AOP White -Minervois

Appellation area

The  Minervois is a vast amphitheatre bounded by the  Canal du Midi in the South , the Montagne Noire in the North , spreading from the higher parts of Narbonne to just outside the city  of Carcassonne .

Geology

The Clamoux, the Argent Double, the Ognon and the  Cesse rivers flowing down  from the Montagne Noire towards the Aude have built a string of terraces made of shingles , sandstones, schists or calcareous stones . These terraces mingle with lime marl and sandstone  areas . In the North western part , close to  Caunes-Minervois, you come across veins of pink marble and schists .The higher lands are made of calcareous platters .  .

Climate

The area undergoes mediterranean and oceanic influences ( in the western part : Clamoux and Côtes Noires )  , harsh winters in the Causse area , located more than 300 meters above sea level .

Grape Varieties

Syrah, Mourvèdre (minimum 20%). Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache and Lladoner Pelut (minimum 60%), Carignan, Cinsault, Terret, Aspiran, Piquepoul for the reds (40% maximum). Marsanne, Roussanne, Maccabeu, Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache, Vermentino, Picpoul,  and Muscat à petits grains for the whites.

Vinifications

Reds : traditional after destalking and with full grapes . Rosé : by bleeding  or direct  pressing . Whites :direct pressing with or without oak ageing . Vin doux naturel :  AOC Muscat de Saint Jean de Minervois :