Corbières AOC
Encyclopedia
Corbières is an Appellation d'origine contrôlée
(AOC) for wine
in the Languedoc-Roussillon
, and it is this region's largest AOC, responsible for 46 per cent of the region's AOC wine production in 2005. Red wine dominates the production in Corbières with almost 95 per cent, with 3.5 per cent rosé wine and 2 per cent white wine making up the balance. Carignan is the most common grape variety. The AOC was created in 1985, covers 13500 hectares (33,359.2 acre) of vineyards and produces an average of 554 000 hectoliter of wine per year, corresponding to 74 million bottles.
Due to its size and geography, Corbières encompasses an enormous variety of soil types and microclimates. The wines from the region tend to be just as varied as the terroir
. The region also experiences widely varied winds. The dry, Atlantic vent Cers
frequently brings cold weather from the northwest while the area is normally under the influence of the warm, Mediterranean vent Marin
.
Boutenac was elevated to its own AOC under the designation Corbières-Boutenac in 2005.
List of the communes within the AOC area:
For red wines, a minimum of two grape varieties must be used. Grenache, Lledoner Pelut, Mourvèdre and Syrah (the main grape varieties with the exception of Carignan) must together make up at least 50 per cent of the blend. Carignan, Picquepoul Noir, and Terret Noir can together not make up more than 50 per cent of the blend. A maximum of 20 per cent Cinsaut and a maximum of 10 per cent Grenache Gris is allowed.
For rosé wines, a minimum of two grape varieties must be used. Grenache, Lledoner Pelut, Mourvèdre, Picquepoul Noir and Syrah must together make up at least 25 per cent of the blend. A maximum of 75 per cent Cinsaut is allowed. Carignan, Grenache Gris and Terret Noir can together not make up more than 50 per cent of the blend. A maximum of 10 per cent Grenache Gris is allowed. Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Macabeu, Marsanne, Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, Piquepoul Blanc, Roussanne, Terret Blanc and Vermentino can together not make up more than 10 per cent of the blend.
For white wines, the accessory grapes can together not make up more than 10 per cent of the blend.
Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée
Appellation d’origine contrôlée , which translates as "controlled designation of origin", is the French certification granted to certain French geographical indications for wines, cheeses, butters, and other agricultural products, all under the auspices of the government bureau Institut National...
(AOC) for wine
Wine
Wine is an alcoholic beverage, made of fermented fruit juice, usually from grapes. The natural chemical balance of grapes lets them ferment without the addition of sugars, acids, enzymes, or other nutrients. Grape wine is produced by fermenting crushed grapes using various types of yeast. Yeast...
in the Languedoc-Roussillon
Languedoc-Roussillon
Languedoc-Roussillon is one of the 27 regions of France. It comprises five departments, and borders the other French regions of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Rhône-Alpes, Auvergne, Midi-Pyrénées on the one side, and Spain, Andorra and the Mediterranean sea on the other side.-Geography:The region is...
, and it is this region's largest AOC, responsible for 46 per cent of the region's AOC wine production in 2005. Red wine dominates the production in Corbières with almost 95 per cent, with 3.5 per cent rosé wine and 2 per cent white wine making up the balance. Carignan is the most common grape variety. The AOC was created in 1985, covers 13500 hectares (33,359.2 acre) of vineyards and produces an average of 554 000 hectoliter of wine per year, corresponding to 74 million bottles.
Due to its size and geography, Corbières encompasses an enormous variety of soil types and microclimates. The wines from the region tend to be just as varied as the terroir
Terroir
Terroir comes from the word terre "land". It was originally a French term in wine, coffee and tea used to denote the special characteristics that the geography, geology and climate of a certain place bestowed upon particular varieties...
