AOC Limoux

Appellation area

25 km to the south of Carcassonne, nestled in the upper valley of the Aude between the Chalabrais plateau to the west and the Lecamp plateau to the east and sheltered by the Pyrenees, this appellation area is quite homogenous and encompasses 41 communities.

Geology

The southern hills reserved for this appellation are covered with a combination of light and stony argilo-calcareous soils.

Climate

The natural protection on three sides of the appellation area limits the maritime influences giving it an oceanic, Mediterranean climate.

Grapes

  • Limoux white (still wine): Mauzac (mini 15 %), Chardonnay, Chenin.
  • Limoux red (still wine): Merlot (50% mini), Cot, Syrah grenache (30% mini), Carignan (10% maxi).

Vinification

  • Limoux blanc: vinification and ageing in oak barrels.
  • Limoux red: classic long-term vinification.

Key figures

  • 1 800 ha declared
  • 400 producers
  • 8 trade houses
  • 2 cooperative wine producers
  • 24 private wine producers

Average yield

40 hl/hectare (sparkling)

Production

  • Limoux red (vin tranquille) 2 800 hl
  • Limoux white (vin tranquille) 5 000 hl

Sales

9 millions bottles (storehouse outputs 2006)

  • General Distribution: 26%
  • Export: 25%

Source CIVL