Minervois

The Minervois appellation covers an area of almost 15,000 hectares. With a third of this area cultivated as AOC Minervois, this appellation, recognized in 1985, is one of the largest in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, enabling it to offer a highly diverse range of wines.

So, alongside a production of quality white and rosé wines, which remains marginal in relation to total production, the Minervois appellation offers above all red wines ranging from the fruitiest to be drunk young to the most complex requiring a little ageing to fully express themselves. The grape varieties used for these red wines are Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault and Mourvèdre.

The Minervois appellation lies northeast of Carcassonne and northwest of Narbonne, in an area backing onto the Montagne Noire. The soil is composed of pebbles, schist, sandstone and limestone, alternating with areas of marl. The Mediterranean climate favors vine ripening. Although thunderstorms are sometimes violent, the grapes are quickly dried out by the almost constant wind.

The red wines of Château Festiano, Château l'Amiral and even more so Château d'Oupia will convince wine lovers who have not yet tasted the Minervois crus.

First and foremost, the Minervois vineyards are located in an area where climate variation and soil diversification are well suited to the grape varieties mainly used: Carignan, Grenache Noir, Syrah and Mourvèdre. The influence of these factors ensures the potential of the wines produced, which are generally divided into three different colors: red, white and rosé.

AOC Minervois is best known for its specialty red wines, which is why its production is so disproportionately high: 3% white wine, 13% rosé and 84% red.

The wine's color is intense garnet or ruby, becoming slightly tile-red with age. In fact, the aging potential for red wine is 2 to 4 years, rising to 8 to 10 years for great vintages. This longevity of preparation is the main reason for its intense, well-balanced, velvety mouthfeel. To the nose, it releases aromas of blackcurrant and violet. Spicy aromas such as vanilla and cinnamon are often present. Red wines go well with aperitifs and, above all, cheeses.

We must mention two emblematic Minervois estates: Château Maris and Cantaussel.

Château Maris: This 45-hectare vineyard in Livinière was acquired by Robert Eden. This area is especially recommended for a getaway, to admire the beautiful landscape well covered with vines in a summer season. It is also renowned for its production of fresh wines of unquestionable quality. This estate is absolutely committed to biodynamic agriculture. In fact, it has been awarded Biodyvin certification.

Domaine de Cantaussel: this Minervois estate is best known for its organic wine production. It is located in a very sunny area, one of the hottest and most arid terroirs in the region. Hence its symbolic motto: "Domaine de Cantaussel rien que du BIO, la vigne, le ciel et la garrigue".

To have a Favorite on Minervois products is sure, to become addicted to them is certain.