AOC Cabardès wines awarded at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge

A.O.C./A.O.P.

the Cabardès wine region is located a dozen kilometres north-west of Carcassonne. It extends outwards from the Minervois appellation and covers 15 towns and villages in the Aude department. Like its neighbour, it occupies the southern slopes of Mount Noire, with Carcassonne below in the plain. This is Languedoc-Roussillon’s most westerly wine region and it plays host to a broad range of soil types: limestone stones on the valley floor followed by primary rocks (granite then shale and gneiss) at higher elevations. The most unusual feature of this region, however, is its climate: it is caught between Mediterranean and Ocean influences, augmented by the altitude factor. Cabardès is one of the few appellations combining varietals of Atlantic or Continental origin and Mediterranean grape varieties. Here, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Fer Servadou grow alongside Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault.

Grape varieties: Vins rouges : grenache, syrah, cinsault, cabernet-sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, fer, carignan, aubun

The wines of this appellation

Cabardès appellation wines can be either red or rosé. The red wines are supple, full and complex, boasting a host of aromas (red and black fruit, prunes, crystallised fruit, spices, liquorice, undergrowth…). They pair well with cooked cold pork meats, poultry, mutton chops, cassoulet and goats cheese. The rosé wines are dry, lively, delicate and fruity. Try them with cooked cold pork meats, mutton kebabs, chicken with almonds or tajine.