Côtes de Millau
Styles
Principal grape varieties
Accessory grape varieties
Terroir
Natural factors
- Vineyards set in gorges carved through the Jurassic limestone causses by the Tarn, stretching 50 km in length but never more than 2 km wide.
- Climate under dual continental and Mediterranean influence: 670 mm of rainfall per year, an annual mean temperature of 10 °C, with a great variety of mesoclimates. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
- The appellation extends across 17 communes on both sides of the Tarn valley, in the south-east of Aveyron, bordering Lozère. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
Human factors
- The gamay grape is locally nicknamed 'gamet du Pape', a tradition dating to 1327 through the Cardinal de Mostuejouls at the pontifical court of Avignon.
- Syrah and cabernet-sauvignon were introduced during the post-1957 replanting, via experimental plots and separate variety-by-variety vinifications.
Product characteristics
- Reds: ruby to garnet in appearance, red fruit aromas, smooth tannins; ageing potential of 3–4 years.
- Whites: golden yellow in appearance, white flowers and honey on the nose, a supple attack and a long finish; rosés: fruity, round, and fresh.
Terroir / wine link
- Syrah, a southern variety, ripens late at altitude, developing complex and refined aromas; gamay, which ripens earlier, contributes warmth and roundness.
Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.
Sources
- Product specification (BO Agri, PDF) — approved 28 novembre 2011, JORF 30 novembre 2011
- Official INAO text (show_texte)
- INAO product entry
- Official trade body site — IVSO — Interprofession des Vins du Sud-Ouest