AOC Malepère

Appellation area

This region extends from the Canal du Midi in the North, as far as the Aude in the east. The most western Languedoc appellation surrounds the wooded massif of Malepère, from the gates of Carcassonne to Limoux and as far as Lauragais.

Geology

Argilo-calcareous hillsides with hilltops, ancient gravel terraces and gravel summits.

Climate

Oceanic tendency mixed with a Mediterranean character displaying a transitional climate with specific characteristics affected by altitude, exposure and the position on an east-west gradient favouring the growth of wild plants preferring the Mediterranean, sub-Mediterranean and even ocean climates.

Grapes

Planting has been adapted to the ecologic diversity and the Malepère AOC wines are created by the assemblage of Atlantic and Mediterranean grapes. Planting for the red wines: main grape Merlot (minimum 50%), complementary grapes, Cabernet Franc, Cot (minimum 20%), secondary grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Cinsault. Planting for the rosé wines: main grape, cabernet Franc (minimum 50%) complementary grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsaut, Cot, Grenache, Merlot.(minimum 20%)

Vinification

For the red wines: stripped grape harvesting, traditional vinification with maceration and temperature control. The period in vats is variable.
Rosés produced by saignée, fermentation at low-temperature.

Key figures

500 ha
100 producers
4 cooperative wine producers
16 private wine producers

Average yield

50 hl/hectare

Average production

20 000 hl (80% red, 20% rosé)

Sales

15 000 hl (Storehouse outputs 2005/06)
Traditional and direct sales : 50%
General Distribution: 30%
Export: 20%

Source CIVL