AOC Minervois

Appellation area

The Minervois territory is a vast amphitheatre bordered by the Canal du Midi to the south, the Montagne Noire to the north and extending from the heights of Narbonne to the gates of Carcassonne.

Geology

The Clamoux, Argent Double, Ognon and the Cesse all run down the Montagne Noire to the Aude and, over time, have created a series of terraces made from stones, clays, schiste and limestone. The landscape alternates between these terraces and limestone and clay marls. The higher altitude areas consist of limestone plateaus.

Climate

Mainly Mediterranean with ocean influences to the west (Clamoux and Côtes Noires) with difficult winters in the Causse at altitudes above 300 m.

Grapes

Syrah, Mourvedre (minimum 20%). Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache and Lladoner Pelut (minimum 60%), Carignan, Cinsault, Terret, Aspiran, Piquepoul for the red wines (40% maximum). Marsanne, Roussanne, Maccabeu, Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache, Vermentino and small berry Muscat for the white wines.

Vinification

Red: traditional whole berry following stripping.
Rosé: by saignée or pressing.
White: direct pressing, sometimes partial vinification in vats.
Muscat de Saint Jean de Minervois: natural sweet winel.

Appellations

Lands: Terroir Canal du Midi, Terroir des Causses, Terroir Les Mourels, Terroir Coteaux / Contreforts, Terroir des Trois Vallées, Terroir Les Terrasses.

Key figures

5 000 ha
1100 producers
30 cooperative wine producers
222 private wine producers

Maximum authorised yield

50 hl/hectare

Production

155 000 hl
(94% red, 2% white, 4% rosé)

Sales

165 000 hl 2005/06
General Distribution: 25%
Export: 28%

Source CIVL