. The region also experiences widely varied winds. The dry, Atlantic vent Cers
Cers (wind)
The Cers, also called the Narbonnais by those who live southeast of Narbonne, is a very dry wind that is colder during the winter and warmer during the summer. Originating from moist Atlantic air-masses flowing across the Toulouse area, Cers become intensified through the Lauragais gap. They are...
frequently brings cold weather from the northwest while the area is normally under the influence of the warm, Mediterranean vent Marin
Marin (wind)
The Marin is a warm, moist wind in the Gulf of Lion of France, blowing from the southeast or south-southeast onto the coast of Languedoc and Roussillon. It brings rain to this region which it has picked up crossing the Mediterranean, and also can bring coastal fog...
.
Geographical division
The Corbières AOC consists of 11 terroirs:- Montagne d'Alaric
- Saint Victor
- Fontfroide
- Queribus
- Boutenac
- Termenès
- Lézignan
- Lagrasse
- Sigean
- Durban
- Serviès
Boutenac was elevated to its own AOC under the designation Corbières-Boutenac in 2005.
List of the communes within the AOC area:
- Arrondissement of CarcassonneArrondissement of CarcassonneThe arrondissement of Carcassonne is an arrondissement of France, located in the Aude département, in the Languedoc-Roussillon région. It has 18 cantons and 207 communes.-Cantons:The cantons of the arrondissement of Carcassonne are:# Alzonne...
- Canton of Capendu; the following communes:
- BarbairaBarbairaBarbaira is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
, CapenduCapenduCapendu is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.- Etymologie :Mentioned in the form Campendud 1071. Occitan “sloping field”, “inclined field”. Fortuitous homophony with Capendu, hamlet of Blainville-Crevon which means “hung cat”. Armorial bearings- History :One finds potteries...
, ComigneComigneComigne is a commune in the Aude departement in southern France.-Population:...
, DouzensDouzensDouzens is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-References:*...
, FloureFloureFloure is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
, Fontiès-d'AudeFontiès-d'AudeFontiès-d'Aude is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-References:*...
, MontiratMontirat, AudeMontirat is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
, MonzeMonze, AudeMonze is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
, MouxMouxMoux is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
,
- Barbaira
- Canton de Lagrasse; the following communes:
- Arquettes-en-ValArquettes-en-ValArquettes-en-Val is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-References:*...
, Caunettes-en-ValCaunettes-en-ValCaunettes-en-Val is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-References:*...
, Labastide-en-ValLabastide-en-ValLabastide-en-Val is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-References:*...
, LagrasseLagrasseLagrasse is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.Lagrasse is part of the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France association .-Geography:...
, MayronnesMayronnesMayronnes is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Geography:The commune is located in the Corbières mountains.The village lies in the north-western part of the commune, on the left bank of the Madourneille brook, a tributary of the Orbieu, which forms part of the commune's...
, MontlaurMontlaur, AudeMontlaur is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
, Pradelles-en-ValPradelles-en-ValPradelles-en-Val is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-References:*...
, RibauteRibauteRibaute is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Geography:The village lies on the right bank of the Orbieu, which flows northeast through the commune.-Population:...
, Rieux-en-ValRieux-en-ValRieux-en-Val is a commune in the Aude department in southern France. It is located approximately halfway between Carcasonne and Perpignan.-Population:-References:*...
, Saint-Pierre-des-ChampsSaint-Pierre-des-ChampsSaint-Pierre-des-Champs is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-Geography:The commune is located in the Corbières....
, Serviès-en-ValServiès-en-ValServiès-en-Val is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-References:*...
, TalairanTalairanTalairan is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
, TaurizeTaurizeTaurize is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
, TournissanTournissanTournissan is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
, Villar-en-ValVillar-en-ValVillar-en-Val is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-References:*...
and VilletritoulsVilletritoulsVilletritouls is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
.
- Arquettes-en-Val
- Canton de Mouthoumet; the following communes:
- DavejeanDavejeanDavejean is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-History:Davejean was originally founded as a small keep at the head of the village, in the heart of the area inhabited by the Cathars.-Population:...
, DernacueilletteDernacueilletteDernacueillette is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
, Félines-TermenèsFélines-TermenèsFélines-Termenès is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-References:*...
, Laroque-de-FaLaroque-de-FaLaroque-de-Fa is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-References:*...
