AOC/AOP Minervois La Livinière

Appellation area

At the heart of the Minervois in the natural area called the Petit Causse, at the piedmont of the Montagne Noire, this area includes six communities: Azillanet, Azille, Cesseras, Félines Minervois, La Livinière and Siran.

Geology

The Minervois La Livinière area could be considered as a miniature replica of the Minervois area because of its soils and landscapes where all extreme elements are attenuated. In the area of the limestone plateau, the ground alternates between compact limestone and limestone marls. The hills are mainly clay marls and clay.

Climate

Due to its position between the Serre d’Oupia and the hills of Laure-Minervois, this is a dry area with rain fall of between 400 and 500 mm per year and significant water shortages in summer. The hot days in this area are relieved by the cool night time breezes coming down from the mountain crests.

Grapes

Planting consists of a minimum of 60% Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache (thus 40% minimum Syrah or Mourvèdre), possibly complemented using Carignan, Cinsault, Terret, Piquepoul and Aspiran.

Vinification

Issus de longues macérations traditionnelles ou en grains entiers, ces vins, pour avoir droit à l’appellation, doivent être élevés, en cuve ou en fût, à la propriété jusqu’au 1er novembre de l’année qui suit celle de la récolte.
Dans la pratique, l’élevage dure de 13 à 18 mois.

Appellations

Terroirs : Terroir Canal du Midi, Terroir des Causses, Terroir Les Mourels, Terroir Coteaux / Contreforts, Terroir des Trois Vallées, Terroir Les Terrasses.

Key figures

2 600 ha
200 producers
3 cooperative wine producers
34 private wine producers

Average yield

45 hl/hectare

Average production

7 000 hl

Sales

6 200 hl
(sortie de chai 2005/06)
Export, cellar masters and CHR