Fitou

The Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) Fitou is a geographical denomination located in the Languedoc region, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Corbières mountains. This appellation produces powerful, complex red wines from grape varieties such as Carignan, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. The Fitou appellation is located in the Languedoc region, between the Mediterranean and the Corbières mountains. The AOC Fitou area is limited to nine communes in the Aude department. The winegrowing tradition dates back to antiquity, but today's vineyards have been marked by the crises of the 19th century and the southern winegrowers' revolt of 1907. Fitou wine is often considered the younger brother of Corbières wines, with which it shares the typical terroir of southern France. The Fitou wine appellation was decreed in 1948 and covers several communes, including Treilles, Caves, Tuchan, Leucate, La Palme, Paziols, Villeneuve-les-Corbières, Cascastel-des-Corbières and, of course, Fitou. Some 2,600 hectares of Fitou vines cover these villages.

The terroir of Fitou is characterized by a wide variety of soils and landscapes, which is reflected in the crus on offer. Over the past fifteen years, considerable research has been carried out into the study of soils, enabling us to adapt the planting of grape varieties to their geological and climatic environment. Fitou red wine is produced from vines divided into two distinct zones. The first zone is close to the Mediterranean Sea, anchored on a limestone plateau with hard soils. The second is in the Corbières mountains, with soils composed mainly of calcareous clay. This diversity of soils gives Fitou wines their complexity and strength. There are two distinct types of soil: maritime Fitou and continental Fitou. Fitou red wines are mainly made from blends of Carignan, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. The Mediterranean climate and sunshine enable these grape varieties to fully express their aromatic richness. Wine lovers will appreciate the red wines from Domaine Bertrand-Bergé, Château Les Fenals or Domaine Bories.

AOC Fitou is aged in oak barrels for several years, producing full-bodied, subtly structured wines. Buying Fitou wine is above all a choice for a wine of character, robust and wild. It goes perfectly with the produce of the Languedoc-Roussillon region. Fitou red wine should be served at a temperature of between 17 and 19 degrees to reveal all its aromas and complex flavors. It goes perfectly with a traditional cassoulet, simmered wild boar or braised partridge. A Fitou wine is also an ideal choice to accompany the flavors of roquefort, rocamadour or traditional Pélardon, reminiscent of the garrigue and local herbs such as thyme and rosemary. Fitou wines can be kept for three to ten years to reach their full potential. For more information, visit the Fitou wines website.