Le Vin

The vine was first introduced by Greek merchants in the 2^nd century BC but was only really developed during the roman occupation. The conditions were so favourable at that time that the Italian producers were put in the shade by their neighbours in Narbonne, so much so, in fact that the Emperor limited production. This prosperity lasted until the end of the Roman Peace. There followed a long line of invaders from the east, north and south leaving desolation and wasteland behind. Peace was restored with the Benedictine and Cistercian monks and their abbeys provided the basis for the re-colonisation of the country. Wine growing becomes prominant once more. Lagrasse and Fontfroide produced wines of such excellent quality that Charlemagne’s wine stewards were impressed. This idolatry was short-lived and interrupted by the crusade of the Albigeois who had been sent to wipe out the heretic Cathars. Prosperity was not to return until the 18^th century – developing communications finally reaching the isolated Corbieres. The opening of the Canal du Midi played an important part in this story together with the decimation of the olive groves, victim to harsh winters, made further expansion possible. But by the end of the 19^th century the French wine market is disorganised, corrupted and overproduced. After 1908 the wine producers set up an organisation to protect their products and create quality control within the industry. By 1923 a limited production is secured and in 1951 the Corbieres wine is labelled VDQS (vin de qualite superieur). A first reward for their efforts. It doesn’t stop there though and in 1985 the Corbieres become members of the AOC club (appellations d’origine controlee) . In 1991 the syndicat launched an ambitious campaign to further development with its own system of hierarchy.

Bounded in the north by the River Aude, in the south by the Fenouilledes, forerunners of the Pyrenees and to the east by the Mediterranean, the Corbieres make up a vast section of country with all the hallmarks of a turbulent past.

From the gates of Carcassonne to the ancient island of Leucate the climate slowly evolves. The ocean influences the weather here in the main, although we mustn’t generalise: a rocky outcrop, a well-hidden valley can produce its own microclimate. And though nature has fashioned the land, man has tamed it. Through hard work over thousands of years he has built on and exploited the land. Castles on mountains impaled on rocks so they take on the appearance of rocks themselves, cistercian abbeys, roman chapels, languedoc fortresses mark the landscape, but it is the wine that defines the area.

The soil is blessed by the Gods.

Communes of Montredon-des-Corbieres, Nevian, Narbonne, Bizanet, St Andre de Roquelongue and a part of Ornaisons.

5450 ha of vineyards, of which 1537 is AOC. Separated by le petit massif de Fontfroide, the climate is Mediterranean. The weak influence of the Marin (on-shore wind) makes this one of the driest areas in France. Heat and drought are compensated for by certain natural filters in the soil which allow water retention and provide ideal conditions for varieties such as the Mourvedre which needs a long time to mature.

Main grape varieties:

Red and rose wine: Carignan, Grenache noir, Cinsault, Mourvedre, Syrah

White wine: Grenache blanc, Bourboulenc, Maccabeu

Characteristics:

Red wine: colour vivid purple, subtle scent of ripe berries that linger in the mouth, full-bodied and fruity, rich in tannin and spices

White wine: very pale in colour, floral bouquet. Full lively flavour.

Rose wine: pretty salmon pink robe, fine and pleasant bouquet. Fresh and lively, round and balanced.

The weather prohibits too much artificial treating of the vines and a healthy approach to wine growing is adopted. However, there has to be a certain degree of maintenance to prevent disease and pests in order to produce a balanced marketable wine it is essential to retain the colour and aromas. In the old days cepages were blended with Carignan as the basic variety followed by Cinsault, Mouraste, gros noir, l’Aramon, le Terret, le Benicario, la Clairette, le Grenache, le Maccabeu, l’Alicante.

Today, both planting and vinification methods are quite different.

Carignan remains the basic variety for the wines of today. For the AOC Corbieres you will find 50% Carignan, 40% Grenache and either 10% Syrah or Mouvedre.

The red ‘vins de pays’ are made up of merlot and cabernet and the white ‘ vins de pays’ Chardonnay, Chasan, Maccabeu, Sauvignon.

The basic varieties of our mediterranean terroir are therefore Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and Mouvedre.

Our sunny climate and our proximity to the sea contribute to the success of good wine making.