Located between the Seudre and Gironde estuaries, the Royan Atlantique vineyards benefit from varied soils and the mild Charente climate. The grapes thus develop unique characteristics giving rise to IGP “Charentais” wines, AOC Pineau des Charentes and Cognac with a distinctive character.

Charente wines, Pineau des Charentes and Cognac: the specialties of our vineyards

The Royan Atlantic Vineyards offer a range of varied products, from Charente wines to eaux-de-vie and aperitifs typical of Charente-Maritime, each reflecting the richness of the "terroir".

  • The charentais wines, renowned for their freshness and fruity aromas, can be enjoyed on a seafood platter, as an accompaniment to a meal or as an aperitif.
  • Le Pineau des Charentes is a sweet and refined aperitif, combining grape must and Cognac brandy. This unique marriage gives it its balanced aromas, with subtle notes of fruit and honey, making it a essential for Charente aperitifs.
  • Finally, the Cognac, world-renowned, is produced with know-how inherited from local traditions. Aged in oak barrels, this spirit deploys complex aromas of vanilla, dried fruits and spices. A true ambassador of the Charente terroir, Cognac stands out as a international reference.
Tasting of seafood and Charente wines

Particularities and influences of the Charente soil on the quality of the wines

The terroir defines the uniqueness of our products, that is, their own identity. It includes several elements:

  • climate: temperatures, sunshine, precipitation, wind
  • the soil, its composition
  • relief: altitude, slope, exposure
  • viticulture methods, grape varieties used

The Royan Atlantique terroir is distinguished by the diversity of its landscapes and soils, influenced by the oceanic climate of the Atlantic coast. The Royan Atlantique vineyards extend over sandy and clayey-calcareous soils, well drained. The filtering properties of the limestone mingle with the freshness of clay, a fine rock that retains water and delays the ripening of grapes. This type of soil thus favors the cultivation of the grape varieties used for Charente wines, Pineau des Charentes and Cognac. Thegenerous sunshine, combined with sea breezes, also creates an ideal environment for grapes to ripen.

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On the banks of theGironde estuary, gently sloping reliefs also allow for optimal exposure to the sun.

This combination of geological and climatic conditions then gives the wines and spirits a unique aromatic finesse. The key is the promise of fruity and balanced wines : the aromas of blackcurrant and plum from Merlot, the citrus, floral and honey accents from Sauvignon Blanc, or the notes of raspberry and violet from Cabernet Franc.

Main grape varieties of the Royan Atlantique Vineyards

What is a grape variety?

Un grape is the name used to talk about the different grape varieties, fruits from the vine stock. There are many of them and each one determines the typical aromas and textures of the wine it produces. Its characteristics can vary depending on the climate and soil of the vineyards where it grows. Then, the type of viticulture chosen influences its development. Finally, the winemaking technique and the aging in vats or oak barrels will determine the final taste of the wine.

The white grape varieties of our vineyards

The colombard

Colombard is native to the north of Cognac. Also used in the production of Cognac, it is a grape variety that gives very dry wines, with aromas of lemon and grapefruitIt is best drunk young in order to enjoy all its liveliness and freshness.

Ugni Blanc

Ugni Blanc is the reference grape variety for Cognac production. Its unique characteristics therefore make it an essential choice. It is particularly appreciated for its high natural acidity, essential during distillation. Acidity protects the wine from oxidation and improves the quality of the spirits by contributing to their freshness and longevity. A very productive grape variety, it offers high yields. This is a major advantage for producers in the Cognac region, who require large quantities of wine to produce the famous spirit.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon blanc is a grape variety that is very widespread throughout the world. Although it is sometimes blended with other varieties, as in Bordeaux, in our sector it is vinified on its own in order to benefit from all the typicality of its aromas of citrus fruits, exotic fruits and sometimes flowersIt offers very lively wines, with great freshness in the mouth.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is a world-famous grape variety but also the only white grape variety used in Burgundy. On our terroir, it reveals a bouquet ofaromas from white-fleshed fruits such as white peach, pear or green apple. A nice balanced acidity gives it freshness and length in the mouth. Vinified in the Burgundy style, its wines are more velvety and buttery.

Viognier

The Viognier grape variety is very present in the white wines of the Rhône Valley. Even if it is not referenced in the specifications of the IGP “Charentais” wines, it is a grape variety that can be found in one of the properties of the territory, under the label “Vin de France”. This makes it one of the curiosities of our beautiful vineyards. On our land, it develops aromas of white-fleshed fruits, flowers, with notes of honey and a creamy side in the mouth.

The red grape varieties of our vineyards

Merlot

Merlot is a grape variety that is very widespread in the world and particularly in Bordeaux and Libourne. It is also very common in our terroir which suits it perfectly. Its wines have aromas of red fruits such as cherry, sometimes even blackberry or plumThe gourmet and rather supple side of this grape variety makes them very popular wines.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the king grape varieties of the Médoc. Just like in Bordeaux, under the IGP “Charentais” appellation, this grape variety is distinguished by its often powerful wines, with aromas of black fruits such as blackcurrant, accompanied by subtle notes of spices and liquoriceIts structured and complex side ultimately gives it an easily recognizable and highly appreciated taste.

Bunches of red grapes in the vineyards
Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc is a grape variety that is widely found in the Loire and Bordeaux regions. In our region, it produces rather supple wines with aromas of raspberry, redcurrant and even violet. These wines are pleasant to drink and reveal varied flavors.

Malbec

King grape variety in the Cahors appellation, very present today in Latin America, it was also planted for a long time in Bordeaux, before being used less and less. Indeed, this grape variety likes dry and sunny soils and does not resist rain which makes its berries burst. It is only found on one of the properties of the Royannais vineyard. Its wines are powerful and racy with notes of black fruits like blackcurrant but also with a touch of spice.

Gamay

Gamay is a common grape variety in Beaujolais. In IGP “Charentais” wines, it is mainly used for the rosé winemaking. Its wines stand out for their lightness, with notes of red fruits such as strawberry and raspberry. It has a nice acidity that gives it a nice sensation of freshness in the mouth. Just like Malbec, only one wine estate in Royan Atlantique cultivates it because the composition of our soils does not correspond much to its preferred terrains.

La diversity of grape varieties thus allows the production of various wines, offering a wide aromatic palette suited to all tastes. Charente wines, Pineau and Cognac pair harmoniously with the pleasures of the table, enhancing every moment of tasting with their authenticity and richness.

Learn more about the production of Charente wines, Pineau and cognac

We invite you to discover the different appellations and the know-how of our winegrowers, true guardians of this unique heritage.

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