Minervois

One of the most consistent of the Languedoc appellations, Minervois covers over 5,000 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 cépages améliorateurs, Syrah and Mourvèdre, now have to make up at least 20 percent of the blend, and are vinified more traditionally.

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