Minervois - France

The vineyard of Minervois stretches out on 15,000 hectares (4,000 acres) and covers 61  towns and
villages or 'communes' in the departments of Aude and Herault from the gates of Carcassonne to the heights of Narbonne, it has the shape of a large amphitheatre delineated by the montage Noire in the South and the Canal du Midi in the North.

Marked as it is by Mediterranean influences coming from the East and Atlantic influences coming from the West, being grown at heights that can vary from 50 to 500 meters above sea level on soils whose nature and depth are extremely various, this vineyard provides wine growers with an extreme
diversity of situations when it comes to choosing types of vine.

The range of wines to discover in Minervois is therefore very wide and diversified as regards' Appellations d'Origine Controlee' (AOC's) as well as protected geographical origin wines 'Vins a' Indications Geograpiques Proteges (GP or former 'Vins de pays)

A Wine Maker's Life is a Cycle:

A wine maker's life is a cycle that recurs with the passing years. As soon as wine-making is over and wines begins ageing in barrels, he has to go and prune vines in the cold winter wind. A few weeks after the almond tree has blossomed, the first buds come out.  Come springtime, vines have to be disbudded and leaves lifted, there's no shortage of work. Then comes summertime, sunshine, a little water but not too much, hall certainly not and the grape grows and ripens. At last, it is time for the hustle and bustle of grape harvest, villages come to life. Then calm is restored. The wine maker is in his cellar making  wine But outside there's a change in the weather, trees shed their leaves, soon he will have to go and prune again.

This wine-producing area lies closest to the sea and it is also where the climate is warmest and rainfall most regular. This makes it a choice "terrior" for Carignan and Mourvedre vines. Landsapes are  noticeable for the plane tree and umbrella pine-lined Canal du Midi  but also for the specific area
of Etang (pond) de Marseillette marked by rice and fruit production. At Homps, on the quays. The Chai or Cellar' is Minervois wines' showcase with its 150 selected references, selling at producer's rates (The Chai also monitors the on-line sales site, introductory courses in wine-tasting activities....)

It is the coolest area and it is where grape picking comes last, the wines there are fine and lively with well rounded tanins, scarlet white limestone soils warm up throughout the day and release their heat for the benefit of grapes at night. The landscape is breath taking!
Around the City of Minerve, a must stop in Minervois, turbulent rivers dug out gorges and natural bridges.

It is one of the hottest a\nd driest areas in Minervois, the wines produced there are complex and powerful with fragrances of candied fruits. The sandstone layers showing on the surface shaped a landscape made of 'mourels' (small hills) covered with Mediterranean vegetation where majestic Aleppo pine trees proudly stand out.
It is one of the ideal places to go for a wine grower's walk, la 'balade vigneronne' as advised by Minervois wine growers.

This high-lying wine-making area, where Mediterranean and Atlantic climates converge has the coolest climate and it is where grape is last picked., which gives wines freshness and liveliness.
Gorges hiding caves and chasmscarve out the landscapes. Ther vegetation begins to change with the appearance of species such as holm poaks and chestnut trees. Here, the summer walker will find salutary coolness. In Villeneuve-Minervois, a windmill open to visitors produces flour again.

Facing South, it is the warmest and driest area of Minervois. It is characterized by powerful and complex wines as befits AOC Minervois - La Liviniere, the only village du Minervois' appellation. Dotted around the hillsides, there are dry stone walls, stone huts but also very fine Romanesque chapels such as Notre Dame de  and scrubland but also with stCenteilles in Siran or Saint Germain in Cesseras.

This is the most temperate area of Minervois, an area where the climate is least harsh. It is characterized by well-balanced and full-bodied wines. Sandstone and pebble soils form a succession of terraces at the foot of Etang de Marseillette. Vineyards are mixed with pine forest and scrubland but also with stone huts used as shelters by wine-makers and made with the stones of this terroir.

Labels of recommended places to visit. The places that we recommend you visit in the Minervois all have a label or hallmark that guarantees the fact that the service provide quality of service and a warm welcome.
They will help you find out more about the local countryside, loczal produce and regional identity
and culture.

Tourist Office Le  Minervois
(Minerve, Olonzac)

Tel/Fax:  04 68 91 81 43

Email:   minervois.accueil@orange.fr
Web:     www.minervois-tourisme.fr