Languedoc Wines - an overview

May 2
10:13

2008

mike bowditch

mike bowditch

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An overview of wines in the Aude,Languedoc- including the Minervois and Corbieres. The history, vinification and more.

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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,Languedoc Wines - an overview Articles 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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