AOC/AOP Corbières

Appellation area

From the gates of Carcassonne to the former island of Leucate, from the first buttresses of the Pyrenees to the foot of the Montagne Noire, the Corbières cover a vast quadrilateral bearing the scars of geological upheaval.

Geology

The tectonic upheaval of the region explains the coexistence of layers from different time periods of the earth. The majority of soil is a mix of clay and sand with variations according to the land: red sandstone in Boutenac, stony terraces in Lezignan, grey calcareous clay at Queribus and Servies, schistes in the higher zones of the Corbieres and coral limestone at the edge of the Mediterranean.

Climate

Dominated by Mediterranean influence, vegetation to the east is typical of the Garrigue, some land more to the west is influenced by the ocean climate.

Grapes

For red wines and rosés, Carignan 50 % maximum, Syrah, Black Grenache, Mourvedre, Lledoner Pelut and Cinsault (20 % for red wines, 70 % for rosés). For the white wines, Bourboulenc, White Grenache, Maccabeu, Clairette, Marsanne, Roussanne, Rolle or Vermentino. Terret blanc, Picquepoul and Muscat (maxi 10 %).

Vinification

Red: traditional destalked fermentation or whole berry vinification.
Rosé: by saignée or direct pressing.
White: traditional vinification, skin maceration, (vinification in barrels for certain wines).

Key figures (Average over 3 years)

13 500 ha declared
2 206 producers
33 cooperative wine producers
289 private wine producers

Average yield

44,56 hl/hectare

Production (last 3 years)

554 000 hl

Sales

587 000 hl (storehouse outputs 2005/06)
General Distribution : 180 000 hl (31%)
Export: 150 500 hl (26%)