AOC Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Laudun

AOC Laudun has had its own appellation rules since November 21, 2024. The name no longer appears among the named villages of Côtes du Rhône Villages, and the appellation covers only still red and white wines, with no rosé.

The reds rely on two main grapes, Grenache and Syrah, which make up at least 66% of the blend, with a minimum of 40% Grenache. The whites pair Clairette and Grenache Blanc with Roussanne or Viognier. Mourvèdre, Bourboulenc and Marsanne, listed below among the main grapes, now count only as minor varieties here.

The Laudun name goes back a long way. In 1375, its wines were already being shipped to the papal cellar in Avignon. The court of Uzès recognized the name in 1947, and the wines joined Côtes du Rhône Villages in 1967. Today the vineyard covers about 580 hectares, and about three-quarters of its output is red.

This page also features vintages made under the former Côtes du Rhône Villages Laudun name. The text below describes those rules, rosé included, and still holds true for those wines.

History of the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Laudun Appellation

The AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Laudun, established in the vineyards of the southern Rhône Valley, is an appellation that blends tradition with innovation. Its history dates back to Roman times when viticulture began to flourish in the region. Over the centuries, the vineyards of Laudun have stood out for the quality of their wines, earning a solid reputation among wine lovers seeking excellent value for money.

Climate and Terroir of the AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Laudun Appellation

• Climate: The AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Laudun benefits from a typical Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters, promoting optimal ripening of the grapes.
• Soils: The varied soils, composed of clay, limestone, and sandstone, contribute to the diversity and complexity of Laudun wines.

Grape Varieties of AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Laudun

The AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Laudun produces red, white, and rosé wines from Mediterranean grape varieties, with the main ones being:

• Grenache (red and rosé wine)
• Syrah (red and rosé wine)
• Mourvèdre (red and rosé wine)
• Bourboulenc (white wine)
• Clairette (white wine)
• Grenache Blanc (white wine)
• Roussanne (white wine)
• Marsanne (white wine)
• Viognier (white wine)

Style of AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Laudun Wines

Red Wine: Ruby red color. On the nose, AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Laudun wines reveal aromas of red and black fruits, garrigue, and sweet spices. On the palate, they offer a beautiful structure with fine tannins and a persistent finish.

White Wine: With a pale yellow color and golden highlights, the whites give off aromas of white flowers, citrus, and white-fleshed fruits. The palate is round, fresh, and balanced.

Rosé Wine: The AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Laudun rosé is characterized by a delicate pink color and aromas of fresh red fruits and flowers. The palate is lively, light, and refreshing.

Best Food and Wine Pairings with AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Laudun Wines

Here are some recipe ideas to create the best food and wine pairings with a bottle of wine from a domain or château in AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages Laudun white, rosé, or red:

• White Wine: Martigues bottarga, grilled calamari, bourride
• Rosé Wine: Zucchini flower fritters, tomato mozzarella
• Red Wine: Lasagna Bolognese, veal paupiette in sauce, Provençal daube

Frequently Asked Questions About Laudun Wine

What does “Cru des Côtes du Rhône” mean on a Laudun label?

On a bottle of Laudun, “Cru des Côtes du Rhône” is a broader geographical name allowed on the label. The label can also name a registered vineyard site, as long as that site appears on the grower's harvest declaration.

Why is Laudun known for its white wines?

Laudun is known for its white wines because its growers found plots well suited to white grapes very early on. Whites make up about a quarter of production, a rarity in the southern Rhône, where almost all the wine is red. As early as 1600, the agronomist Olivier de Serres ranked Laudun among the great white wines of France.

When is Laudun released?

Laudun white wine can be sold to consumers from March 1 of the year after the harvest, and Laudun red from May 1. The appellation sets these dates. A red harvested in 2025 therefore goes on sale in May 2026 at the earliest.

Where can you buy Laudun wine direct from the winemaker?

You can buy Laudun wine direct from the winemaker on Avenue des Vins. Your order ships straight from the producer, with no middleman.

See also: AOC Lirac Wine - AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape - AOC Côtes du Rhône wine