A Viticulture Destination
Tasting a glass of wine in the Pays d'Uzès Pont du Gard is an integral part of local life, a moment of conviviality. There is probably no better way to discover the region than by tasting its wines.
Whatever your budget or tastes, welcome to our wine region!
You can enjoy fine wines with gastronomic tasting menus or table wines with a relaxed picnic.
The history of Duché d’Uzès wines goes back at least two thousand years, to a time when the Phoenicians and Greeks first introduced vines into the region, and a yielding landscape has been shaped as far as the eye can see.
300 days of sunshine per year, set the scene for the biggest vineyard in the world!
In the 15th century, vines were grown on the sunny slopes reclaimed from the garrigue scrubland, in vineyards enclosed within dry-stone walls. At the time, there was already talk of the area’s noble Wines; and Racine, while holidaying in Uzès, remarked that the wines were “the best in the kingdom”.
Over the years, the vineyards spread, until they reached the limits of the erstwhile bishopric. So from its rocky hilltop perch, the Duché d’Uzès has for centuries looked out over its vineyards which stretch from the edges of the Rhône Valley to the foothills of the Cévennes – a vast area, but one where each parcel has been meticulously selected.
The area shows a variety of geological formations, including sandstone, marl, pebbles, alluvial deposits and hard limestone. These appear repeatedly in the landscape, making up the “mosaic” of soils which is one of the Duché d’Uzès’ key strengths.
In July 2013, Duché d’Uzès was granted AOC status.
Take advantage of guided tours and tastings in the many estates, cellars and wineries of the region. Passionate winegrowers will be delighted to introduce you to their world of wine.
Many produce quality wines that are widely recognised today: AOP Duché d'Uzès, Côtes du Rhône, Côte du Rhône Village, Costières de Nîmes,GP Coteaux du Pont du Gard, Signargues and Cévennes
Table wines are typically purchased en vrac direct from the vineyard or co-operative depot.
Red, white or rosé, the Mediterranean climate and the diversity of the soils have allowed the different grape varieties to flourish: Viognier, Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Roussanne, Marsanne, Chardonnay... There is something for everyone!
Reds
are aromatic, spicy and full of fruit, often with notes of liquorice, pepper and aromatic herbs, a reflection of the garrigue from which they came. These intensely coloured, full-bodied wines are largely made from Syrah and Grenache, blended on occasion with Carignan, Mourvèdre and Cinsault.
Rosé
are well-balanced, with notes of white flowers and red berries. These rose-petal pink wines have an appealing freshness and vibrancy. Made from Grenache blended with Syrah, they are a sheer joy to drink.
White
With their golden colour and aromatic power, Duché d’Uzès white wines can stand proudly alongside the rest of the range. The classic white fruit aromas of Viognier dominate on the nose; when blended, particularly with Roussane, the wine displays a more candied flavour, with notes of almonds, dried fruit and florals.
Wine bubbles in our soil like blood in our veins. And if the climate gives us good character, it does the same with our wines: strength for the reds, freshness for the rosés and finesse for the whites. Our rugged hillsides, dotted with capitelles, give rise to a magnificent terroir and precious moments.
Festival of Wine, Uzès, August
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Where to Stay
Historic Stone Sanctuary 15km from the fashionable market town of Uzès in the Languedoc region of Southern France.
Recently renovated self-contained apartment on the ground floor of a traditional 17th c. Provençal village house.
• PERFECT FOR COUPLES
• A RETREAT FOR CREATIVE SOLOS
• STYLISH BOLT-HOLE
• GASTRONOME DESTINATION
• SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES