Direction south and the Costières de Nîmes, terroir established in the south of the Rhone Valley, in the north of the Camargue. The wines of the AOC Costières de Nîmes, in existence with this name since 1989, are now attracting the desires of an increasing number of wine lovers.
Andt still too little known, the Costières de Nîmes frame a vineyard of disconcerting freshness. Spread over more than 4,000 hectares, the appellation reflects its typical Rhône terroir, with soil consisting of pebbles on clayey-limestone soil. Starting from Nîmes, along the path of the vineyards, at the bend in the sea and the vast ponds of the Petite Camargue, unspoiled nature reveals itself, the cradle of drinks that echo the love and respect of winemakers for their land. Both the recreational and gastronomic wines, the reds, whites and rosés of the AOC Costières de Nîmes all display this southern character which makes them unique. Today these wines arouse a certain enthusiasm, making the denomination a real rising value in the world of viticulture.
OUR GOOD ADDRESSES
CASTLE OF NAGES
Located in the heart of a Natura 2000 protected natural area, the Château de Nages vineyard is managed using organic farming. More than a vineyard and a cellar, the place truly embodies the roots of the Gassier family. It was in the midst of World War II that Joseph Torres bought this estate in the south of the Rhone Valley. On his death, his son-in-law Alfred Gassier took over from Algeria where he lives with his family. Today it is his son Roger Gassier, preceded by his brother Jean, who invests body and soul in the estate, hoping to pass it on to his children one day. The wines produced here are driven by love and respect for the land, just like that of previous generations.
Our favorite: Red Heritage 2020.
Chemin des Canals, 30132 Caissargues, France.
BEAUBOIS CASTLE
Spread over sixty hectares of Costières de Nîmes, in the south of the Rhone Valley, Château Beaubois is a family estate. Brother and sister, François and Fanny Boyer are the fourth generation established in this vineyard. Here, in this land overlooking the Camargue, nature plays the most important role. Certified organic farming, the vineyard has launched a militant cuvée with the aim of relocating the production of jeans to Nîmes. His name ? “Let’s take denim home”!
Our favorite: Let’s bring denim home 2016.
Rd 6572, 30640 Franquevaux-Beauvoisin, France.
CASTLE D’ORO AND GUEULES
Labeled organic, Château d’Or et de Gueules is also part of a biodynamic approach. Aware of the key role of biodiversity in the production of its wines, the family estate, now managed and inhabited by Diane de Puymorin, Mathieu Chatain and their daughters, does everything to enrich and preserve it. In recent years, music therapy has also been practiced on a few hectares of vineyards to combat some diseases. Here red, white and rosé nectars are produced with labels inspired by the family crest, sometimes also underlined with a very appreciable humorous trait.
Our favorite on the pitch: Burn to be Alive 2019
Chemin des Cassagnes, 30800 Saint-Gilles, France.
LAND OF CARDO
Founded in the municipality of Bellegarde, in Gard, since 1982, the Chardon family has made the most of this sunny land. At the dawn of 2000, his son Jérôme Chardon took over the thirty hectares of the‘family farm, at the time dedicated to horticulture and arboriculture. Novice in the field of viticulture, he decided to plant nine hectares of vineyards that he intended to cultivate according to the principles of biodynamics, an approach then practiced only by a few connoisseurs. Working with respect for nature and the environment, the small vineyard offers delicate wines and quality cuvées.
Our favorite of the estate: Le Chardon Masqué 2021
Chemin de Sautebraut, 30127 Bellegarde, France.
BUT CARLOTTA
A charming 17th century Provencal farmhouse, the Mas Carlot estate extends over 65 hectares in the north of the Camargue. After many years of cultivation in respect of nature and the soil, the latter finally obtained the organic certification required in 2017, after three years of conversion. On the initiative of this request, we find the oenologist Cyril Marès, who perpetuates the family wine tradition of seven generations. The result ? Wines that borrow character, decidedly sure values of the Costières-de-Nîmes appellation, a terroir to which the winemaker is deeply attached.
Our favorite of the estate: Les Enfants Terribles 2019
Route de Redessan D3 Km3, 30127 Bellegarde, France.
MOURGUES DU GRES CASTLE
Nestled among vineyards and orchards, in the heart of the plains and hills of the Costières de Nîmes, Château Mourgues du Grès is a family-run winery steeped in history and generosity. Returning to the family business in 1990, François Collard is now accompanied by his wife Anne, who accompanies him in starting the marketing of the cuvées. Aimed at nature, the environment and the terroir, wines grown in biodynamics are naturally gourmet, creating a perfect balance between richness and minerality. A hymn to the Mediterranean climate glorified by the motto displayed in the courtyard of the estate: SINE SOLE NIHIL (No sun, nothing).
Our favorite of the estate: Les Galets Dorés
055 chemin des Mourgues du Grès, 30300 Beaucaire, France.
5 SPECIALTIES TO TASTE (OR TAKE AWAY)
PATE NÎMOIS PETIT
Already produced in the 18th century, Nîmes petit pâté is today one of the culinary emblems of the city of Nîmes. If Christophe Brunetti founded his artisan manufacturing company in 2007, it is in 2021 that Frédéric and Olivier Buisson, trained bakers, take over. Stuffed with veal and pork, bull and pork or brandade, petit pâté (which has become a registered trademark) is the result of unparalleled know-how.
BRAND IN COD
A true specialty of the city of Nîmes, brandade is a typical dish made with cod, milk, vegetable oil and salt. In Nîmes we taste that of Christophe Mouton, brandadier for four generations, an artisanal gluten-free (sometimes even lactose-free), tasty and gourmet brandade, following step by step the authentic family recipe kept secret. To be enjoyed on a delicious slice of artisan bread.
BULL FILLET
Although beef, bull meat is a so-called lean meat, containing little fat. Less tender and darker than beef, it is characterized by its intense flavor. Since 2011 an AOP (protected designation of origin) has been recognized for Taureau de Camargue, which extends over part of the Bouches-du-Rhône, Gard and Hérault.
GARD PELARDON
Made with raw whole goat milk, Pélardon is a soft-paste PDO cheese with a thin rind that can be straw yellow, white or bluish in color. Aged for a minimum of eleven days, the Pélardon has a fine and melting texture and a delicate taste with sometimes floral, sometimes vegetable aromas.
THE OLIVES
An emblematic product of the Mediterranean basin, olives are the protagonists of summer aperitifs. The most common variety in France is the Picholine, originally from Gard. The specialty of the south? Tapenade.
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