Cilaos wine is a mountain wine that has been produced for several years in the Cirque de Cilaos. Vines were introduced to Reunion by early colonisers. Some of the founders of the Indian Ocean trading posts noted that ‘the wheat produces fine, full ears and the vines produce very good grapes, from which we make wine’. But until 1850, vines were located only in the leeward area between Saint-Paul and Saint-Denis.
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The origin of Cilaos wine
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Vines were initially introduced to Cilaos, around 1860, only for their fruit. The vines cultivated were Vitis labrusca, Isabelle cultivar. The temperate and dry climate of Cilaos is very well suited to this grape variety, which is very disease resistant and high yielding. Later, at the instigation of Father Teigny, winemaking trials were carried out in 1915.
Today, Cilaos wine is increasingly finding its place on Reunion tables. The Cilaos wine-growers hope to eventually cultivate around 20ha of vines. The winery makes a diverse range of wines and is constantly researching new products. Its red, rosé, dry white and early wines have been classified as Vin de Pays since 2004, making the Cilaos vineyard the leading European vineyard in the southern hemisphere.
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Some recipes to accompany a glass of Cilaos wine
A tropical vineyard
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Nestled in the heart of the Cirque de Cilaos, between 600m and 1300m above sea level, the Cilaos vineyards are distinguished by their geographical location and their terrain. The volcanic soil, the mild climate and the relatively high rainfall in this part of the island make it an ideal place for growing grapes. Here, the grape varieties introduced by the colonists have taken root facing the Piton des Neiges and yield a wine with fruity and spicy aromas that is a perfect match for Creole cuisine!
