Costières de Nîmes

• Grenache: Offers body and sweet spice with flavors of ripe red and black fruits, evolving into savory notes with age.
• Syrah: Thrives in warm, stony soils, presenting black fruit, pepper, and floral notes with a solid structure.
• Mourvèdre: Deepens color and tannin, adding dark berry and earthy spice nuances.
• Rosé: Dry and pale, featuring bright raspberry and strawberry flavors, fresh acidity, and herbal hints.
• White Wines: Medium-bodied with orchard fruit and floral notes, balanced by lively acidity from Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Marsanne.
• Additional Varieties: Small amounts of Carignan, Cinsault, Marselan, Clairette, Viognier, Vermentino, and Bourboulenc add complexity and texture.

The Costières de Nîmes region is known for its alluvial terroir, featuring smooth pebbles and quartzite stones over sand and red clay. These soils drain well, keeping essential moisture during dry summers and offering excellent sun exposure due to the gently sloping “costières.”

The Mediterranean climate here includes hot, dry summers, cooled by the Mistral winds and sea breezes from the Camargue. This balance allows grapes to ripen fully while keeping their acidity, creating wines that are rich yet refreshing. Additionally, the nearby garrigue, with thyme, rosemary, and lavender, adds subtle herbal notes to the wines, enhancing their aroma. This unique combination of soil and climate shapes the region’s distinct wine profile.

The Costières de Nîmes wine region is home to a diverse array of wineries, blending tradition with modern winemaking techniques. Among these, several stand out for their exceptional offerings:

• Château de Campuget: Known for producing excellent reds, rosés, and whites, this estate offers a classic taste of the region's terroir.
• Château de Nages: A family-run winery celebrated for its robust and expressive wines that capture the essence of the Rhône and Provençal heritage.

Visitors to the region can enjoy tastings and tours at these estates, immersing themselves in the rich history and vibrant flavors of the Costières de Nîmes. These wineries also host seasonal events and food experiences, offering a deeper connection to the land and its produce.

The Costières de Nîmes region is progressively aligning its winemaking with sustainable practices. Water management is critical here, as irrigation is limited, prompting vineyards to use resources wisely. Many growers are opting for cover crops and reducing synthetic inputs, focusing on integrated pest management to maintain ecological balance.

Seeking to lessen their environmental impact, several producers aim for organic or eco-certifications like HVE. Cooperatives within the region are committing to eco-friendly innovations, such as adopting solar energy, recycling wastewater, and optimizing energy efficiency. Lightweight bottles and increased recycled-glass content are also becoming more common, all contributing to a reduced carbon footprint.

These efforts highlight the region's dedication to preserving its unique terroir and ensuring the sustainability of its viniculture for future generations, while still producing the vibrant wines for which it is renowned.

The Costières de Nîmes region in southern France offers a rich wine tourism experience. Visitors can explore vineyards nestled near historic attractions like Roman monuments and the scenic beauty of the Camargue. The area is perfect for cycling and self-driven tours, connecting travelers with estates that offer Rhône-style wines and local culinary delights.

• Vineyard Experiences: Enjoy tastings of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre wines, often paired with local cheeses and charcuterie.
• Tour Routes: Discover scenic paths linking vineyards with cultural and natural landmarks.
• Seasonal Festivals: Participate in events celebrating the region's wine and heritage.
• Culinary Adventures: Experience wine tours that integrate local cuisine and Provençal traditions.

Costières de Nîmes blends wine, history, and natural beauty, providing a comprehensive and enriching experience for wine enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.