Location and landscape
Les Riceys is a commune in the south of the French department of Aube and forms part of Champagne. The vineyard landscape is shaped by the Laignes valley and numerous side valleys. The vines grow on slopes whose upper areas frequently transition into wooded plateaus.
Soils and climate
Les Riceys lies within the geological sequence of the Côte des Bar. Kimmeridgian marl and limestone layers form the predominant subsoil, while the plateaus are mainly made up of hard Portland limestone. For viticulture, grey, stony, calcareous colluvial soils are important. The northern area near the Plateau de Langres has a comparatively cold climate; however, the enclosed valley form creates its own favourable mesoclimate. In the sheltered hollows, summer temperatures can rise above 40 °C.
Rosé des Riceys
The geographical zone for Rosé des Riceys comprises eight communes, although the grape harvest for this appellation is limited to Les Riceys. The plots approved for this purpose must lie within the delimited Champagne appellation area and be recognised as suitable. The grapes come from the steepest, highest and sunniest hillside sites, particularly those with east and south exposure. Rosé des Riceys is made exclusively from Pinot Noir N and is a still rosé wine with vintage indication. Its colour ranges from pale salmon to garnet red; young wines show aromas of red fruit, and as they mature, notes of dried fruit and spices often appear.
History and production
The documented origins of viticulture in Les Riceys go back to the 8th century. In the 12th century, the Cistercians from the Abbey of Molesme founded the estate of Saint-Louis. The wine trade expanded, from the early 18th century onwards, towards the Netherlands, Belgium, the Paris region and northern France. After disruptions caused by phylloxera and the loss of rural workers, viticulture was partially restored through the incorporation of Aube into the Champagne winegrowing area in 1927. The appellation Rosé des Riceys was first recognised by decree on 8 December 1947. The wines are produced from whole grapes using semi-carbonic maceration and must mature for at least until 1 July of the year following the harvest. For the commune, the three AOP Champagne, Coteaux champenois and Rosé des Riceys apply.
