THE WINE FROM ÎLE DE RÉ IN CHARENTE-MARITIME
VITICULTURE ON ILE DE RÉ
Viticulture occupies an important place in the cultural heritage of the island of Ré, reflecting over the years the rooting of men on this territory. We find here grape varieties with typical flavors, which come from vineyards rich in limestone or clay-limestone soils, covered with aeolian sand and fed by marine alluvium.
The stay is a great opportunity to discover the best wines of the island of Ré. Take advantage of this opportunity to talk with the winegrowers who will be happy to share their work and their passion with you. Tastings of the island’s tasty liquors are also part of the program.
The climate of the island of Ré is favourable to the blossoming of the different grape varieties. The mild temperatures, the proximity to the ocean and the more than 2,000 hours of sunshine per year all contribute to the production of good wines.
The vineyards here extend over several hundred hectares. The land is rich in limestone and marine alluvium, especially in the south of the island.
White wines are produced here from ugni-blanc, colombard, chardonnay or sauvignon. For the reds and rosés, the winemakers use black merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon or tannat.
THE DIFFERENT GRAPE VARIETIES OF ÎLE DE RÉ
The vineyards of Ré la Blanche cover a total area of 650 hectares, concentrated mainly in the southern part of the island. The local conditions allow a diversity of grape varieties to flourish.
The black and white grape varieties – Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Negrette, Chardonnay, Sauvignon and the grape varieties used to make Cognac in Ugni Blanc – share this area.
About 35 to 40 hectoliters of wine, pineau and cognac per hectare are produced here each year. The Ile de Ré can also boast of producing quality wines.
The Ile de Ré wines from the Cooperative’s terroir include the best. The fruit aromas vary according to the different AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) vineyards and wine growers who work the fruit in their own way.
Some winemakers produce a very powerful local wine while others seek the sweetness of the fruit. If you are a wine connoisseur or simply wish to discover the flavors of the island, tastings are a must during your vacation on île de Ré.
TASTING OF THE WINES OF THE ILE DE RE
The wines of the Ile de Ré are distinguished by their unique typicity. Pineau, Cognac, still wines or sparkling wines are likely to surprise your taste buds, discovering them is part of the many activities on île de Ré.
But you absolutely must taste the Rosé des Dunes from the Voile range and the Pineau Ilrhéa.
The red wine Petit Sergent and the white wine Royal, also from the Voile range, are also to be tasted.
The Soif d’Evasion range, much more recent, also includes high quality red, rosé and white wines. You will certainly appreciate the ile de Ré vintage wines like the Gouverneur, the Ultimium or the Trousse Chemise white or rosé.
WHAT ARE THE BEST WINES OF THE ISLAND OF RE ?
It is difficult to choose the best wines of île de Ré! There are varietal and blended wines, Cognac, pineaux, organic wines… What do they have in common? They all have a taste of summer that will give you the impression of admiring an endless red sunset.
Ideal with seafood, Rosé des Dunes is a complex and thirst-quenching wine that has won several awards. A blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, its coral pink color and fruity taste will seduce rosé lovers. It is the perfect summer wine.
- Ilrhéa blanc is the pineau of the island of Ré, made from ugni-blanc. It excels with desserts. Ilrhéa also exists in pineau rosé.
- Le Trousse Chemise blanc est un vin mousseux à base de chardonnnay élaboré de manière traditionnelle. Sa belle robe jaune paille et ses fines bulles en font un bon vin d’apéritif ou de dessert.
Soif d’Evasion est une gamme de vins de cépage de l’île de Ré dont le sauvignon frais et puissant est à essayer.
- And then there is of course Cognac, whose XO Isle de Ré, 10 years old, will accompany the end of your meals thanks to its citrus and honey flavors and its superb mahogany color.
Do not hesitate to discover the vineyards of Ré during your campsite vacations on the island of Ré. You can easily meet the winemakers who will let you taste their best creations and visit the Ile de Ré wine cooperative located between Sainte-Marie-de-Ré and Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré for free.
