 Key figures 5 000 hectares 1100 producers 30 cooperative wine producers 222 private wine producers Rendement max autorisé 50 hectolitres/hectare Production 155 000 hectolitres 94% red, 2% white, 4% rosé) Sales 165 000 hectolitres 2005/06 General Distribution : 25%, Export: 28%
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Appellation The Minervois territory is a vast amphitheatre bordered by the Canal du Midi to the south, the Montagne Noire to the north and extending from the heights of Narbonne to the gates of Carcassonne. 
Géology The Clamoux, Argent Double, Ognon and the Cesse all run down the Montagne Noire to the Aude and, over time, have created a series of terraces made from stones, clays, schiste and limestone. The landscape alternates between these terraces and limestone and clay marls. The higher altitude areas consist of limestone plateaus.. Climate Mainly Mediterranean with ocean influences to the west (Clamoux and Côtes Noires) with difficult winters in the Causse at altitudes above 300 m.. Grapes Syrah, Mourvedre (minimum 20%). Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache and Lladoner Pelut (minimum 60%), Carignan, Cinsault, Terret, Aspiran, Piquepoul for the red wines (40% maximum). Marsanne, Roussanne, Maccabeu, Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache, Vermentino and small berry Muscat for the white wines.. Vinifications Red : traditional whole berry following stripping. Rosé : saignée or pressing. white : direct pressing, sometimes partial vinification in vats. Muscat de Saint Jean de Minervois: natural sweet winel. Development strategy Wine producers must commit identified parcels three years in advance in order to guarantee product traceability. The strict fulfilment of production conditions is guided by a best practices guide for wine producers. Precise investigations of the different soils was carried out in order to identify the characteristics of each zone (see Minervois La Livinière). Also, a research and production survey project is underway for the Minervois Nobles sweet wines. Lastly, the appellation is developing a wine tourism programme including heritage, remarkable landscapes and a privileged welcome.. Appellations Lands: Terroir Canal du Midi, Terroir des Causses, Terroir Les Mourels, Terroir Coteaux / Contreforts, Terroir des Trois Vallées, Terroir Les Terrasses. |
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