Corbières French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Corbières is the largest appellation of Languedoc, a wild, rugged land of hills and garrigue producing generous, spicy red blends, as well as rosés and whites.
More info about Corbières
Geographic position
Southern France, in the Aude department, in a large area bounded by Carcassonne, Narbonne, the Mediterranean and the Pyrenean foothills, near the Cathar castles and the Roussillon border.
Origin & history
The Romans planted vines here around Narbonne, one of their first colonies in Gaul. The region is famous for its Cathar castles. Corbières became a VDQS in 1951 and an AOC in 1985; Corbières-Boutenac became a separate cru in 2005.
Wines & grape varieties
Mostly red, from Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault, often with carbonic maceration for Carignan. Expect black fruit, garrigue herbs, liquorice and spice. Whites use Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Macabeu, Roussanne, Marsanne and Vermentino.
Climate & soil
Hot, dry Mediterranean climate with the strong Cers and Marin winds. Very varied soils: limestone, schist, sandstone, marl and gravel.
Wine region: Languedoc-Roussillon
Grape varieties: Bourboulenc, Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache Noir, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Mourvèdre, Roussanne, Syrah, Vermentino