French authorities have upgraded Laudun to a communal appellation, marking 2024 as the inaugural vintage for this new Rhône Valley cru.
Previously classified as a part of Côtes du Rhône Villages with a geographical designation since 1967, the promotion of Laudun to cru status was officiated by the National Committee of the Institut national de l’origine et de la qualité (INAO) on September 11 of this year.
This recognition places Laudun alongside prestigious appellations like Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Hermitage, now one of the 18 distinguished crus of the Rhône Valley.
The recently defined AOP (formerly AOC) for Laudun will focus on the production of red and white wines, with the production of rosé wines now excluded under the new appellation rules.
Grape types are akin to those found in other regions of Rhône. The primary red grapes are Syrah and Grenache, complemented by other allowable varieties including Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cinsault, Counoise, and Vaccarèse.
For white wines, Grenache Blanc and Clairette are the main varieties, with additional permissible varieties such as Roussanne, Viognier, and Bourboulenc.
Historically, the appellation is renowned for its superior white wines.
In the year 2023, white wines represented 30% of the total production in Laudun, as reported by the regional trade organization, Inter Rhône.
Laudun is situated in the southern Rhône on the west bank of the Rhône River, within the Gard département.
The area encompasses three communes: Laudun, Saint-Victor-la-Coste, and Tresques, which are located around the River Tave, a tributary of the Rhône.
In 2023, the region had 591 hectares of vineyards in production. The soil composition is predominantly sandy with patches of rocky limestone.
‘This recognition requires us to invest even more in the quality of our wines in order to consolidate our place within the great and beautiful family of crus,’ said Luc Pélaquié, president of AOP Laudun.
The first wines are expected to be available commercially in early 2025.
The last appellation promoted to cru level was Cairanne in 2015.