The Costières de Nîmes vineyards spread to the east of the town of Nîmes (30 Gard, Occitanie) and for many years there was an argument about whether this wine area is part of the Languedoc or Rhône? Nowadays, despite being geographically and administratively in the Languedoc region, they are classified as Rhône wines , as the area is in the Rhône delta. Elsewhere they would use the terms Côtes rather than Costières, i.e. the valley sides.
The annual wine fair (Fête de la St Vincent) is held in Jonquières-Saint-Vincent (30 Gard, LOccitanie) 28 January 2024
A hyphen between the Rhône and the Camargue, the Costières de Nîmes exhibit a colourful Mediterranean temperament. They may be calm, turbulent, fruity, spicy, wild, smooth, floral or rich… But they will never fail to surprise you…. accorded AOC status in 1986, the southernmost of the Rhone Valley wine-growing areas perfectly exhibits all the characteristics of its Roman history and culture: a relaxed way of life, sophistication, warmth. The vineyards lie to the south east of the city from which they take their name, producing predominantly red wines, as well as some rosés and whites. All derive their character from an exceptional soil (a terrace of gravely pebbles deposited by the rivers Rhône and Durance), the vigour of the Rhone grape varieties, a favourable climate, and the mistral. The appellation’s wines also benefit from implementation of the Costières de Nîmes Landscape and Environmental Charter, an innovative concept to protect and promote wine-growing areas*. Among the measures already undertaken are a “Sustainable Viticulture” charter of good practice appended to the AOC’s terms of reference, an assessment of the vineyards’ biodiversity, the creation of themed short-stay packages, and the waymarking of paths offering outstanding views of the countryside. And, each spring, a special event (Les Vignes Toquées) is held involving a gastronomic tour of the vineyards.
