The “Vinsobres” appellation covers 1,376 hectares. Production was in the region of 12,500 hl in 2013, exclusively of red wines, and is divided between 3 cooperative cellars and 25 wine domaines. 42% is exported around the world and the average annual yield is 28hl/ha.
It is interesting to note that 57% of Vinsobres vines are at least 25 years old because wine growing really started to develop when the olive groves were destroyed by the severe frosts of 1956.
The rise of organic and sustainable methods of viticulture
The Rhône Valley vineyards represent almost 10% of organic viticulture in France making it the second largest organic wine region after the Languedoc-Roussillon. The Vinsobres AOC has contributed considerably to this by cultivating almost 30% of its vineyards using organic and biodynamic methods.
The organic approach was initiated by a small number of pioneering winemakers in Vinsobres. The first in the commune to be recognised for the use of organic practices was François Vallot from Domaine du Coriançon in 2006. Philippe Chaume from Domaine Chaume-Arnaud followed suit the year after. Many winemakers have since opted for an organic approach whilst others have gone down the path of biodynamics which involves different methods and objectives.