The AOC Minervois is located in the Northwest of the Corbières designation, in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. Between the Montagne Noire and the Canal du Midi, Its terraces of pebbles, shale, sandstone, and limestone flourish in the gentle Mediterranean climate. The red wines are essentially made of the Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre varieties. Less common, the Cinsault, Picpoul, Terret, Aspiran, and Lledonner pelut varieties are also used. Rosé wines are mainly made of the same grape varieties and can have a maximum of 10% of white ones.White wines are essentially made of Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Maccabeu, Marsanne, Roussanne, and Vermentino.
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History of the AOC Minervois appellation
The vineyard of the AOC Minervois appellation is nestled in the heart of Languedoc, in the south of France. With a winemaking history dating back several centuries, this terroir is steeped in tradition and know-how.
Climate and terroir of the AOC Minervois appellation
- Climate: The AOC Minervois vineyard is located in the south of France, benefiting from a warm and sunny Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and mild winters.
- Soils: The terroir of the AOC Minervois appellation is composed of varied soils, including red clays, schists and limestones.
The essential grape varieties of the AOC Minervois appellation
The wines of the AOC Minervois are generally made from a blend of different Mediterranean grape varieties such as:
- Syrah (red and rosé)
- Grenache (red and rosé)
- Mourvèdre (red and rosé)
- Lledoner Pelut (red and rosé)
- Carignan (red and rosé)
- Cinsault (red and rosé)
- Marsanne (white)
- Roussanne (white)
- Maccabeu (white)
- Malvoisie (blanc)
- Bourboulenc (white)
- Vermentino (white)
- Grenache Blanc (white)
- Picpoul (White)
Style of AOC Minervois wines
White: Bright pale yellow color. The nose reveals delicate aromas of white flowers, fresh citrus fruits (orange, grapefruit), white-fleshed fruits (peach). On the palate, the wine is characterized by its freshness and velvety texture.
Rosé: With its pale pink color with salmon highlights, and its complex notes of fresh red fruits (strawberry, redcurrant), the AOC Minervois rosé wine is long in the mouth and elegant.
Red: The deep red color suggests the intense aromas of red and black fruits (cherry, raspberry), spices (pepper, liquorice) and scrubland. On the palate, these wines are often structured, with present but silky tannins.
The best food and wine pairings with an AOC Minervois wine
Whether white, red or rosé, here are some ideas to accompany a wine from a château or estate in AOC Minervois:
- White: Bourride sétoise, grilled fish, white pudding
- Rosé: aperitif, melon with raw ham
- Red: gardianne de taureau, merguez and barbecued chipolatas