Languedoc Wines - an overview
Posted on May 5, 2008
Filed Under Uncategorized |
An overview of wines in the Aude,Languedoc- including the Minervois and Corbieres. The history, vinification and more.
The Aude is the cradle of winemaking in the
Languedoc. Vines were first planted near Narbonne by the Romans in 118 AD and
viticulture flourished in the expanding Roman colony. Today the vine is by the
most important crop in the Aude and it influences not only the landscape but
also the economics and politics of the region. The region contains Languedoc
wines under the following AOC’s: Minervois,Corbieres,Fitou, La
Clape,Cabardes,Malpere and Limoux.
Although co-operatives still dominate
production, there are many excellent private producers. Some of them are long
established but many come from families who have been grape growers for
generations but have only recently decided to ?go it alone’ and make their own
wine. The younger generation of winemakers have often gone to wine school and
broadened their knowledge further by working elsewhere and have brought home
their expertise and fresh ideas. Other wine producers have come from other
parts of France or abroad, attracted by the extraordinary beauty of the region
and its potential to make great wine. All these producers share a common goal ?
to make good wine and express the unique terroir for Languedoc wines.
Vine varieties are similar to those
throughout the Mediterranean south. Carignan and Grenache are the most widely
grown but Syrah and Mouvedre are increasingly planted, the latter performing
well near the coast. Cinsault is also popular for rosé wine as well as forming
part of the blend for many reds. Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot and Malbec make vin
de pays wines throughout the Aude and are permitted in the appellations
surrounding Carcassonne. White wines are a minority but can be excellent and
are made from Grenache Blanc, marsanne, roussanne and bourboulenc and
vermentino while Vin de Pays whites are made from all the main international
varieties chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, voignier.
The varied topography and climate in the
Aude has given rise to a huge diversity of wine styles, from stylish sparkling
wine from Limoux to brooding, spicy reds from Corbières and Fitou. Nearest the
coast is the unfortuntately named but beautiful La Clape massif which separates
Narbonne from the Mediterranean. This is the driest wine region in the
Languedoc and so the vineyards are naturally low yielding and the sea breezes and
altitude combine to give the wines a freshness and a fine structure which sets
them apart. The wines are designated Coteaux du Languedoc and producers of note
are Chateau la Roquette, Domaine Pech-Redon, Chateau de la Negly and the
impressive Domaine L’Hospitalet in La Clape.
The most extensive and varied wine region in
the Aude is the Corbières which stretches all the way from the coastal plain by
Narbonne to the Mont d’ Alaric, overlooking Carcassonne and south to Mont Tauch
and the foothills of the Pyrenèes. The wine legislators have officially divided
this vast region into 11 different sub-regions to reflect the diversity of
terroir. Corbières wines comes in all colours but is predominantly red and
styles vary from fruity, rustic wines from based on Carignan for everyday drinking to deep flavoured,
herby wines of real class and ageing potential. There are over 400 producers in
Corbières. Voulte Gasparets, Mansenoble, Domaine de Lastours, Domaine de Grand
Gres are just a few of many worth mentioning and the Cooperative at Castelmaure
is the best co-op in the Languedoc.
Nestled in 2 distinct areas in the south of
Corbières, is Fitou which has the distinction of being the first table wine
region in the Languedoc to be awarded an appellation in 1948. The terrain here
is rugged and mountainous and the wines almost exclusively red, made from
Carignan and Grenache with some Syrah and Mourvedre. The wines are warm, spicy
and herby with the Mount Tauch co-operative and Domaine Bertrand-Bergé
particularly good producers.
Moving from Narbonne towards Carcassonne,
the climate changes with the Atlantic influences becoming increasingly
predominant. The dynamic appellation of Cabardès, north of Carcassonne,
illustrates this climatic shift. The wines have to made from a blend of
?atlantic’ (ie Bordeaux) varieties such as cabernet sauvignon, franc, merlot
and malbec with Mediterranean varieties, the usual suspects Grenache, Syrah,
Carignan and Mourvedre. The wines combine the blackcurranty fruitiness and
elegance of Bordeaux with the spice and breadth of the Mediterranean.
Pennautier makes very polished Cabardès but Domaine Cabrol, Domaine O and
Domaine Jouclary are also making waves. Cotes de La Malpere is similar to
Cabardès in that it is a cocktail of Atlantic and Mediterranean grapes with the
difference that Bordeaux varieties predominate and Carignan is forbidden. The
Co-operative of Razes dominates production but a few small produces are
starting to make their mark.
Limoux is cool climate Languedoc and is
justly famous for its sparkling wines which it has been making for 100s of
years. Indeed locals claim the ?champagne’ was invented in Limoux, well before
Dom Perignon worked out how to get bubbles to stay in wine. Blanquette de
Limoux in the traditional fizz and is made from the Mauzac grape with
chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. Cremant de Limoux is a slightly more modern style
and is largely with Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay with a dash of Pinot Noir.
Another local speciality is methode ancestrale which is slightly sweet and
fizzy made exclusively from Mauzac. Limoux is also well known for its still
wines made from Chardonnay , cleverly promoted by an annual auction ?toques et
clochers’ where top chefs encourage the bidding for barrels of chardonnay.
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