, PalairacPalairacPalairac is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
, TermesTermes, AudeTermes is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-External links:*...
, VignevieilleVignevieilleVignevieille is a commune in the Aude department in southern France. Its inhabitants are called Vignevieillais.-Geography:The commune is located in the Corbières....
and Villerouge-TermenèsVillerouge-TermenèsVillerouge-Termenès is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
- Davejean
- Canton of Capendu; the following communes:
- Arrondissement of NarbonneArrondissement of NarbonneThe arrondissement of Narbonne is an arrondissement of France, located in the Aude département, in the Languedoc-Roussillon région. It has 9 cantons and 82 communes.-Cantons:The cantons of the arrondissement of Narbonne are:# Coursan...
- Canton of Narbonne-Ouest; the following communes:
- BizanetBizanetBizanet is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
, Canet-d'AudeCanet, AudeCanet is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
, Montredon-des-CorbièresMontredon-des-CorbièresMontredon-des-Corbières is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-References:*...
, NarbonneNarbonneNarbonne is a commune in southern France in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. It lies from Paris in the Aude department, of which it is a sub-prefecture. Once a prosperous port, it is now located about from the shores of the Mediterranean Sea...
and NévianNévianNévian is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
.
- Bizanet
- Canton of Narbonne-Sud; the commune of : BagesBages, AudeBages is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
- Canton of CoursanCanton of CoursanThe canton of Coursan is an administrative unit in the Aude department, southern France. Its seat is in the town Coursan. The canton consists of 7 communes:*Armissan*Coursan*Cuxac-d'Aude*Fleury*Gruissan*Salles-d'Aude*Vinassan...
; la commune de GruissanGruissanGruissan is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
. - Canton of Sigean : (the whole canton)
- CavesCaves, AudeCaves is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
, FeuillaFeuillaFeuilla is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
, FitouFitouFitou is a large French wine appellation in Languedoc-Roussillon, France. The dominant vine variety is Carignan which has to constitute 40% of any blend. Grenache, Lladoner Pelut Fitou is a large French wine appellation in Languedoc-Roussillon, France. The dominant vine variety is Carignan which...
, La PalmeLa Palme, AudeLa Palme is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-References:*...
, LeucateLeucateNestled between the Mediterranean sea and sea pond backing the Corbières mountains with an impressive view on the Canigou peak, Leucate is a community of typical villages lying among a unique natural landscape....
, Peyriac-de-MerPeyriac-de-MerPeyriac-de-Mer is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-References:*...
, Port-la-NouvellePort-la-NouvellePort-la-Nouvelle is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-External links:** Navigation, mooring and the canal....
, Portel-des-CorbièresPortel-des-CorbièresPortel-des-Corbières is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-References:*...
, Roquefort-des-CorbièresRoquefort-des-CorbièresRoquefort-des-Corbières is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-References:*...
, SigeanSigeanSigean is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-Culture:* The Musée des Corbières in Sigean is a museum dedicated to history and archaeology....
and TreillesTreillesTreilles is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
.
- Caves
- Canton of Tuchan: (the whole canton)
- CucugnanCucugnanCucugnan is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
, Duilhac-sous-PeyrepertuseDuilhac-sous-PeyrepertuseDuilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
, MaisonsMaisons, AudeMaisons is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
, MontgaillardMontgaillard, AudeMontgaillard is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-References:*...
, PadernPadernPadern is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
, PaziolsPaziolsPaziols is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
, Rouffiac-des-CorbièresRouffiac-des-CorbièresRouffiac-des-Corbières is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-References:*...
and TuchanTuchanTuchan is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
- Cucugnan
- Canton of Durban-Corbières: (the whole canton)
- AlbasAlbas, AudeAlbas is a commune in the Aude department in southern France....
, Cascastel-des-CorbièresCascastel-des-CorbièresCascastel-des-Corbières is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-References:*...
, CoustougeCoustougeCoustouge is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
, Durban-CorbièresDurban-CorbièresDurban-Corbières is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-References:*...
