Minervois is one of those shining lights in the foggy seas that can be found in the Languedoc-Roussillon.  It is located approximately 7 hours south (by car) from Paris and lies between the Black Mountains to the north and the Mediterranean sea to the south. It lies south west of the Rhone Valley and west of Provence. The appellation only received its’ AOC status in 1985 making it one of the newer designated regions in France. The region is known for its’ sunshine, beautiful beaches, laconic lifestyle and “Pays Cathare” (Castle country-due to the high number of medieval villages scattered around the region).  The climate is distinctly Mediterranean, with the interesting influence of the warm “Vent Marin” from the south and the cool “Cers” breeze from the Atlantic.  Primarily a red wine region (94%), Red Minervois can be a blend of Syrah, Mouvedre, Grenache, Carignan (unfortunately) and Cinsault.  White Minervois can be a blend of Grenache Blanc, Maccabeu, Bourboulenc, Marsanne, Roussanne and Clairette.  The wide expanse of rolling old vineyards, small outcroppings of rock and hills, along with the ancient medieval towns makes this area unforgettable and unique. The flatter areas bordering the Canal du Midi produce large quantities of medium quality wine, with similar growing conditions to the bordering Corbières appellation. While the higher altitudes sites at the base of the Black mountains including the communes of La Caunette, Minerve, La Liviniere, Siran, Cessaras and Azillanet produce the show stopping reds in the region. The soil types in Minervois vary greatly from gravels to calcareous loams and deep clay loams. These soils play a huge role in its’ unirrigated vineyards.  One of the huge assets in the appellation is the very old, often bush vine, vineyards.  The yields are extremely low yielding (often under 2 tonnes per acre) which makes for some concentrated, super interesting wines.  

Wineries in this region: