AOC Muscat de Frontignan

A wine-growing region situated between the lake of Vic La Gardiole Lake and the lake of Thau, close to the municipality of Frontignan. Clay-limestone soil, with an ever-growing proportion of sand content as you get closer to the Mediterranean Sea. The twisted bottle has become the symbol of this appellation.

 Rules of production

The yield per parcel of land cannot exceed 28 hl/ha, with conjectural exceptions according to vintages. The only grape variety used is Muscat Petits Grains. The ripeness cannot be lower than 252 gr of sugar per liter (around 14°). Fortified wines are made exclusively by producers who harvest the grapes. The alcohol used for the mutage process must contain 96% alcohol by volume. It is added in a proportion of 5-10% to the grape must. The final alcohol content must be between 15 and 18°.

 Important numbers

• 797 ha
• 1 wine cellar co-op
• 26 independent wine cellars

 Commerce

• 38, 000 hl (from tasting cellars, 2005/06)
• GD : 49% – Export : 5%