Fitou

The Fitou Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) is a geographical designation located in the Languedoc region, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Corbières massif. This appellation produces powerful and 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 Sea and the Corbières massif. The Fitou AOC area is limited to nine communes in the Aude department. The wine-growing tradition dates back to ancient times, but the current vineyard has been marked by the crises of the 19th century and the revolt of southern winegrowers in 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 established in 1948 and covers several communes, including Treilles, Caves, Tuchan, Leucate, La Palme, Paziols, Villeneuve-les-Corbières, Cascastel-des-Corbières and, of course, Fitou. Around 2,600 hectares of Fitou vineyards cover these villages.

The Fitou terroir is characterized by a wide variety of soils and landscapes, which is reflected in the wines produced there. Over the past fifteen years, considerable research has been conducted on soil studies, which has made it possible to adapt the planting of grape varieties to their geological and climatic environment. Fitou red wine production covers vineyards spread across two distinct areas. The first area is close to the Mediterranean Sea, anchored on a limestone plateau with hard soils. The second area is located in the Corbières massif, with soils composed mainly of calcareous clay. This diversity of soils gives Fitou wines their complexity and strength. There are therefore two distinct types: maritime Fitou and continental Fitou. Fitou red wines are mainly made from blends of Carignan, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah. The Mediterranean climate and sunshine allow these grape varieties to fully express their aromatic richness. Wine lovers will appreciate the red wines from Domaine Bertrand-Bergé, Château Les Fenals, and Domaine Bories.

Fitou AOC wines are aged in oak barrels for several years, resulting in full-bodied wines with subtle structure. Buying Fitou wine is above all a choice for a wine with character, robust and wild. It pairs perfectly with local products from the Languedoc-Roussillon region. Fitou red wine should be served at a temperature between 17 and 19 degrees to reveal all its aromas and the complexity of its flavors. It is the perfect accompaniment to a traditional cassoulet, a wild boar stew, or a braised young partridge. A Fitou wine is also an ideal choice to accompany the flavors of Roquefort, Rocamadour, or traditional Pélardon cheese, reminiscent of the flavors of the garrigue and local herbs such as thyme and rosemary. Fitou wines can be stored for between three and ten years to reach their full potential. For more information, visit the Fitou wines website.