Corrèze
Styles
Principal grape varieties
Accessory grape varieties
Terroir
Natural factors
- Two distinct wine-growing zones: crystalline schists north of Brive, sandstone and limestone to the south (Meyssac basin).
- Varied geology: schists/gneiss to the north-east, Permian red sandstones in the centre, Triassic and Liassic formations to the south.
- Temperate Atlantic climate, influenced by Aquitaine via the Dordogne valley; average rainfall of 800–900 mm/year. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
- 24 communes spread north and south of Brive-la-Gaillarde, within the département of Corrèze.
Human factors
- Viticulture attested from the 1st century AD (carpological evidence at St-Germain-les-Vergnes); the testament of Yrieix mentions 17 wine-growing parishes in the 6th century.
- Vin de paille described as early as 1821 by F. Planchard: late-harvest drying, pressing in mid-December, ageing 18 months to 2 years on lees, sweet wine.
Product characteristics
- Colour ranging from old gold to amber; nose of overripe, dried, and candied fruits with possible rancio notes; palate sweet and lively with great length.
- Corrèze AOC reds: ruby to garnet colour, spiced red fruits, silky tannins when oak-aged, cellaring recommended for up to 5 years.
Terroir / wine link
- The amphitheatre-like microclimate, full southern exposure, and the attenuated oceanic influence of the Meyssac basin encourage the natural drying of grapes for vin de paille.
Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.