AOC Muscat de Lunel

A wine-growing region planted around the city of Lunel, halfway between Montpellier and Nîmes, the country of Camargue bulls and traditional races and competitions. The appellation is situated in gravelly, red-chalk sandstone soil. This soil can reach considerable depth.

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

• 321 ha
• 1 wine cellar co-op
• 6 independent cellars

Commerce

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