Côtes d'Auvergne: Volcanic Pinot From the Forgotten Center

In the shadow of dormant volcanoes (the Chaîne des Puys), a handful of passionate winemakers cultivate Pinot Noir on volcanic soils in central France. The Côtes d'Auvergne AOC is one of France's smallest and least known - but the volcanic influence creates Pinot with mineral intensity that rivals Alsace's Rangen.

What to do there

3 things to do

1. 1 Find the Chaîne des Puys Viewpoint Adventure · Free

   See the dormant volcanoes that created these vineyard soils.

   Drive to the Puy de Dôme summit (cable car available) for panoramic views of the Chaîne des Puys - 80 dormant volcanoes in a 40km chain. This UNESCO World Heritage site created the volcanic soils where Pinot Noir grows below.

   Log Memory
2. 2 Visit a Local Vigneron Wine · Price: low

   Find one of the Côtes d'Auvergne's small producers.

   Contact the Maison des Vins d'Auvergne (vin-auvergne.fr) for producer recommendations and appointments. Production is tiny - most estates make only a few thousand bottles. Ask about the volcanic soil influence on their Pinot Noir.

   Log Memory
3. 3 Compare to Alsace Volcanic Pinot Wine · Price: low · Optional

   Two volcanic French Pinots - same geology, different climates.

   Buy bottles from both Côtes d'Auvergne and Alsace (Rangen area). Taste side by side. Both grow on volcanic soil, but Auvergne is continental and higher altitude, Alsace is warmer and drier. Notice how the volcanic mineral character appears in both - smoke, salt, gunpowder.

   Log Memory

Insider tips

• One of France's smallest AOCs - production is measured in thousands, not millions of bottles

• The Chaîne des Puys became UNESCO World Heritage in 2018

• Most wine stays local - finding it abroad is nearly impossible

• The volcanic soils are geologically similar to Rangen's - but the wines are lighter, fresher