, Embres-et-CastelmaureEmbres-et-CastelmaureEmbres-et-Castelmaure is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-References:*...
, FontjoncouseFontjoncouseFontjoncouse is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
, Fraissé-des-CorbièresFraissé-des-CorbièresFraissé-des-Corbières is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-References:*...
, JonquièresJonquières, AudeJonquières is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-References:*...
, QuintillanQuintillanQuintillan is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
, Saint-Jean-de-BarrouSaint-Jean-de-BarrouSaint-Jean-de-Barrou is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-References:*...
, Saint-Laurent-de-la-CabrerisseSaint-Laurent-de-la-CabrerisseSaint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:- External links :*...
, Thézan-des-CorbièresThézan-des-CorbièresThézan-des-Corbières is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-References:*...
, Villeneuve-les-CorbièresVilleneuve-les-CorbièresVilleneuve-les-Corbières is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Geography:It is on the scenic road D611, between Durban-Corbières and Tuchan, in the Corbières hills.-Population:-Wines of Villeneuve-les-Corbières:...
and Villesèque-des-CorbièresVillesèque-des-CorbièresVillesèque-des-Corbières is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-References:*...
- Albas
- Canton of Lézignan-Corbières; the following communes:
- BoutenacBoutenacBoutenac is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:...
, Camplong-d'AudeCamplong-d'AudeCamplong-d'Aude is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-References:*...
, Conilhac-CorbièresConilhac-CorbièresConilhac-Corbières is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-References:*...
, CruscadesCruscadesCruscades is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-Geography:The village lies on the left bank of the Orbieu, which forms most of the commune's southern border....
, EscalesEscalesEscales is a commune in the Aude department in southern France, principally involved in viticulture.-Geography:Escales lies in the northernmost part of the Corbières AOC wine growing area 30 km from Narbonne to the east, and 30 km from Carcassonne to the...
, FabrezanFabrezanFabrezan is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-Geography:The village lies on the left bank of the Orbieu, which flows northeastward through the commune....
, Ferrals-les-CorbièresFerrals-les-CorbièresFerrals-les-Corbières is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Geography:The river Orbieu flows northeastward through the western part of the commune and crosses the village.-Population:-References:*...
, FontcouverteFontcouverte, AudeFontcouverte is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-Sights:* Monument Saint Régis.* Fontaine de la Place de la Révolution, built in the late 19th century....
, Lézignan-CorbièresLézignan-CorbièresLézignan-Corbières is a commune in the Aude department in the Languedoc-Roussillon region in southern France. Situated in the Corbières wine region not far from Narbonne, it has a Vine and Wine Museum .-Geography:...
, Luc-sur-OrbieuLuc-sur-OrbieuLuc-sur-Orbieu is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Geography:The village lies on the right bank of the Orbieu, which forms most of the commune's western border, then flows east through the northern part of the commune.-Population:...
, Montbrun-des-CorbièresMontbrun-des-CorbièresMontbrun-des-Corbières is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-References:*...
, MontséretMontséretMontséret is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.Monséret is a small wine-producing village in the wine district of Corbiers.The village's annual fête is held in early- to mid-July and includes a community dinner.-Population:...
, OrnaisonsOrnaisonsOrnaisons is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Geography:The village lies on the left bank of the brook of Quillanet, a tributary of the Orbieu, which forms part of the commune's western border, then flows northeast through its northern part.-Population:-References:*...
, Saint-André-de-RoquelongueSaint-André-de-RoquelongueSaint-André-de-Roquelongue is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.-Population:-References:*...
