IGP Haute Vallée de l’Aude

The Aude River, crossing the vineyards and flowing from the Pyrénées Mountains, gave its name to the IGP.  The production zone presents itself as a vast amphitheater around Limoux, all along the valley. The borders of this wine-growing region, nestled in the south against the foothills of the Pyrénées, are marked by by Mount Chalabre and Mount of Razès in the west, by Corbières in the east, and partially by Carcassonne in the north.

Vitally, the vine is planted in three groups of the principal types of soil: sedimentary chalk sandstone, limestone and red clay, and ancient alluvium positioned in plateaus in relationship to the current valleys.

The originality of the climate of this geographic zone rests in the combination of Mediterranean and oceanic influences.

With a late spring and a cool month of September, the ripening period must be shorter and the choice of grape varieties becomes a determining factor.

In 2010 and today, white wine represents 60% of production, while red wine is 35% and rosé is 5%.

The wines benefit from a very strong mark of climatic identity. This effect is particularly evident in the grape varieties with a short cycle, perfectly adapted to these high-elevation lands, which develop unparalleled levels of aromatic expression, of freshness, and of balance in the Mediterranean zone.

 Grape varieties: Cabernet-Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot, Sauvignon, Syrah.

 Average yield: 60 hl/ha

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