What is the southernmost appellation of the Rhône region, which was granted AOC status in 1986?

The southernmost appellation of the Rhône region that was granted AOC status in 1986 is Costières de Nîmes. This appellation is located near the city of Nîmes, which is significantly south within the Rhône Valley. It is known for producing primarily red wines, with Grenache and Syrah being the dominant grape varieties.

Costières de Nîmes has distinct climatic and geological characteristics that differentiate it from other Rhône appellations. The area benefits from the warm Mediterranean climate and has a variety of soils including galets roulés (round pebbles), which are typical of the southern Rhône. This appellation has a growing reputation for producing high-quality wines that reflect the terroir of the region.

In contrast, while Vacqueyras and Gigondas are also important southern Rhône appellations, they are located further north than Costières de Nîmes. Beaujolais, while a well-known wine region, is not part of the Rhône Valley. This clarification on the geographical placement of each option underscores why Costières de Nîmes is the correct choice in the context of this question.