Muscat de Saint-Jean-de-Minervois

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• The vineyard extends across Eocene limestone plateaus at an altitude of between 250 and 280 metres, with a southerly aspect.
• The soils, derived from the weathering of the 'Ventenac' limestones or the marine alveoline-bearing limestones of 'Llerdier', are very stony, whitish, and shallow, with a high heat-retention capacity.
• The appellation area is restricted to the sole territory of the commune of Saint-Jean-de-Minervois, in the département of Hérault. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)

• Muscat blanc à petits grains became established in the commune of Saint-Jean-de-Minervois following the phylloxera crisis of the late nineteenth century, initially in small parcels winding between limestone slabs and dry-stone walls. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
• The appellation d'origine contrôlée was obtained in 1948 at the initiative of three pioneering producers, after Edouard Jean had secured a first distinction for a wine made from this variety as early as 1896 at the Montpellier competition.

• The appearance is generally pale gold with green highlights, with aromas often evoking exotic fruits, citrus, and white-fleshed fruits such as pear.
• On the palate, the richness drawn from the concentration of the must and the freshness carried by a natural acidity blend together with harmony and persistence.

• The shallow, stony, whitish soils derived from the weathering of limestone regulate daytime heat, and their reflectivity enables optimal ripening of the grapes.

Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.

Sources

• Product specification (BO Agri, PDF)
• Official INAO text (show_texte)
• INAO product entry
• Official trade body site — CIVL