Corbières
Styles
Principal grape varieties
Accessory grape varieties
CinsautGrenache Gris (Garnacha Roja)Piquepoul NoirTerret NoirMarselanBourboulencCarignan BlancClairette (Clairette Blanche)Grenache Blanc (Garnacha Blanca)Macabeu (Viura)MarsannePiquepoul BlancRoussanneTerret BlancVermentinoViognierMuscat À Petits Grains (Muscat A Petits Grains Blancs)
Terroir
Natural factors
- Massif des Corbières: a highly fragmented relief, with altitude decreasing from 1,230 m (Pic de Bugarach) down to the sea over a 60 km west-to-east span. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Soils are predominantly clay-limestone over Eocene molasse: low in fertility, shallow, stony, and well drained. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
- The appellation covers 87 communes in the eastern part of the Aude département.
- Two prevailing winds shape the climate: the Tramontane (also called Cers, a westerly wind) and the sea breeze (bringing humidity and rainfall in autumn and spring).
- Rainfall varies markedly with altitude: under 450 mm per year near the coast, rising above 700 mm in the mountain zones.
Human factors
- The vine was introduced by the Greeks in the 2nd century BC; it flourished under Roman rule, then expanded through monastic cultivation (Benedictines, Cistercians) following the invasions.
Product characteristics
- Reds: Carignan N provides structure while the other varieties contribute roundness; the wines are full-bodied and powerful, with intense red-fruit and spice notes, and are well suited to ageing.
Terroir / wine link
- Lean, stony soils → structure and power in the reds; cool, fresh soils → fruity aromas in the rosés; Mediterranean warmth → rounded whites.
Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.
Sources
- Product specification (BO Agri, PDF), JORF 8 décembre 2019
- Official INAO text (show_texte)
- INAO product entry
- Official trade body site — CIVL