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French officers have recognised Laudun as a communal appellation, and 2024 would be the first classic for this new cru of the Rhône Valley.
Labeled on the decrease degree of Côtes du Rhône Villages with geographical designation since 1967, Laudun was promoted to cru degree by the Nationwide Committee of the French appellation authority, Institut nationwide de l’origine et de la qualité (INAO), on 11 September this 12 months.
It joins the ranks of well-known appellations, equivalent to Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Hermitage, as one of many 18 crus of the Rhône Valley.
The brand new AOP (AOC) Laudun will produce reds and whites, however rosé wines will not be permitted below appellation laws.
Grape varieties used are much like different Rhône appellations. The principal pink varieties are Syrah and Grenache, with a number of secondary varieties permitted equivalent to Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cinsault, Counoise and Vaccarèse.
Whites should have Grenache Blanc and Clairette as principal varieties, with others equivalent to Roussanne, Viognier and Bourboulenc additionally permitted.
The appellation has traditionally been well-known for the standard of its white wines.
In 2023, 30% of Laudun’s manufacturing was white, in keeping with regional commerce physique Inter Rhône.
Laudun is positioned within the southern Rhône on the west financial institution of the Rhône river, within the Gard département.
It consists of three communes: Laudun, Saint-Victor-la-Coste and Tresques, which encompass the River Tave, a tributary of the Rhône.
In 2023, there have been 591 hectares of winery in manufacturing. Soils are notably sandy, with some rocky limestone, too.

The sandy soils of Laudun. Credit score: Matt Partitions
‘This recognition requires us to take a position much more within the high quality of our wines in an effort to consolidate our place inside the nice and exquisite household of crus,’ mentioned Luc Pélaquié, president of AOP Laudun.
The primary wines are anticipated to be out there commercially in early 2025.
The final appellation promoted to cru degree was Cairanne in 2015.
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