La Clape

The La Clape appellation stands out for its history, geology, and identity. If we go back 600 years, the La Clape Massif was called “Insula laci,” meaning an island surrounded by lakes. Today, connected to the mainland, the Massif de la Clape—which means “pile of rocks” in Occitan—offers a landscape of contrasts: the sea to the east, low alluvial plains to the west, ponds to the south, and Mount Pech Redon, which towers over it all at 214 meters. In 1973, this diverse and wild landscape was designated a nature park, immersing us in a spectacular setting of canyons, garrigue, pine forests, and vineyards, with the sea in the distance. 

The region’s climate—a maritime Mediterranean climate—is particularly dry, with nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine per year. The proximity to the sea and the numerous winds (thirteen in total, including the tramontane) create conditions that help keep the vines healthy and prevent disease. The soil consists of alternating layers of flat stones, red earth, gray or yellow marl, and red or green sandstone. All these characteristics provide ideal conditions for growing grapes, giving the wines a balance between power on the one hand and freshness and minerality on the other. The La Clape appellation produces 80% red wines, made from blends of the region’s traditional grape varieties: Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Carignan, and Cinsault; and 20% white wines made from Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache, Picpoul, Marsanne, Roussanne, and Rolle.