,
- Boutenac
- Canton of Narbonne-Ouest; the following communes:
Appellation regulations
A large number of varieties are allowed in Corbières wine, but regulations restrict the proportions. The allowed grape varieties are indicated below. Main grape varieties for the respective colour are incated by "X" and accessory varieties by "(X)".| Variety | Red wine | Rosé wine | White wine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bourboulenc Bourboulenc Bourboulenc is a white wine grape variety primarily grown in southern France. The variety is found in the regions Southern Rhône, Provence and Languedoc.... |
(X) | X | |
| Carignan | X | X | |
| Cinsaut Cinsaut Cinsaut or Cinsault is a red wine grape, whose heat tolerance and productivity make it important in Languedoc-Roussillon and the former French colonies of Algeria and Morocco... |
(X) | X | |
| Clairette Clairette -People:*Clairette , a French-Canadian actress and singer-Wines:*Clairette de Die AOC, a French sparkling wine appellation*Clairette blanche, a white grape variety* Clairette Ronde, synonym for the grape variety Trebbiano... |
(X) | (X) | |
| Grenache Grenache Grenache is one of the most widely planted red wine grape varieties in the world. It ripens late, so it needs hot, dry conditions such as those found in Spain, the south of France, and California's San Joaquin Valley. It is generally spicy, berry-flavored and soft on the palate with a relatively... |
X | X | |
| Grenache Blanc Grenache Blanc Grenache blanc is a variety of white wine grape that is related to the red grape Grenache. It is mostly found in Rhône wine blends and in northeast Spain. Its wines are characterized by high alcohol and low acidity, with citrus and or herbaceous notes. Its vigor can lead to overproduction and... |
(X) | X | |
| Grenache Gris | (X) | (X) | |
| Lledoner Pelut | X | X | |
| Macabeu | (X) | X | |
| Marsanne | (X) | X | |
| Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains is a white wine grape that is a member of the Muscat family of Vitis vinifera. Its name comes from its characteristic small berry size and tight clusters... |
(X) | (X) | |
| Mourvèdre Mourvèdre Mourvèdre , Mataró or Monastrell is wine grape variety used to make both strong, dark red wines and rosés. It is an international variety grown in many regions around the world.... |
X | X | |
| Piquepoul Blanc | (X) | (X) | |
| Piquepoul Noir | (X) | X | |
| Roussanne Roussanne Roussanne is a white wine grape grown originally in the Rhône wine region in France, where it is often blended with Marsanne. It is the only other white variety, besides Marsanne, allowed in the northern Rhône appellations of Crozes-Hermitage AOC, Hermitage AOC and Saint-Joseph AOC... |
(X) | X | |
| Syrah | X | X | |
| Terret Blanc | (X) | (X) | |
| Terret Noir Terret Noir Terret Noir is a dark-skinned wine grape grown primarily in the Rhône valley region of France. It is a permitted blending grape for Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Like the related Terret Gris and Terret Blanc, the vine tends to bud late and grow vigorously. Terret Noir produces a light color wine that is... |
(X) | (X) | |
| Vermentino Vermentino Vermentino is a late-ripening white grape variety, primarily found in Italian wine. It is widely planted in Sardinia, in Liguria primarily under the name Pigato, to some extent in Corsica, in Piedmont under the name Favorita, and in increasing amounts in Languedoc-Roussillon. The leaves are dark... |
(X) | X |
For red wines, a minimum of two grape varieties must be used. Grenache, Lledoner Pelut, Mourvèdre and Syrah (the main grape varieties with the exception of Carignan) must together make up at least 50 per cent of the blend. Carignan, Picquepoul Noir, and Terret Noir can together not make up more than 50 per cent of the blend. A maximum of 20 per cent Cinsaut and a maximum of 10 per cent Grenache Gris is allowed.
For rosé wines, a minimum of two grape varieties must be used. Grenache, Lledoner Pelut, Mourvèdre, Picquepoul Noir and Syrah must together make up at least 25 per cent of the blend. A maximum of 75 per cent Cinsaut is allowed. Carignan, Grenache Gris and Terret Noir can together not make up more than 50 per cent of the blend. A maximum of 10 per cent Grenache Gris is allowed. Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Macabeu, Marsanne, Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, Piquepoul Blanc, Roussanne, Terret Blanc and Vermentino can together not make up more than 10 per cent of the blend.
For white wines, the accessory grapes can together not make up more than 10 per cent of the blend.
External links
- Syndicat de l'AOC Corbières (official producers' organisation)