits.
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