Minervois

The Minervois appellation covers an area of nearly 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 wide range of wines.

Thus, alongside a production of high-quality white and rosé wines, which remains marginal in terms of total production, the Minervois appellation mainly offers red wines ranging from the most fruity, which can be drunk young, to the most complex, which require a little aging to fully express themselves. The grape varieties used for these red wines are Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre.

The Minervois appellation is located northeast of Carcassonne and northwest of Narbonne, in an area backed by the Montagne Noire. The soil is composed of pebbles, schist, sandstone, and limestone alternating with areas of marl. The Mediterranean climate promotes the ripening of the grapes. Although storms can sometimes be violent, the grapes are quickly dried by the wind, which blows almost constantly.

The red wines of Château Festiano, Château l'Amiral, and especially Château d'Oupia will win over wine lovers who have not yet tasted the wines of Minervois.

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

The Minervois AOC is best known for its specialty in red wine production, which is why its production is largely disproportionate: 3% white wine, 13% rosé, and 84% red.

The wine has an intense garnet or ruby color, which becomes slightly brick-red with age. Red wine has an aging potential of 2 to 4 years, which can increase to 8 to 10 years for great vintages. It is mainly this long aging period that explains its intense and balanced flavor, as well as its velvety texture on the palate. On the nose, it releases aromas of blackcurrant and violet. Spice aromas such as vanilla and cinnamon are also often present. Red wines pair well with appetizers and especially with cheese.

It is necessary to mention two iconic areas of the Minervois region: Château Maris and Cantaussel.

Château Maris: This vineyard covers 45 hectares in Livinière and was acquired by Robert Eden. The area is particularly recommended for a getaway, where you can admire the beautiful landscape covered with vines in the summer season. It is also renowned for producing fresh wines of unquestionable quality. The estate is entirely dedicated to biodynamic agriculture. In fact, it has been awarded Biodyvin certification, which is a mark of its success.

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 driest terroirs in the region. Hence its symbolic motto: "Domaine de Cantaussel: nothing but organic, vines, sky, and garrigue."

Having a Favorite Minervois products is a sure thing, and becoming addicted to them is a certainty.