Corbieres

A vast (the largest in Languedoc) and (consequentially) often-misunderstood appellation, Corbières covers over 12,000 hectares in the Pyrenean foot-hills with a variety of soils and micro-climatic influences. In recognition of this diversity, the appellation was in the 1990s subdivided into 11 so-called terroirs, including Montagne d'Alaric, Lagrasse, Lézignan, Boutenac, Fontfroide, Sigean, Durban, Saint-Victor, Quéribus, Termenès and Serviès. The central limestone vineyards of Boutenac are deemed to be the best and have their own sub-appellation.

On a terrain this extensive and this varied, four separate topographical zones may be identified; the one in the west, exposed to the cooling atlantic influence; the coastal zone to the east, influenced by the warm Mediterranean climate; a central moutainous zone in which the Fitou appellation is also located;  further north, based around the Montagne d'Alaric, the landlocked enclave which produces wines which are not dissimilar to those in the neighbouring Minervois.

Corbières wines had a somewhat undeserved reputaton for rusticity and quality can admittedly still be somewhat mixed. The best examples, however, combine the concentration and herbal richness that can come from old-vine Carignan, especially when married to the so-called 'improving varieties' such as Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre.