Minervois

One of the most consistent of the Languedoc appellations, Minervois covers over 5000 hectares, located due east of the magnificent Medieval town of Carcassonne and sub-divided into five climatic zones. Granted AOC status in 1985, Minervois has progressed rapidly and its wines, predominantly red, are no longer dominated by the less-than-obviously elegant Carignan variety made by a full or partial carbonic maceration. Indeed the so-called cepages améliorateurs, Syrah and Mourvèdre, now have to make up at least 20% of the blend, and are vinified more tradionally.

With increasingly impressive whites, combining such fascinating indigenous grapes as Rolle and Bourboulenc  and a selection of Vin Doux Naturel, Minervois is a richly diverse and naturally well-endowed appellation,  fully deserving its resurrected reputation.