The Côte Roannaise

While you’re on your way back to Roanne’s historic centre, I’d like to mention one of the things you absolutely must try during your stay here, and that’s wine. The Côte Roannaise vineyards are the pride and joy of local winemakers and wine lovers alike. Designated as a Controlled Designation of Origin in 1994, this red or rosé wine is produced on the western side of Roanne, along a 20 km-long slope. The designation is part of the Loire Valley vineyards. However, the vineyards themselves are much older than that. It’s even thought they date back to Roman times! The first official mention of it dates back to 970, and we know that it continued to expand throughout the Middle Ages, producing wine that was exported to Paris and Nantes via the Loire. Nowadays, Gamay Saint-Romain is the most representative grape variety, perfectly suited to the granitic soils of the vineyards, which produce spicy, peppery wines with a tight texture. A real treat that will delight wine lovers! Feel free to plan a little getaway to visit the vineyards and taste the wines!