AOC Corbières wines awarded at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge

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

the Corbières wine region spans from Narbonne to Perpignan and from Carcassonne to the Mediterranean. It embraces 87 towns and villages in the Aude department. The predominant soil type is calcareous clay interspersed with : shale, red sandstone, marl and stony terraces. Although the climate is strongly defined by the influence of the Mediterranean, the most westerly sites experience an Ocean climate. The multifaceted nature of the region has led to the implementation of sub-zones. There are currently 11 such zones: Boutenac (recently promoted to ‘growth’ status), Durban, Fontfroide, Lagrasse, Lézignan, Montagne d’Alaric, Quéribus, Saint-Victor, Serviès, Sigean and Termenès. These converge into four major areas: -The maritime Corbières form the western rim of the appellation and their defining characteristics are low elevation, predominantly limestone soils and a definite Mediterranean climate. -The upper Corbières occupy the south-western portion of the area and its most mountainous section, home to the highest peaks in the Corbières. The climate therefore defines a threshold, restricting the development of vineyards. Vines do grow here however on predominantly shale-type soils conducive to producing top-flight wines. - Alaric Corbières: located in the north-western part of the appellation, this area takes its name from Mount Alaric, a 600-metre-high summit overlooking the Aude valley. A multiplicity of soil types can be found here but the Mediterranean climate, strongly influenced by the Ocean, provides consistency throughout. - The central Corbières: situated squarely in the middle of the Corbières, hence its name, this area boasts marl and sandstone soils as well as an extremely arid, hot climate.

Grape varieties: Vins rouges et rosés : Carignan, grenache, lladoner pelut, syrah, mourvèdre, picpoul, terret, cinsaut, maccabéo, bourboulenc. Vins blancs : bourboulenc, grenache, maccabéo, clairette, muscat, picpoul,

The wines of this appellation

AC Corbières wines come in all three colours. The reds (over 90% of total output) are blended from a classic selection of Mediterranean varieties: Carignan (less widespread in some areas), Grenache, Lladoner Pelut, Mouvedre, Syrah, Cinsault…The wines are fragrant, moderately tannic and warm though often need to mature for a few years. Aromatically, they cover a comprehensive range, evolving over time: red fruit fragrances (blackcurrant, blackberry), initially moving on to spices (pepper, liquorice, moorland, thyme, rosemary) then, a few years later, to worn leather, coffee, cocoa, undergrowth, game… This makes them suitable for a wide variety of food pairings: duck with orange, mutton stew, roast pigeon… The rosés are blended from the same varietal range, augmented with Grenache gris, and are vinted using the ‘bleeding’ or direct to press method. Their hue embraces a broad spectrum, ranging from pale pink with salmon coloured tints to darker shades. They are aromatic wines (raspberry, violet, exotic fruits) and are fresh and round on the palate, often with a long finish. The white wines are drawn from Bourboulenc, Grenache blanc and Maccabeo (at least 50%), though also Clairette, Picpoul, Muscat, Terret, Marsanne, Roussanne and Vermentino. Direct press wines, they are robust and fat though remain fresh and well-balanced. Aromas of citrus fruit, pepper, cinnamon and floral notes are present. Some spend time in oak. They marry well with grilled fish, seafood, shellfish and chicken sauteed with mushrooms.